Evaluation of Organic Pollution by Palmer's Algal Genus Index and Physico-chemical Analysis of Vaigai River at Madurai, India

Abstract

Evaluation of organic pollution by Palmer's Algal Genus Index and physico-chemical and biological characters of Vaigai River water of India and its suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes was carried out. The sampling points were selected on the basis of their importance. Analysis of physico-chemical parameters like pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, chloride, sulphate, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, and sodium, potassium has been carried out. Organic pollution was assessed by employing Palmers algal pollution index. From the above analysis it is observed that all the sampling points are biologically contaminated due to good supply of nutrients into the river Vaigai and the high physico-chemical parameters supported enrichment of river water with nutrients.