An Investigation on Sudden Change in Water Quality of Brahmaputra River Using Remote Sensing and GIS

Abstract

A sudden rise in turbidity levels of the Siang River, which is a major contributor of water to the Brahmaputra, has increased interest and much debate and speculations on causes during November 2017. Since the Brahmaputra is a major trans-boundary river, and increased turbidity of the river during winter has affected huge aquatic life and wildlife population downstream, the issue has turned into a serious concern for different countries with different reasons about the genesis of the high turbidity observations. This study is an investigation for identifying the possible sources of changes in water quality using remote sensing and geographic information system. The analysis indicates that the change in water quality is due to the occurrence of extensive landslides upstream of the Siang River also resulting in other physical changes on the river channel.