Current World Environment

Introduction

Water is the prime requirement for the existence of life and thus it has been man’s endeavor for the time immemorial to utilize the available resources. Water is a ubiquitous chemical substance that is composed of hydrogen and oxygen and is vital for all known forms of life. In typical usage, water refers only to its liquid from or state, but the substance also has a solid state, ice, and a gaseous state, water vapor or stream. Watercovers 71 % of the earth’s surface. On earth, it is found mostly in oceans and other large water bodies, with 1.6 % of water below ground in aquifers and 0.001 % in the air as vapor, clouds (formed of solid and liquid water particles suspended in air), and precipitation. Oceans hold 97 % of surface water, glaciers and polar ice caps 2.4 % and other land surface water such as rivers, lakes and ponds 0.6 %. A very small amount of the earth’s water is contained within biological bodies and manufactured products (Mahesh Kumar. Akkaraboyina et al., 2012).

Surface water pollution with chemical, physical and biological contaminants by anthropogenic activities is of great environmental attention all over the world. Surface water systems mainly mean the waters naturally open to atmosphere, for example rivers, lakes and reservoirs water. Rivers play an important role in a watershed for carrying off municipal and industrial wastewater and run-off from farm land, and are one of the most susceptible water bodies to pollutants. The constant discharges of domestic and industrial wastewater and seasonal surface run-off due to the climate all have a strong effect on the river discharge and water quality. However, rivers are the main water sources for domestic, industrial and agricultural irrigation purposes in a region, river water quality is one of important factors directly concerning with health of human and living beings. Pollution of a river first affects its chemical quality and then systematically destroys the community disrupting the delicate food web. Diverse uses of the rivers are seriously impaired due to pollution and even the polluters like industry suffer due to increased pollution of the rivers. River pollution has several dimensions and effective monitoring and control of river pollution requires the expertise from various disciplines. Pollution of river is a global problem. In India it is reported that about 70% of the available water is polluted. The chief source of pollution is identified as sewage constituting 84 to 92 percent of the waste water. Industrial waste water comprised 8 to 16 percent. Therefore, it is imperative and important to have reliable information on characteristics of water quality for effective pollution control and water resource management (Xiaoyun Fan et al., 2010).

The River is the one major natural resource which serves as a need for the human beings. The River Kanhan originates from the high lands of Chindawara district near village Tarai in M.P. and flows in south east direction for about 160 kms before it enters the state of Maharashtra near Raiwari village in Saoner Taluka of district Nagpur. During its course it passes through Saoner, Nagpur, Kamptee and Mouda Tahsils of Nagpur District covering a distance of about 80 kms, before it ultimately joins wainganga as a right hand tributary near Jawahar Nagar ordnance Factory in district Bhandara. The Kanhan River is a tributary of Wainganga River with a confluence at Ambhora. Under the Wainganga-Wardha-Painganga River basin, the department mentions Pench River as a tributary of Wainganga River. It says “Pench River meets the Wainganga River”. In fact, Pench River is a tributary of the Kanhan and meets it at Bina village, upstream from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) Kanhan water treatment plant. Then, the Kanhan flows for over 40 km before meeting the Wainganga River.
 

Table 1: Present Annual Raw Water reservation from various sources for city Click here to View table

River Kanhan serves as a major drinking source for Nagpur district. It has been use as a major river water source for drinking and domestic purposes like washing clothes, bathing etc. from past several years. Kanhan water supply scheme was commissioned in four phases during the year. Under this scheme, two intake wells and two dry wells in Kanhan River are constructed. Raw water is pumped to conventional Treatment Plant of 109 MLD capacity. The two intake wells located approximately 14 km from Nagpur city and 300 m downstream of the confluence of the River Kolar and the Kanhan was constructed in year 1940. In 1956 a barrage was constructed across Kanhan River about 500 m upstream Kanhan head works with a storage capacity of 7.82 Mm3. The average monthly discharge of the River Kanhan is found maximum in the month of September i.e.760.78 cumecs and minimum in the month of June i.e. 48.96 cumecs. Water supply & respective present drawel as shown in the table 1:

Table 2: Sampling stations

Sampling stations	Locations	Distance
1	Confluence of River Kanhan & Pench(Bina village)	23.2 kms from Nagpur
2	Confluence of River Kanhan & Kolar(Juni Kamptee)	18.6 kms from Bina
3	Upstream side of waste water	Juni Kamptee 13.5 km from Bina
4	Downstream side of waste water	Juni Kamptee 14.5 km from  u/s side of waste water
5	Intake well	Juni Kamptee 14 km from Nagpur
6	Upstream side of Kanhan River	4.5 km from Juni Kamptee
7	Downstream side of Kanhan River	5.5 km from  u/s side of Kanhan River

Two big thermal power plants, NTPC’s Mouda plant and Mahagenco’s Khaparkheda plant, are situated near Kanhan River. It is reported that the fly ash and other waste from power plants is being released into Kanhan River through its tributaries. Pollution of River first affects its chemical quality and then destroys the community. Pollution of River is a global problem. In India it is reported that about 70% of the available water is polluted. The chief source of pollution is identified as sewage constituting 84 to 92% of the waste water. Industrial waste water comprised 8-16%.

Kamptee is located at latitude 21°223' north, longitude 79°2' west. According to the 2001 census, it has an area of 40,706 hectares. National Highway No.7 passes through it. There are three bridges over the Kanhan River. One is a railway bridge, and the other, older bridge, is a road N.H.7 and a newer one small road that goes to Old Kamptee. There is one big water filter plant which supplies water to the larger area of Nagpur city. Kamptee was founded in 1821 when the British established a military cantonment on the banks of the Kanhan River. Kamptee was previously named Camp-T for its geographical shape.   
The over-exploitation of limited resources has not only caused a perceptible decline in the water table, but also resulted in the enormous increase of pollutants concentration. The ever growing population exerts a great pressure on this resource. The never ending growth of population and ill-planned exploitation of the water resource created a situation, where the very survival of man has become endangered. The concern for protecting the quality and overuse of earth’s natural resources has been increasing in recent years all over the world. The global awareness and concern for the environment have paved way for the installation of various policies to control and preventenvironmental pollution.

Figure 1: Map showing location of sampling stations Click here to View Figure

The objectives of the present paper are to determine the seasonal variation in the river in rainy, winter and summer season and (2)To study the change in the quality of the river water due to addition of human waste discharge, industrial waste discharge into river body.

Figure: 2 A, B Click here to View Figure

Accurate and timely information on the quality of water is necessary to shape a sound public policy and to implement the water quality improvement programmes efficiently. One of the most effective ways to communicate information on water quality trends is with indices. Water quality index (WQI) is commonly used for the detection and evaluation of water pollution and may be defined as “arating reflecting the composite influence of different quality parameters on the overall quality of water.” (Mahesh Kumar.Akkaraboyina et al., 2012).
 

Figure: 3 A, B Click here to View Figure

Material and Methods

Study Area Description

The study is carried out to determine the water quality of Kanhan River for the three season viz. rainy season, winter season and summer season for the period of eight months. Seven major locations along the stretch of the River Kanhan were selected for monthly analysis as shown in the Fig. 1 and the details of the sations are given in table Station 1 (confluence of Kanhan and Pench), station 2 (confluence of Kanhan and Kolar), station and 4 is the wastewater discharge points at the upstream and downstream side of the point. The wastewater coming from the nearby residents is being discharged directly into the river through a drain without any treatment. Station 5 is the intake well located near the water treatment plant. Station and 7 is the upstream and downstream side Kanhan.

Figure: 4 A, B Click here to View Figure

Experiment

The samples were subjected to the physicochemical analysis which includes parameters such temperature, pH, turbidity, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), suspended solids (SS), total solids (TS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). Water samples were collected twice in every month to get the cumulative readings for a month from the water quality monitoring stations. Grab sampling was generally applied during the sampling. The samples were taken in BOD bottles and plastic canes and brought to the laboratory with necessary precautions. All samples were labeled properly and analyzed by standard methods. Parameter like temperature of River water was recorded on site. DO and BOD were performed in the laboratory by standard titrimetric method.

Figure: 5 A, B Click here to View Figure

Water Quality Index Calculation

Essentially, a WQI is a compilation of a number of parameters that can be used to determine the overall quality of a river. The parameters involved in the WQI are dissolved oxygen,pH, turbidity, conductivity, TDS, SS, TS, DO, biochemical BOD. The numerical value is then multiplied by a weighting factor that is relative to the significance of the test to water quality. The sum of the resulting values is added together to arrive at an overall water quality index (Dhirendra Mohan Josh et al., 2009; Tiwari, T.N. et al., 1985).

Figure: 6 A, B Click here to View Figure

Results and Discussion

The result of the water quality parameters (temperature, pH, turbidity, conductivity, DO, BOD, TS,TDS, SS) collected from seven major location of the river from the month September to April. The observations are recorded. The minimum and maximum (b) values in the rainy season (September), winter season (October to February) and summer season (March and April) are depicted in the graphsbelow (Fig. 2-10).

Figure: 7 A, B Click here to View Figure

 
The above results, values refer to the minimum and maximum value of the water samples collected from the month of September to April i.e. rainy, winter and summer seasons for the physiochemical analysis. The summary of the findings is given below:

Temperature of river water

The water temperature of the Kanhan River was found minimum in the winter season and maximum in the summer season. The minimum temperature in the rainy season was recorded as 24.5ºC and 25.5ºC as maximum. In winter season the temperature ranged from 16.3ºC to 24.2ºC. The maximum temperature was recorded in summer with minimum 33 ºC to maximum 40 ºC. The water temperature showed an upward trend from winter season to summer season followed by a downward trend from rainy season onwards. The temperature differed at every sampling station. The high temperature was recorded in the station 3 (u/s of waste water discharge point). Since, the waste water from the residing area resulting from the domestic use is discharged into the water body. The temperature of that particular stretch of river increases, as the temperature of wastewater is slightly high and discharged in the river water continuously in the large quantity. The minimum temperature recorded in stations 2 (confluence of Kanhan and Kolar) and 6 (u/s of Kanhan).

pH

The pH of the Kanhan River was slightly alkaline. In rainy season the minimum pH was observed as 7.9 and maximum 8.3. In winter season the pH ranged from 8 to 8.8. In summer season the water becomes more alkaline. The minimum value was 8.5 and maximum 8.8. The pH is high at station 6 (u/s of Kanhan), as the water is used for domestic purpose from the residents near the river bank for e.g.washing clothes, bathing etc. This makes the water more alkaline due to the domestic use of water.
 

Figure: 8 A, B Click here to View Figure

Turbidity

The turbidity was lowest during the summer season. In rainy season the turbidity ranged from 100 to 230 NTU. The minimum value in winter season was found as 23.8 NTU and maximum 180 NTU. In summer the turbidity ranged from 21 to 96 NTU. The maximum turbidity was recorded at station 3 (u/s of waste water discharge point), the wastewater is continuously discharged into the river body.

Conductivity

The conductivity increases considerably from the rainy season and was recorded maximum in the summer. The minimum conductivity 306 µmho/ cm and maximum 338 µmho/cm was found in the rainy season. In winter season the conductivity raises to minimum 338 µmho/cm to maximum conductivity 570 µmho/cm. The highest conductivity 531 µmho/ cm to 595 µmho/cm was observed in summer season.Sampling station 4 (d/s of waste water discharge point) has maximum conductivity in every season and minimum at sampling station 3 (d/s of waste water discharge point).

Figure: 9 A, B Click here to View Figure

Dissolved Oxygen

In rainy season the DO ranged from 7.3 mg/l to 8.1 mg/l. The higher concentration of dissolved oxygen during winter season was probably due to low water temperature. The minimum DO 7.7 mg/l and maximum 9 mg/l was observed during winter season. In summer season the DO slightly decrease and found minimum 5.7 mg/l to maximum 6.6 mg/l.The DO varies with the temperature. DO was maximum at station 2 (confluence of Kanhan and Kolar) and 6 (d/s of Kanhan) and minimum at station 3 (u/s wastewater discharge point). The temperature at station 3 was recorded high and low in the stations 2.

Biochemical Oxygen Demand

The minimum BOD 2.8 mg/l and maximum 3.7 mg/l was observed during the rainy season. In winter season 3.1 mg/l minimum and maximum 4.3 mg/l BOD was observed. The BOD decreases in summer season and ranged from 2.3 mg/l to 2.9 mg/l.The maximum BOD was observed at station 3 (u/s wastewater discharge point) and minimum at station 2 (confluence of Kanhan and Kolar). The wastewater discharged at station 3 contents the organic matters. Thus, to oxygen required to decompose organic matter is more at this point.

Total Solids

The TS was found maximum in rainy season and ranged from 436.03 mg/l to 600.64 mg/l. The minimum TS 415.85 mg/l and maximum 587.9 mg/l was observed in the winter season. In summer season the TS ranged minimum 469.49 mg/l and 558.4 mg/l maximum.The maximum TS was observed at station 3 (u/s wastewater discharge point) due to the high concentration of suspended solids and minimum at station 1(confluence of Kanhan and Pench).

Total Dissolved Solids

The TDS was found maximum in rainy season and ranged from 232.1 mg/l to 253.5 mg/l. The minimum TDS 253.5 mg/l and maximum 427.5 mg/l was observed in the winter season. In summer season the TS ranged minimum 394.5 mg/l and 446.25 mg/l maximum.At station 4 (d/s of waste water discharge point) the TDS concentration is maximum with the minimum at the station 1 (confluence of Kanhan and Pench).

Suspended Solids

The SS was foundmaximum in rainy season and ranged from 177.82 mg/l to 365.14 mg/l. The minimum SS 78.88 mg/l and maximum 282.28 mg/l was observed in the winter season. In summer season the TS ranged minimum 68.78 mg/l and 154.9 mg/l maximum.The SS was observed high at station 3 (u/s of waste water discharge point) and minimum at station 4 (d/s of waste water discharge point).

Water quality index represents the integrated effects of the relevant water quality variables. For Knahan River water, the rating of WQI of water samples was calculated. The values of WQI indicated that the water quality rating, the quality of river water was rated bad in rainy (32.58) and summer (46.17) season with the WQI range 25-50. While the WQI rages form 50-70, with the medium water quality rating in winter season (46.17). The average WQI for all the seasons ranged from 50-70 resulting having medium (54.84) quality rating.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis and observations it could be seen that the concentration of the physiochemical parameters is high in the summer season compared to rainy and winter season. This is due to the low water level that results in less availability of dilution factor.The quality of water as calculated by WQI was found moderate for drinking purpose in winter season and rated bad in rainy and summer season.Concentration of the parameters like pH, BOD, turbidity, DO, and TDS is found maximum. These parameters was found above the prescribed standards may affect the water treatment plant when processed for drinking water treatment. Parameters like TS and TDS were found within the standards limits.

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my sincere respect and gratitude towards my guide and co-guidefor their encouragement and constant support for water quality studies. I would also like to thank the GHRCE laboratory and supportive staffs for providing essential chemicals and facilities and for the presentwork.

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