1 Department of Geography, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, U.P., India
Pages:
35 - 43
Abstract:
River is important for every human being as well as flora and
fauna. Over the last century, riverine ecosystems have suffered from intense
human intervention resulting in habitat loss and degradation and as a
consequence, many biotic species have become highly endangered,
particularly in rivers where heavy demand is placed on freshwaters. This
study was aimed to estimate the pollution status and their variation across
the stretch of river Gomti flowing through the city of Jaunpur. The sampling is
concerned from upstream to downstream regions of the river through the
city. Four sampling sites namely, Gokul Ghat (upstream), Gular Ghat, Shastri
Bridge and Gomti Barrage (downstream) were selected for sampling. The
water samples were collected and analyzed for a period of one year during
March 2016 to February 2017. For the study total 6 parameters such as
Temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD),
Nitrate (NO3
-
) and Phosphate (PO4
3-
) were detected with reference to the
monsoonal variation (summer, monsoon and winter). The results indicate
that Gomti River water was in polluted condition due to the city drainage
systems, unplanned municipal wastes and industrial waste. Religious idol
immersions are also found on the bank and in river water. On the other hand
river was polluted mainly by local waste like daily garbage, faecal flow and
plastic bags. It indicates that the unplanned urbanization is responsible for
the deterioration of river water. To keep the river clean for the future, it is
strongly recommended that urban effluents should not be over-looked
before their discharge into the river and it is very necessary to assess the
river water quality and subsequently, prepare the mitigation measures to
reduced pollution level in Gomti River.
Keywords:
Ecosystem, Gomti River, Dissolved Oxygen, BOD, Urbanization.