Jakir Hussain

Effect of physicochemical and biological parameters on the quality of river water of Narmada, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract Narmada River is considered to be the holy river of the state Madhya Pradesh. A study was considered for the development of water quality index using eight parameters pH, Temperature, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Turbidity, Nitrate-Nitrogen (NO3-N), Phosphate (PO43−), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO) measured at six different sites (S1–S6) along the river Narmada. Three methods (Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index, National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index and Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index) were used for calculation of water quality index. This was observed that the water quality was found to be excellent to good in the season summer and winter and poor to unsuitable for human consumption in the season monsoon along the river Narmada. The fall in the quality of water in monsoon season was due to poor sanitation, turbulent flow, soil erosion and high anthropogenic activities.

GIS-based inverse distance weighting spatial interpolation technique for fluoride distribution in south west part of Nagaur district, Rajasthan

Abstract In Merta block of Nagaur District, 54 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed to determine fluoride concentration. It was observed that 64.8% villages have fluoride concentration within the acceptable limit (i.e. 1.5 mg/l) and are safe for drinking in respect of fluoride concentration. As prescribed by Bureau of Indian Standard, 35.2% villages have fluoride concentration above the acceptable limit and habitants in these villages are under threat of fluorosis. The fluoride-contaminated area is further divided into three categories. About 27.8% villages have fluoride concentration between 1.5 and 3.0 mg/l which is less problematic to consumers. In Dhadhlas Uda and Bhensra Khurd village, fluoride concentration in groundwater is above 3.0 mg/l and below 5.0 mg/l which is problematic in respect to fluorosis. In the entire survey village, Chawadiya Kalan and Akhawas are in the highly problematic category. In these villages, fluoride concentration is above 5.0 mg/l. Due to the higher fluoride level in drinking water, several cases of dental and skeletal fluorosis have appeared at an alarming rate in the region.

Studies on heavy metal contamination in Godavari river basin

AbstractSurface water samples from Godavari river basin was analyzed quantitatively for the concentration of eight heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, nickel and zinc using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The analyzed data revealed that iron and zinc metals were found to be the most abundant metals in the river Godavari and its tributaries. Iron (Fe) recorded the highest, while cadmium (Cd) had the least concentration. Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, iron and zinc metals are within the acceptable limit of BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) 1050 (2012) Specification for drinking water, pp 1–5). The analysis of Godavari river and its tributary’s water samples reveals that the water is contaminated at selected points which are not suitable for drinking. Nickel and Copper concentration is above acceptable limit and other metal concentration is within the acceptable limit. Comprehensive study of the results reveals that out of 18 water quality stations monitored, water samples collected at 7 water quality stations are found to be within the permissible limit for all purposes. While Rajegaon, Tekra, Nandgaon, P. G. Bridge, Bhatpalli, Kumhari, Pauni, Hivra, Ashti, Bamini, and Jagda stations were beyond the desirable limit due to presence of copper and nickel metals. The contents of copper metal ions were higher at some water quality stations on Wunna river (Nandgaon); Wardha river (Hivra) and Wainganga river (Kumhari, Pauni, Ashti) during Feb. 2012, while nickel concentration during Feb. 2012, June 2012, March 2013 and Aug. 2013 at some water quality stations on rivers Bagh, Indravati, Pranhita, Wunna, Penganga, Peddavagu, Wainganga and Wardha. It can be concluded that rapid population growth and industrialization have brought about resource degradation and a decline in environmental quality.