Physico-chemical analysis

Rivers are the soul of life on the Earth. They are the ultimate wellspring of all activities on the planet. But human’s imprudent notion that water bodies are ceaseless asset to humanity has led to their substantial exploitation. Discharge of industrial, domestic and agricultural wastes and direct release of untreated sewage into water bodies are the prime cause of their deterioration. Physicochemical analysis of water is reliable means of assessing water quality. Present study deals with statistical analysis of physicochemical parameters affecting water quality of river Chambal running through Kota (Rajasthan).Correlation coefficient helps to determine degree of association between parameters while regression analysis aids to ascertain as to which factors affect each other significantly. Parameters were found both positively as well as negatively correlated with each other. Significant positive interaction was found between BOD and Temperature (R2= 0.8076) while BOD-Dissolved Oxygen ( R2 = 0.965) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) – Temperature (R2= 0.786) showed remarkable negative interaction with each other.

Water is a vital component of the environment in which sustains an entire array of life. It is therefore necessary to maintain the wholesomeness of water resources to ensure ecological sustainability. Self purification capacity of a water body helps it to restore its original properties, but this power is limited. External processes which disturb the natural equilibrium pose threat to all the ecosystems which are interdependent and articulated to each other. The River Chambal passes through the heart of the Kota City of Rajasthan (India). Industrial and domestic wastes released in the river are its prime pollutants. Present study is concerned with the water quality analysis of canal of river Chambal running through DCM industrial area of Kota with reference to physico-chemical analysis. Regression analysis of BOD and COD of the Chambal indicated a linear relationship between both parameters. Mean BOD observed was 4.8, COD was 31.9 and Biodegradability index was recorded 0.15. The study indicated that proximity to Delhi Cloth & General Mills (DCM) and high anthropogenic activities are adversely affecting the water quality of the Chambal river in Kota city (Raj).