Abstract
Riverine systems play an important role in the global carbon cycle, and they are considered hotspots for bacterial activities such as organic matter decomposition. However, our knowledge about these processes in tropical or subtropical regions is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate anthropogenically induced changes of water quality, the distribution of selected pharmaceuticals, and the effects of pollution on greenhouse gas concentrations and bacterial community composition along the 800 km long Cauvery river, the main river serving as a potable and irrigation water supply in Southern India. We found that in situ measured pCO2 and pCH4 concentrations were supersaturated relative to the atmosphere and ranged from 7.9 to 168.7 μmol L−1, and from 0.01 to 2.76 μmol L−1, respectively. Pharmaceuticals like triclosan, carbamazepine, ibuprofen, naproxen, propylparaben, and diclofenac exceeded warning limits along the Cauvery. Proteobacteria was the major phylum in all samples, ranging between 26.1% and 82.2% relative abundance, and it coincided with the accumulation of nutrients in the flowing water. Results emphasized the impact of industrialization and increased population density on changes in water quality, riverine carbon fluxes, and bacterial community structure.
Highlights
Rapid population increase, along with urbanization and climate change, are some of the main threats to globalization
Anthropogenic activities and industry and wastewater discharge can lead to high pulses of nutrients and additional organic matter that have an impact on aquatic metabolic processes and on dissolved CO2 production [31]. pCO2 was highest at the source of the Cauvery River, a place visited by pilgrims on a daily basis, and by thousands during Tula Sankramana, a festival that is held in October every year to celebrate the upsurge of the river from a small pond
The present study followed the anthropogenic impact along the Cauvery River from its origin to the river mouth, and the concomitant changes of water quality, the distribution of selected pharmaceutical residuals, and the effects of pollution on greenhouse gases and bacterial-community composition
Summary
Along with urbanization and climate change, are some of the main threats to globalization. Freshwater sources cover about 3% of the Earth’s surface, and many freshwater bodies are already under threat due to human activities and climate change [1,2,3,4]. Rivers in India are culturally and spiritually intertwined with people’s lives. Owing to their dynamic role in building an economy and, more importantly, to safeguard human health and possibly conserve the prevailing ecological structure, it is vital to conserve river-water quality. Inland waters, riverine ecosystems, are constantly polluted with, for example, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and wastewater from various sources, such as cities, domestic and industrial activities, and agriculture [5]. India is one of the world’s major producers and consumers of pharmaceutical products, yet only a little information exists on their status in Indian water bodies [6]
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