Characterization of point sources and water quality assessment of river Hindon Using water quality index

Abstract

River Hindon, an important tributary of river Yamuna flowing through the districts of Western Uttar Pradesh, is subjected to varying degree of pollution caused by numerous untreated and/or partially treated waste inputs of municipal and industrial effluents. In the present investigation, assessment of the water quality characteristics of different point sources contributing river Hindon has been carried out by collecting water and wastewater samples during pre- and post-monsoon seasons during the year 2012. Maximum value of BOD (261 mg/L) was observed in Star Paper Mill Drain. The higher values of BOD and COD observed in the drains indicate high degree of organic pollution rendering the water unsuitable even for bathing purpose. At almost all sites of the upstream and mid-section of the river Hindon, DO was observed to be 0 mg/L because of high organic load in the river water. BOD and COD concentration in river Hindon varies from 3.3 to 65 mg/L and 28 to 338 mg/L in pre-monsoon season while 0 to 139 mg/L and 24 to 388 mg/L in post-monsoon season respectively. Further water quality of river Hindon has been assessed using water quality index and the quality of river Hindon was observed to be bad at all site which may be attributed to untreated and/or partially treated waste inputs of municipal and industrial effluents joining the river.