CS(AR)-13/2000-2001 : Surface and ground water quality studies in Ghataprabha representative basin

Abstract

In recent years continuous growth in population, rapid industrialization, and accompanying technologies involving waste disposal has endangered the very existence of human race. Eventually, the rate of clearance of forests for the purpose of different and uses is far higher than the methods that are implemented for afforestation. Among the different types of pollution, water pollution is one of the major causes, which creates immense public health hazards.

Agricultural practice as a source of pollution has not been addressed as extensively as that of other sources of pollution. It is important to understand the impact of irrigation return-flow, use of pesticides, fertilizers and manure, changes in vegetation through conservation tillage and the application of waste effluents, because these factors cause changes in surface as well as ground water quality. Ground water is used for domestic supply, industries and agriculture in most parts of our country. The rapid growth of urban areas has affected the ground water due to over exploitation of resources and improper waste disposal practices. Ground water quality problems related to agricultural practices can only be resolved using a more holistic approach to management and research. Hence, there is always a need for and concern over the protection and management of ground water and surface water quality. In the present study both surface and ground water quality of Ghataprabha representative basin has been analysed during Pre-monsoon and Post-monsoon seasons. In addition to this, Streeter-Phelp's model is applied to understand the variation of Dissolved Oxygen along the course of the river from a point source.