Comprehensive Water Quality Assessment of Sha...

Comprehensive Water Quality Assessment of Sharda Canal Using the Water Quality Index (WQI) Methodology

Author Name : Abhishek Verma, Mohit Kumar, Km Shashi Prabha Mishra, Mamta Rao, Pratima Kushwaha

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56025/IJARESM.2024.120924097

ABSTRACT The study conducted to appraise the water quality of Sharda Canal in Uttar Pradesh, India using mathematical based Water Quality Index (WQI) technique. As a major water source for industrial effluents and agricultural runoff, the canal was polluted more by human activities. This study pertains to evaluation of water quality, focusing on five sampling points in Shahjahanpur and Hardoi districts. With a 12 parameter key including pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids(s) TDS, sulfates and nitrate finding WQI by weighted arithmetic method. The results revealed that water quality in most locations ranged from "poor" to "very poor," with WQI values between 115.87 and 140.49, indicating significant pollution levels, particularly in areas with industrial and agricultural influence. The presence of high levels of total dissolved solids, chemical oxygen demand, sulfates, and nitrates were major contributors to the degradation of water quality, highlighting the critical need for targeted pollution control measures. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous water quality monitoring and the development of effective water management strategies. It recommends stricter regulations for industrial discharges, improved wastewater treatment processes, and public awareness campaigns to reduce pollution. The findings provide essential insights for policymakers to develop sustainable solutions to safeguard this vital water resource for future generations.