| Abstract: |
The Narmada River, India's third-longest river system, faces significant environmental challenges due to anthropogenic activities and pollution sources in the Dindori district. This study comprehensively analyzes water pollution using physico-chemical parameters to assess water quality degradation and its environmental implications. Water samples were collected from six major sampling stations across 17 sampling points in the Dindori district during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons over a period of two years (2020-2022). Nine critical physico-chemical parameters were analyzed including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total alkalinity, chloride content, and total coliform count. The study hypothesized that anthropogenic activities significantly impact water quality parameters, particularly in urban stretches around Dindori district. Results revealed substantial seasonal variations with water quality ranging from poor to very poor in 71% of locations during post-monsoon and 59% during pre-monsoon periods. The Water Quality Index (WQI) calculations indicated values ranging from 45-78, classifying water as unsuitable for direct human consumption without treatment. Statistical analysis showed strong positive correlations between pH, EC, and total hardness (r=0.8), while anthropogenic inputs significantly influenced BOD, nitrate, and total coliform levels. The study concludes that immediate intervention measures including sewage treatment infrastructure, industrial effluent control, and comprehensive monitoring systems are essential to restore the ecological integrity of the Narmada River in Dindori district. These findings provide crucial baseline data for policy makers and environmental managers to develop targeted restoration strategies for one of India's most important river systems. |
