APPLICATION OF WATER QUALITY INDEX (WQI) FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF SURFACE WATER BODIES (LAKES)

Transcription

1 APPLICATION OF WATER QUALITY INDEX (WQI) FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF SURFACE WATER BODIES (LAKES) P. J. PURI 1*, M. K. N. YENKIE 2, 3 D. B. RANA 4 S.K.KHARKATE 5 L. S. AWALE, 1,23, LIT, R. T. M Nagpur University, Nagpur 4 TGPCET, Nagpur, India, 5 C.P. & Berar College, Nagpur, India ABSTRACT Water quality index (WQI) is valuable and unique rating to depict the overall water quality status in a single term that is helpful for the selection of appropriate treatment technique to meet the concerned issues. The present work aims at assessing the water quality index (WQI) in the surface waterbodies (Ambazari, Futala and Gandhisagar lake) situated in Nagpur city, Maharashtra, India, by monitoring five sampling locations within all lake ( viz. Inlet1, inlet2, centre, corner and outlet) for a period of 3 months from August to October (pre-immersion, immersion and post-immersion period) For calculating the WQI, 14 parameters, namely, ph, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, fluorides and iron were considered. It is apparent from WQI values that all studied lake water with WQI values ranging from to especially Futala lake (55.81 to ), Ambazari lake (42.28 to ) and Gandhisagar Lake (60.82 to ) falls under poor water category. It is observed that the values of physicochemical parameters significantly increased during the immersion period and then declined in the postimmersion period, however the general trendobserved was : immersion > post immersion > pre-immersion values. The present study revealed that all studied lake water are polluted (due to surface run-off, bathing activities, agriculture run-off, effuents from upstream from surrounding industrial and garden area, immersion of idols of God and Goddess during festival season) and is unsuitable for human consumption, irrigation, industrial purpose also for the survival of life forms unless treated properly. Keywords: Physicochemical analysis, WQI, lake, water pollution, festivals, surface water. I. INTRODUCTION Lakes are important feature of the Earth s landscapes. They are not only a significant source of precious water but provide valuable habitat to plants and animals, enhance the aesthetic beauty of the landscape and offers many recreational opportunities. Lakes are the hub of socio-economic activities of the country. These are dynamic ecosystem that reflects their specific characteristics, variations in climate and biological component. The fresh water is of vital concern for mankind, since it is directly linked to human welfare. The surface water bodies, (lakes) which are the most important sources of water for human activities are unfortunately under severe environmental stress and are being threatened as a consequence of developmental activities. Nagpur city is a district head quarter, comprising numerous lentic water bodies. These water bodies (lakes) are manmade or artificially constructed reservoirs to provide water for irrigation, industrial purposes or domestic use. There is something very beautiful about these water bodies not just aesthetically, but also intellectually. They do not just mirror their environment; they also reflect the society around them and accumulate all the 'Sins' of humanity. The condition of these water bodies is rather pathetic. Most of the water bodies (lakes) disappeared due to encroachment and pollution [1-8]. It is with this background, the present work was undertaken between the months August to October The objective of water quality index is to turn complex water quality data into information that is understandable and usable by the public. In general, water quality indices incorporate data from multiple water quality parameters into a mathematical equation that rates the health of a water body with number. ( Fig-1 Satellite image of Gandhisagar lake ) ( Fig-2 Satellite image of Futala lake ) ( Fig-3 Satellite image of Ambazari lake) 27

2 Sl. Characteristics Analytical method Unit BIS limits (1998) No. Desirable Permissible 1. ph Electrode Electrical conductivity (EC) Conductivity meter µs/cm 2,000 3, Total dissolved Conductivity-TDS mg/l 1,000 2,000 solids (TDS) meter 4. Total Alkalinity Titrimetric mg/l (TA) 5. Total hardness (TH) EDTA titrimetric mg/l Dissolved Oxygen Modified Winder s mg/l 6.0 NA (DO) method 7. Biochemical oxygen Modified Winder s mg/l demand (BOD) method 8. Chemical oxygen Closed reflux method mg/l NA NA demand (COD) 9. Calcium (as Ca 2+ ) EDTA titrimetric mg/l Magnesium EDTA Titrimetric mg/l (as Mg 2+ ) 11. Potassium (as K + ) Flame photometric mg/l Chlorides (Cl - ) Argentometric mg/l 250 1,000 titration 13. Nitrates (as NO - 3 ) Ion selective electrode mg/l (ISE) 14. Fluoride (as F - ) Ion selective electrode mg/l (ISE) Phosphates (as PO 4 Stannous chloride mg/l ) 16. Sulphates (as SO 2-4 ) Barium chloride mg/l American Public Health Association [9] were II. MATERIALS AND METHODS employed in the present study (Table 1). The To characterize water quality throughout the main basin of the lakes, five permanent stations for monthly sampling were established and marked within inlet1 (S 1 ), inlet2 (S 2 ), centre (S 3 ), corner (S 4 ), suitability of the surface water from these Futala, Ambazari and Gandhisagar lake for industrial, domestic, and irrigation purposes was evaluated by comparing the values of different water quality and outlet (S 5 ), regions. Regular samples were parameters with those of the Bureau of Indian collected in sterilized glass bottles for various standards [10] guideline values. physicochemical analysis of sample; the pre-cleaned plastic polyethylene bottles were used. Prior to sampling, the entire sampling container s were washed and rinsed thoroughly with lake water to be taken for analysis. The collected surface water samples were collected from these five locations in a 2 L pre-cleaned polyethylene bottles for a period of 3 months from August 2014 to October Three months continuous monitoring involved comprehensive physico-chemical analyses encompassing estimation of major cations (Ca 2+, Mg 2+, Na +, K +, Fe 2+ ), anions (Cl -, SO 2-4, NO - 3, F -, PO 3-4 ) besides general parameters (ph, EC, TDS, alkalinity, total hardness, DO, BOD, COD and temperature). In situ parameters like ph, EC, TDS, dissolved oxygen, etc. Were measured immediately in the field immediately after sampling. The standard analytical procedures as recommended by the 28 II. WATER QUALITY INDEX (WQI) [11] Water quality index (WQI) is one of the most effective tools to communicate information on the quality of water to the concerned citizens and policy makers. The WQI provides a comprehensive picture of the quality of surface/ground water for most domestic uses. WQI is defined as a rating that reflects the composite influence of different water quality parameters [12-15] WQI is calculated from the point of view of the suitability of surface or groundwater for human consumption. Hence, for calculating the WQI in the present study, 14 parameters namely, ph, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, fluorides and iron have been considered

3 (Table 2). There were three steps for computing WQI of a water sample. a. Each of the chemical parameters was assigned a weight (w i ) based on their perceived effects on primary health and their relative importance in the overall quality of water for drinking purposes (Table 2). The highest weight of 5 was assigned to parameters which have the major effects on water quality and their importance in quality (viz, NO 3 -, F - and TDS) and a minimum of 2 was assigned to parameters which are considered as not harmful (Ca 2+, Mg 2+, K + ). b. Computing the relative weight (W i ) of each parameter using Eq. 1. Table 2 present the weight (w i ) and calculated relative weight (W i ) values for each parameter. c. A quality rating scale (q i ) for each parameter is computed by dividing its concentration in each water sample by its respective standard according to the guidelines laid down by BIS (1998) and then, the result was multiplied by 100 using Eq. 2. Finally, for computing the WQL, the water quality sub-index (SI i ) for each chemical parameter is first determined, which is then used to determine the WQI as per the Eqs. 3 and 4. W = (1) Where Wi is the relative weight, w i is the weight of each parameter and n is the number of parameters. q = x100 (2) where q i = quality rating, C i = concentration of each chemical parameter in each water sample in mg/l, S i = Indian drinking water standard (BIS 1998) for each chemical parameter in mg/l except for conductivity (µs/cm) and ph. SI = Wiqi (3) Magnesium Sodium Potassium Chloride Sulphate Nitrate Fluoride Iron Σw i = 43 ΣW i = IV. RESULT AND DISCUSSION Pre-immersion (August), immersion (September) and post-immersion (October) water samples were collected from five stations and analyzed for various water quality parameters so as to calculate water quality index (WQI) for Futala, Gandhisagar and Ambazari Lake.(fig-1,2,3) Lake water samples were collected during pre-immersion, immersion and postimmersion periods in festival season. The immersion of idols of Lord Ganesh, Lord Viswakarma and Goddess Durga during month of August to October is a major source of contamination and sedimentation to the Futala, Gandhisagar and Ambazari lake. Water pollution occurs due to the discharge of municipal sewage both domestic and industrial without any treatment which brings considerable changes in the river and lake water quality in addition to many religious activities now became a threat to the ecosystem [14-16]. A water quality index is a means to summarize large amounts of water quality data into simple terms for reporting to management and the public in a consistent manner. WQI= SIi (4) where SI i is the sub-index of ith parameter; qi is the rating based on concentration of ith parameter and n is the number of parameters. Table 2: The weight and relative weight of each of the physico-chemical parameters used for WQI determination [10-11] Parameters BIS desirable limit (1998) Weight (w i ) Relative weight (W i ) ph Electrical 2, conductivity Total dissolved solids 1, Total alkalinity Total harness Calcium Table 3: Water quality status based on water quality index [11]. Water Quality Index Water Quality Status WQI<50 50>WQI< >WQI< >WQI<300 WQI>300 Excellent Water Quality Good Water Quality Poor Water Quality Very Poor Water Quality Unfit for drinking Variation in water quality index in collected water samples from Ambazari lake varied from to mg/l (August, pre-immersion period); to mg/l (September, immersion period) and to mg/l (October, post-immersion period) respectively. The results reveal that Ambazari lake water quality is poor. 29

4 International Journal of Advances in Science Engineering and Technology, ISSN: WQI August (Pre-immersion) S S S S S September (Immersion) October (Post-immersion) Water quality indes (WQI) Graphical representation of Water quality index (WQI) values for Futala Lake at different sampling sites during different months Aug 50 Sep 0 Oct s1 s2 s3 s4 s5 Sampling sites Graphical representation of Water quality index (WQI) values for Gandhisagar Lake at different sampling sites during different months WQI Aug 60 Sep 40 Oct 20 0 s1 s2 s3 s4 s5 and to (October, 2014) respectively. Futala lake shows, given lake water quality is poor. The average concentration of water quality index in Gandhisagar lake water was to (August, 2014); to (September, 2014) and to (October, 2014) respectively. The average values of WQI calculated for Gandhisagar lake shows,given lake water quality is poor. The average concentration of water quality index in Futala lake water was to (August, 2014); to (September, 2014) Hence, the analysis revealed that the surface water bodies (Futala, Ambazari and Gandhisagar lake) needs some degree of treatment before usage and it is essential to protect them from the perils of contamination. The idols of Lord Viswakarma, Lord Ganesh, Lord Krishna, Goddess Durga etc. worshipped by Hindu are immersed in the month of August to October respectively every year. Similarly 30

5 during the Mohrum festival, tazias are being immersed by Muslims in the month of May every year. The idol are been made up of clay, plaster of paris, cloth, paper wood, thermocol, jute, adhesive materials and synthetic paints etc. Out of the all material used in making the idol, thermocol is nonbiodegradable while paints contain heavy metals such as chromium, lead, cadmium and mercury [17-20]. The chemical paints used to decorate the idols increases heavy metal concentration and acidity in the water. Lead and chromium, which also adds through sindur in the water bodies, are very toxic even in very small quantity for human being through the process known as bioaccumulation and biomagnifications. When immersed, these colors and chemical dissolve slowly leading to significant alternation in the water quality. Every year, as part of our religious ceremonies, the practice of idol immersion in seas, rivers and lakes takes place.[21] Faith must be respected but there is a growing need to regulate this practice since the number idols being immersed is increasing every year. This has led to instances of severe pollution of these water bodies taking place. The toxic chemicals used in making the idols tend to cause serious problems of water pollution and also pose a serious threat to the underwater ecological system. It is expected that the local people will consider lying down of guidelines for immersion of idols and would also consider related matters with regard to pollution of water bodies. Both the idols makers and local citizens should consider it expeditiously because the time lost involving the pollution might prove dangerous for environment of the country in long run. Following are the general guidelines for Idol immersions which must be adopt in order to prevent water pollution. 1. Idols should be made from natural materials as described in the holy scripts. Use of traditional clay for idol making rather than baked clay, plaster of paris, etc. may be encouraged, allowed and promoted. 2. Painting of idols should be discouraged. In case idols are to be painted, water soluble nontoxic natural dyes should be used. Use of toxic and non-biodegradable chemical dyes for painting idols should be strictly prohibited.3. Worship material like flowers, vastras ( clothes ), decorating material (made of paper and plastic ) etc. should be removed before immersion of idols. Bio degradable materials should be collected separately for recycling or composting. Nonbiodegradable materials should be collected separately for disposal in sanitary landfills. Clothes may be sent to local orphan house(s).4. Public should be educated on ill effects of immersion in the holy water bodies through mass awareness program. In case of immersion of idols in lakes or ponds, all the flowers, leaves and artificial ornaments of idols should be removed and idols may be immersed into a corner of pond using removable synthetic liners in the bottom. Post immersion, liners may be taken out along with remains of idols and lime should be added to the pond water for settling, the solids. Dislodging of the pond should be undertaken afterwards. CONCLUSION It is apparent from WQI values that all studied lake water with WQI values ranging from to especially Futala lake (55.81 to ), Ambazari lake (42.28 to ) and Gandhisagar Lake (60.82 to ) falls under poor water category. Local peoples (slum area along the bank of lakes) are ignorantly polluting the lakes and the deadful conditions of the lakes are also visible from the satellite photo. Due to high organic matter contamination hydrophytes are growing drastically and deposited into the lake after death which consequently reducing the depth of the Futala and Ambazari lake day by day. If present condition is continue for the longer period, very soon the lakes will become ecologically barren. The input of biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances deteriorates the lake water quality and enhances silt load in the Futala, Ambazari and Gandhisagar lake. Rapid urbanization, degradation of catchment due to various anthropogenic pressure, eutrophication, enormous growth of aquatic weeds, siltation, and loss of biodiversity are some major challenges which need urgent attention. Generating awareness among the people and society about reducing pollution due to festival waste will help in conserving ecosystem of these water bodies. (Lakes) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The author is thankful to the Director, Laxminarayan Institute of Technology; RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur for providing necessary facilities for carrying out laboratory work. REFERENCES [1] P.J.Puri; M.K.N.Yenkie; D. G. Battalwar; N.V.Gandhare; D. B. Dhanorkar; Rasayan J. of chemistry, 2010; 3, 4, [2] P.J.Puri; M.K.N.Yenkie; N.V. Gandhare; G. B. Sarote; D. B. Dhanorkar; Battalwar D. G, Rasayan J. of chemistry, 2011; 4, 1, [3] P.J.Puri; M.K.N.Yenkie; S. P. Sanghal; N.V.Gandhare; G. B. Sarote; ijcepr, 2011, 2, 1, [4] P.J.Puri; M.K.N.Yenkie; N.V. Gandhare; G.B. Sarote; D.B. Dhanorkar; Rasayan J. of chemistry, 2011; 4,1, [5] P.J.Puri; M.K.N.Yenkie; R.G. 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