Physico-Chemical Study of Some Surface Water Bodies of Punjab

Abstract

In recent years, the surface water quality has been observed deteriorating due to industrial activities and pollution in the Punjab state. Evaluation of surface water quality is an important issue to assure from its safe and stable use. However, describing quality conditions is generally difficult considering spatial variability of pollutants and a wide range of indicators like biological, physical and chemical substances which can be measured. This paper includes the study of surface water quality parameters in the northern Punjab region. Samples from different sources across northern Punjab were analysed for pH, TDS, TSS, turbidity, DO, chloride content, iron content and hardness of surface water. The pH, TDS, TSS, turbidity, DO, chloride content, iron content and hardness were found in the range of 6.7-8.7, 1358.00-1430.60 mg/l, 135.10-141.21 mg/l, 0.001-0.62 NTU, 0.96-7.80 mg/l, 0.80-15.56 mg/l, 0.01-0.02 mg/l and 1.2-13.9 mg/l respectively. The obtained results were compared with the acceptance limits as given by Indian standard code IS: 10500-2012. The high values of water quality parameters obtained as a result of this study indicates the level of pollution of the different sources of surface water of northern Punjab. At the end the obtained results were critically examined and suggestions were made for better management of surface water resources.