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Water quality assessment plays a crucial role in understanding and managing the health and sustainability of river basins. The Ganga River basin, located in South Asia, is one of the most significant and extensively studied river basins in the world due to its ecological, cultural, and economic significance. This abstract provides an overview of the water quality assessment in the Ganga River basin, highlighting the key challenges, methodologies, and findings.
Assessing water quality in the Ganga River basin involves analysing various physical, chemical, and biological parameters. The major challenges faced in this process include the presence of multiple pollution sources such as industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, municipal waste, and religious activities, which contribute to the degradation of water quality. Additionally, the vastness of the basin, complex hydrological processes, and population density add to the complexity of water quality assessment.
To evaluate water quality, a combination of field monitoring, laboratory analysis, and remote sensing techniques is employed. Parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, and nutrient concentrations are routinely measured to assess the water's overall health. Biological indicators such as macroinvertebrates and fish species composition are also studied to understand the ecosystem's response to pollution.
The findings of water quality assessment studies in the Ganga River basin indicate widespread degradation and pollution. High levels of organic and inorganic pollutants, including heavy metals, pesticides, and pathogens, have been detected in various stretches of the river. These contaminants pose significant risks to human health and aquatic life, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem services. Additionally, the presence of excessive nutrients leads to eutrophication, causing algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
Water quality assessment in the Ganga River basin serves as a basis for formulating effective management strategies and policies. It provides valuable insights into pollution sources, spatial and temporal patterns of contamination, and the effectiveness of pollution control measures. Integrated watershed management approaches, such as riverbank filtration, afforestation, and wastewater treatment, are being implemented to mitigate pollution and improve water quality.
In conclusion, water quality assessment in the Ganga River basin is essential for understanding the extent and impacts of pollution, as well as for guiding effective management and conservation efforts. Continued monitoring, research, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders are crucial to ensure the restoration and sustainability of this culturally significant river basin.
KEYWORDS: Water quality, Time-series analysis, Ganga River basin.
