Water quality assessment of River Tungabhadra, India

Abstract

This study reports the results of an analysis performed on 40.5 km stretch of River Tungabhadra. The results show that there was a significant increase in all the physical and chemical variables of the river towards downstream of Harihara town, particularly in the pre-monsoon season. However, all the variables remain within the standards recommended for drinking water. Based on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines, the classification of water at various segments of the research focal area is as follows: the 12.08 km stretch from the upstream boundary (Ingalagondi) is designated as class C, based on the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). However, from 12.08 km to 40.5 km on the stretch of downstream Harihara is designated as Class D, based on the BOD. However, in terms of dissolved oxygen (DO), the river satisfies the requirements for Class C (> 4 mg/L) at all of the locations sampled across all periods.