Water quality assessment based on physico-chemical and biological analysis of Khari River

Abstract

Throughout the world, the pollutants of various categories enter the water resources, including household, industrial and agricultural waste resulting in the reduction of water quality. As a result, the total hardness, alkalinity, and organic content of the water increase with the simultaneous increase in the number of pathogenic bacteria. As a result, water becomes unfit for common, industrial, and agricultural use. One way to determine water quality is based on an assessment through Physico-chemical and biological analysis. The purpose of this study was to determine the pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrates, total dissolved solutes (TDS), and the density of coliform bacteria in the Khari River, Agra (India). This research was carried out using sampling at five stations with five points at each station in three seasons of the year. Analysis of the data included the quantitative analysis through the most probable number (MPN) method. The results showed that the average density of total coliform bacteria was out of the range for potable water. The total presence of coliform bacteria is dependent upon the presence of nitrates and total organic matter in the Khari River. The average total density of coliform bacteria and the water quality index obtained at each station does not meet the quality standard indicating the pollution status in Khari River is categorized as mild to moderate polluted.