bacteriological and physico-chemical quality …wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/lake2010/theme...

Lake 2010: Wetlands, Biodiversity and Climate Change

22nd-24th December 2010

BACTERIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL QUALITY

ASSESSMENT OF TUNGABHADRA RIVER (T.B DAM) AT

MUNIRABAD KARNATAKA STATE.

Ramesh.K1, Anjinappa.H2, M.Ravikumar3, B.Venkatesh prasadh4

1,2Sri.Mallige Institute of Paramedical Sciences, Hospet.

3Dept.of Botany, A.D.B First Grade College Harapanahalli.

4Karnatka Engineering Research Station, Munirabad Karntaka state.

____________________________________________________________________

ABSTRACT:

The main aim and objective of this study was to assess the bacteriological and physico-

chemical quality of river water. Fresh water resources Viz. Rivers, lakes are the most valuable natural

resources for human beings. Unfortunately despite of its importance, Fresh water resources are being

polluted by indiscriminate disposable of sewerage, industrial effluents, municipal waste, mining

activity, agricultural activity and other different types of waste into the river/lakes.

The water samples from upstream of Tungabhadra River were collected once in every month

and analysed for various bacteriological and physico-chemical parameters.

The bacteriological parameter includes analysis of Total Coliforms and Fecal coliforms which

are indicator organisms of pollution studies. And the physico-chemical parameter analysed were pH,

EC, TDS, TSS, DO, BOD, COD, Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Nitrogen, Cl, Sulphate, Na, K, B,

Fe & etc.

The concentration of most of the studied physico-chemical parameters were within the

permissible limits of BIS. And the elevated values of coliforms in the river water indicate bacterial

contamination and need to be treatment before use.

INTRODUCTION:

Water is one of the most fundamental valuable natural resource on earth for survival of life.

None of the organism known can exist without water. Water is World’s All Time Essential Resource.

In the global water resources about 97.5% is saline water mainly in oceans and only 2.5% is available



as fresh water and 70%of it is locked in icecaps and glaciers or lies in deep underground reservoirs. An

infinitesimal proportion (0.007%) of all water on earth is readily available fresh water

Reservoirs, lakes and ponds are the most important primary fresh water resources to mankind

for day-to-day needs and constitute less than 1% of the available water on the earth and also the socio

economic and political development has been largely related to the availability and distribution of

fresh water.

________________________________________________________________

1Corresponding:

Author:

Ramesh.K c/o.Research Officer, Karnataka Engineering Research

Station, S&S Survey Subdivision Munirabad Koppal Dist. Karnataka

State.

E.mail: [email protected]

It is here to remember the warning by the World Bank & UNEP that “the wars, if fought in the

21st century will be fought over water”. Fresh water is scare finite resource is essential for drinking,

agriculture, industry, hydro-power generation, navigation, recreation and even human existence.

Without fresh water of adequate quality and quantity sustainable development will not possible. Water

is part of a larger ecological system realising the importance and scarcity attached to the fresh water, it

has to be treated as an essential national asset for sustain all life forms.

Reservoirs and rivers, lakes are playing major role as an important fresh water resource for our

planet. Unfortunately despite of its importance, reservoirs are being polluted by indiscriminate

disposal of sewerage, industrial waste, agricultural, mining and human activity, which affects physico-

chemical and microbiological quality of reservoir. The contaminants and pathogens entered into

reservoir by human activity cause deleterious changes in reservoir water quality and will cause water

pollution and it will definitely affects living beings as well as aquatic life. So we should think of our

fresh water source with comfort and happiness, its purity, medical efficacy and abundance.

Therefore, it is immense importance of a comprehensive water analysis, periodical research

and timely monitoring of reservoir water including physic-chemical and microbiological properties to

keep our fresh water resource in healthy condition and save them from becoming unsuitable for human

use and to the next generation.

STUDY AREA:

Tungabhadra Reservoir (Dam) is one of the major important river valley project in India has

been constructed a dam across Tungabhadra river at Mallapur village near Munirabad Karnataka. The



project was a joint venture of the Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh states and was completed in 1953.

This is a multipurpose project extensively used by both the states for their source of drinking water

supply, irrigation, industry, hydro-power generation, mining, fishing, boating and recreation.

Salient features of Tungabhadra Reservoir:

Name of the Reservoir : Tungabhadra

River basin : Krishna

Latitude : 150-15’-0” N

Longitude : 760-21-0” E

Length of Dam : 2.4 km

Avg. Height above river bed : 116 ft

Full reservoir level : 1633 ft

Water storage capacity : 132 tmc

Crest gates (spill way) : 33 gates

Catchment Area : 28180 sq.km

Water spread area at FRL : 378 sq.kms

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Sample Collection and Field work:

Water samples were collected once in every month during July-2009 to Aug-2010

from reservoir near the gate of the dam (upstream). The water samples were collected using sampler

from a depth of 30cm below from the surface of water and kept in a polythene can(5lt). The field

parameters like pH, EC, Temperature, color were determined immediately after the collection of

sample at field using Field water analysis apparatus. The DO of sample was determined by addition of

DO fixing chemicals at the field and transported to lab. For further analysis of physico-chemical and

microbiological quality, the samples were transported to the laboratory in the ice box. The samples

were stored in the refrigerator till analysis.

Laboratory Analysis:



The various physico-chemical and bacterial parameters were determined according to procedures

mentioned in the Standard Methods for examination of water and waste water. The samples were

analyzed for different parameters such as pH, EC, temp, color, DO, TDS, SS, NO3-N, Phosphate,

BOD, COD, Total alkalinity, Phenolphthalein alkalinity, Total hardness, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, S04, F,

Iron, Bacterial parameters viz. Total Coliforms and Fecal coliforms. These bacterial parameters were

determined by MPN technique.



RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

The results of Physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters obtained during analysis has listed

below in table

SlN

o

Month of

Collection

pH

U

nit

s

EC

µm

ho

/cm

Tem

p d

eg C

Col

ou

r_C

od

Od

our_

Cod

e

DO

mg

/L

TD

S m

g/L

SS

mg/

L

NO

3-N

mg/

L

p-T

OT

mg

/L

BO

D3

-27

mg/

L

CO

D m

g/L

Alk

-Ph

en

mg

CaC

O3/

L

Alk

-TO

T

mg

CaC

O3/

L

To

tal

Ha

rdn

es

mg

CaC

O3/

L

Ca

mg

CaC

O3/

L

Mg

mg/

L

Na

mg

/L

K m

g/L

Cl

mg/

L

SO

4 m

g/L

CO

3 m

g/L

HC

O3

mg

/L

F m

g/L

B m

g/L

Iro

n

To

tal

Col

if0r

ms

MP

N/1

00m

L

Fa

eco

l C

oli

form

MP

N/1

00m

L

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

1 July-09 8.3 300 26.0 Brown free 6.0 214 64 2.00 2.0 3.0 60 0.0 80.0 112 48 15.6 18 8.0 32 40 NA NA 0.4 0.2

3 4 2

2 August-09 8.4 452 24.0 Brown free 8.0 140 20 2.00 2.0 3.0 80 10.0 112.0 120 60 14.6 20 10.0 34 40 2.6 109.3 0.6 0.2 3.0

4 2

3 September-09 8.5 326 26.0 Brown free 8.0 318 156 2.00 1.0 4.0 200 20.0 84.0 96 52 10.7 24 12.0 40 60 2.4 81.4 0.4 0.2 1.0

12 4

4 October-09 8.3 240 27.0 Clear free 6.0 214 64 1.00 2.0 3.0 160 0.0 98.0 88 34 13.1 16 8.0 20 60 1.8 96.1 0.4 0.2 2.0

8 4

5 November-09 8.2 314 26.0 Clear free 6.0 140 20 2.00 1.0 4.0 120 0.0 76.0 72 28 10.7 22 6.0 28 40 1.1 74.8 0.2 0.1 3.0

6 4

6 December-09 8.2 282 24.0 Clear fishy 4.0 318 156 1.00 1.0 3.0 180 0.0 68.0 54 18 8.8 18 4.0 22 40 0.9 66.9 0.2 0.1 2.0

4 2

7 January-10 8.5 198 28.0 Clear free 6.0 214 64 3.00 1.0 2.5 160 16.0 128.0 120 52 16.5 22 8.0 28 30 3.7 124.2 1.0 0.5 2.0

11 4

8 February-10 8.4 240 29.0 Light

green fishy 6.2 140 20 3.00 2.0 3.0 180 12.0 72.0 60 54 1.5 20 8.0 26 20 1.7 70.2

0.8 0.5 1.5 6 2



9 March-10 8.2 382 30.0 Clear fishy 5.4 318 156 2.00 1.0 3.5 140 0.0 122.0 94 80 3.4 24 8.0 32 30 1.8 120.1 1.0 0.4 1.5

4 2

10 April-10 8.3 340 30.0 Clear fishy 4.0 214 64 3.00 1.0 3.0 120 8.0 80.0 72 26 11.2 28 10.0 48 40 1.5 78.4 1.0 0.5 1.0

8 4

11 May-10 8.4 520 28.0 Brown free 4.0 140 20 2.00 1.0 4.0 180 12.0 140.0 152 38 27.7 38 18.0 52 60 3.2 136.6 0.6 0.4 1.0

11 6

12 June-10 8.3 372 27.0 Brown free 5.0 318 156 2.00 1.0 3.0 140 0.0 144.0 132 32 24.3 28 14.0 46 40 2.6 141.3 0.6 0.4 2.0

8 4

13 July-10 8.2 298 26.0 Brown free 6.0 214 64 2.00 2.0 3.0 80 0.0 112.0 104 36 16.5 20 8.0 34 40 1.6 110.3 0.4 0.2 2.0

6 2

14 August-10 8.4 380 24.0 Brown free 8.0 140 20 2.00 2.0 4.0 120 10.0 110.0 120 40 19.4 24 8.0 40 60 2.5 107.3 0.2 0.1 1.5

6 4

Average 8.3 332 26.8 - - 5.9 318 156 2.07 1.4 3.3 137 6.3 101.9 100 43 13.8 23 9.3 34 43 2.2 101.3 0.6 0.29 1.9

7 7

Minimum 8.2 198 24.0 - - 4.0 214 64 1.00 1.0 2.5 60 0.0 68.0 54 18 1.5 16 4.0 20 20 1.1 66.9 0.2 0.1 1.0

4 4

Maximum 8.5 520 30.0 - - 8.0 140 20 3.00 2.0 4.0 200 20.0 144.0 152 80 27.7 38 18.0 52 60 3.7 141.3 1.0 0.5 3.0

12 12



DISCUSSION:

The results revealed that pH ranged from 8.2 to 8.6 and the reservoir water was alkaline in

nature. The pH was within the range of 6.5 to 8.5 (WHO) stipulated for drinking and domestic uses.

The reservoir water would not adversely affect on users and aquatic ecosystem.

The EC values varied between 198 and 520micromhos/cm. The highest EC recorded was

520micromhos/cm. Generally EC of reservoir was lowest during Dec-09, Jan-10 and Feb-10. EC does

not give cause for concerned and the water suitable for domestic use.

Total Dissolved Solids & Suspended Solids are common indicators of polluted water. The value of

these two ranged from 144 ppm to 318 & 20 to 156 respectively. These values are within the limits of

WHO guidelines.



Dissolved Oxygen: Dissolved oxygen of water is a indicator of water quality. The DO values of

reservoir were ranges from 4 to 8 ppm. The DO concentration below 4 ppm may adversely affect

aquatic life. The results revealed that the water suitable for uses of aquatic system. DO concentration

of unpolluted water is normally about 8-10 ppm at 250C.

Temperature ranged from 24 to 300C. These values are within the temperature ranges.

The parameters like NO3–N, phosphate, Alkalinity, hardness, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, SO4, CO3,

HCO3, Fluoride and Boran were within the limits of WHO guidelines.

Hardness:

Hardness in water prevents the formation of sufficient lather when mixed with soap. This is

caused due to the presence of calcium and magnesium salts in water. The hardness due to bicarbonates

and carbonates of calcium and magnesium can be removed by simple boiling and this represents the

temporary or carbonate hardness. Whereas, the hardness due to nitrates, sulphates and chlorides of

calcium and magnesium cannot be removed by boiling and is known as permanent hardness or non

carbonate hardness. Waters with hardness values exceeding 120 mg/L are considered hard, and waters

with hardness values less than 60 mg/L are considered soft. The Hardness Tungabhadra river water

was within the limits of WHO guidelines.

Alkalinity:

The alkalinity of water is a measurement of its buffering capacity or ability to react with strong acids

to a designated pH. Alkalinity of natural waters is typically a combination of bicarbonate, carbonate

and hydroxide ions. Sewage and wastewaters usually exhibit higher alkalinities either due to the

presence of silicates and phosphates or to a concentration of the ions from natural waters. The total

Alkalinity Tungabhadra river water was within the limits of WHO guidelines.

Chlorides:

Chloride is a salt compound resulting from the combination of the gas chlorine and a metal. Some

common chlorides include sodium chloride (NaCl) and magnesium chloride (MgCl2). Chlorine alone

as Cl2 is highly toxic, and it is often used as a disinfectant. In combination with a metal such as sodium

it becomes essential for life. Small amounts of chlorides are required for normal cell functions in plant

and animal life & it was within the limits of WHO guidelines.



Nitrogen:

Nitrogen is one of the most abundant elements. About 80 percent of the air we breathe is nitrogen. It is

found in the cells of all living things and is a major component of proteins. Inorganic nitrogen may

exist in the free state as a gas N2, or as nitrate NO3, nitrite NO2-, or ammonia NH3+. Organic

nitrogen is found in proteins and is continually recycled by plants and animals. Nitrogen-containing

compounds act as nutrients in streams and rivers. Nitrate reactions [NO3-] in fresh water can cause

oxygen depletion. Thus, aquatic organisms depending on the supply of oxygen in the stream will die.

The major routes of entry of nitrogen into bodies of water are municipal and industrial wastewater,

septic tanks, feed lot discharges, animal wastes (including birds and fish) and discharges from car

exhausts. Bacteria in water quickly convert nitrites [NO2-] to nitrates [NO3-].

Phosphate:

High phosphate concentrations in surface waters may indicate fertilizer runoff, domestic waste

discharge, or the presence of industrial effluents or detergents. If high phosphate levels persist, algae

and other aquatic life will flourish, eventually decreasing the level of dissolved oxygen due to the

accelerated decay of organic matter. Algae blooms are encouraged by levels of phosphate greater than

25 micrograms/L. Phosphorus is one of the key elements necessary for growth of plants and animals.

Phosphorus in elemental form is very toxic and is subject to bioaccumulation. Phosphates PO4 are

formed from this element. Phosphates exist in three forms: orthophosphate, metaphosphate (or

polyphosphate) and organically bound phosphate.cPhosphates are not toxic to people or animals unless

they are present in very high levels. Digestive problems could occur from extremely high levels of

phosphate.

Magnessium:

It is a common constituent of natural water and

important contributor to the hardness of water, and forming scale in boiler. It is expressed in mg/l.

Flouride:

Flouride may occur naturally in water or it may be added to water resources externally. The fluoride

concentration greater than 1.5 mg/l in drinking water produces dental carries and bone sclerosis.



Biological Oxygen Demand: The biological oxygen demand of water can be defined as the amount of

oxygen required by the organism to degrade the organic matter present in the water. BOD indicates the

pollution load of reservoir. BOD limit for drinking purpose is 2ppm, where the reservoir water was

ranged from 2.5 to 4 ppm. The BOD values were slightly higher than tolerance limit and there is no

tolerance limit specified for the irrigation purposes.

Chemical Oxygen Demand: Chemical oxygen demand is the amount of oxygen required degrades the

chemicals. COD ranged from 80-200 ppm. There is no limitation specified for the purpose of drinking

and irrigation.

Iron: The concentration of Iron ranged from 1 to 3 ppm. The reservoir water exceeded the WHO limit

(0.3 ppm). These levels may be probably as a result of mining activity in the catchment area and in

upstream. Higher concentration imparts an unpleasant taste. Although iron is an essential element in

food nutrition.

Bacteriological Quality of water:

The coliform bacteria in water are considered as indicators of bacterial pollution of human or animal

origin and organisms being used as indicator organisms. The results obtained during bacteriological

analysis revealed the presence of bacteria (coliforms) in reservoir water. The presence of these total

coliforms & fecal coliforms indicate contamination by human and animal waste. These pathogens

may pose a special health risk on human being especially on infants, young children’s and people with

severely compromised immune system. WHO has recommended a Zero value of coliform per 100ml

in drinking water. In reservoir water the values of Total coliform & fecal coliform ranged between 4-

11 and 2-6 respectively. This indicated that the reservoir water was contaminated by fecal material

originated from human or animal and imply that this water source pose a serious health risk to

consumers.

CONCLUSION:

The study has provided the information about the water quality status of Tungabhadra

reservoir and revealed that all most all parameters analyzed were within the limits of WHO guidelines

and satisfies all the criteria except BOD, Iron and Bacteriological quality. The bacteriological quality

of reservoir was poor due to direct contamination by human activities and animals. The reservoir water

should be used only after prior treatment.



RECOMENDATION:

As this study was restricted to sampling of water at upstream near the gate. The sampling &

analysis of water at foreshore area of the reservoir along the catchment area at different depths and

immediate downstream could not be done. Hence, it is recommended that the comprehensive water

quality analysis, periodic research and timely monitoring of reservoir water at immediately

downstream and along the catchment area at different places and at different depths must be carried

out to enhance better management plan of reservoir and is immense importance to keep reservoir water

healthy condition and save them from being unsuitable from becoming unsuitable for human uses and

to the next generation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

Our sincere thanks to Research officer and staff, Karnataka Engineering Research Station Munirabad

for providing laboratory facilities and kind cooperation for this study.

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