| Abstract: |
Water quality assessment has become increasingly important for environmental monitoring and public health protection. This study evaluates the physico-chemical parameters of the Narmada River in Dindori District, Madhya Pradesh, through comprehensive water quality analysis. The research aims to assess seasonal variations in water quality and determine the suitability of river water for various uses. Water samples were collected from multiple sampling sites during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods and analyzed for key parameters including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total hardness, alkalinity, and coliform count. The hypothesis proposed that anthropogenic activities and seasonal variations significantly affect water quality parameters. Results indicate that water quality varies considerably between seasons, with pre-monsoon samples showing better quality compared to post-monsoon samples. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between various parameters. The study found that electrical conductivity ranged from 74.8-336 μS/cm, pH values remained within acceptable limits (7.2-8.5), while BOD values showed concerning levels at certain locations (up to 10.8 mg/L). The research concludes that while some parameters fall within acceptable limits as per BIS and WHO standards, certain locations show deterioration requiring immediate attention and remedial measures for sustainable river management. |
