Abstract
The present manuscript is an account of the studies conducted on some well known surface water bodies in India, with special emphasis on the river systems, to evaluate their quality status. The review covers the water quality estimation and identification of sources contributing to water quality deterioration. Commonly employed physicochemical and biological parameters as indicators of water quality have been thoroughly discussed. Some possible measures to prevent and control pollution of water bodies have also been provided. The review also covers assessment of bed sediment environment of the surface water bodies. Many studies are available on quality assessment of surface waters and their bed sediments. However, currently, there is no literature available which compiles the works on some recent assessment of water bodies, commonly applied water quality indicators in research programmes, sources of pollution and possible pollution mitigation measures. This review is the first such attempt in this direction.
Highlights
The ecosystem comprises both biotic and abiotic components and the interactions between them
In Indian scenario, the river water pollution is defined in terms of three activities, namely, agricultural runoff, industrial effluents and domestic/municipal sewage discharge
The water quality of the Indian rivers has deteriorated over the years
Summary
Background The ecosystem comprises both biotic and abiotic components and the interactions between them. The ‘five basic elements’ central to the ecology is well stated in the Prasna Upanishad as “kshiti, jal, pawak, gagan, sameera; panch tatwa yah adham sharira”. This means soil, water, fire (energy), sky (space) and air, respectively, are integral part of our existence and the living world surrounding us[1,2]. The hymn IX of Book 10 of the Rig Veda recognizes the ability of water to give life both in physical and spiritual senses. It is responsible for nourishment, health and wellbeing of the living organisms. The Isha Upanishad says: “the nature gives resources to the mankind for their living and it is absolutely necessary to have the knowledge of using these resources”[4,5,6]
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