Assessment of Water Quality of Subarnarekha River in Balasore Region, Odisha, India

Abstract

The present study was carried out to determine the water quality status of Subarnarekha River at Balasore region during pre-project period as Kirtania Port is proposed in this area. River water samples were analysed for physico-chemical parameters by following standard methods (APHA 1985) and the results showed their variations as follows: pH 7.3-7.8,Temperature 26.7-28.2 0 C, Electrical Conductivity 392-514 µ mho ,Total suspended solids 118-148 mg/l, Total dissolved solids 241-285 mg/l, Alkalinity 27.3-42 mg/l, Total Hardness 64.63-114.06 mg/l, Calcium 24.6-32 mg/l, Magnesium 9.72-13.8 mg/l, Dissolved Oxygen 4.6-5.3 mg/l, Biochemical oxygen demand 1.1-3.39 mg/l, Chemical oxygen demand 53-147 mg/l, Nitrates 0.4-1.06 mg/l, Phosphates 0.86-2.4 mg/l, Sulphates 113-143 mg/l, Chlorides 26.32-36.63 mg/l, Iron 0.224-0.464 mg/l, Chromium 0.008-0.016 mg/l. The analysed physico-chemical parameters were almost not exceeded the maximum permissible limit of Indian standards (IS: 10500). After physico-chemical analysis, water quality index (WQI) was established from twelve important various physiochemical parameters by following weighted arithmetic index method. The calculated water quality index indicates that the quality of water was good and hence fit for use.