Assessment of Quality of Ground Water and Surface Water of Choudwar Area in Cuttack District

 

Pradeepta K. Bhuyan, Pradyusa Samantray* and Swoyam P. Rout

Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Dept. of Chemistry, Utkal University, Vani Vihar Bhubaneswar 751004, India

*Corresponding Author E-mail: pradyusa@gmail.com

 

ABSTRACT:

An assessment of the water quality of surface and ground water was studied in three different seasons namely summer, premonsoon and winter.  Choudwar industrial area i.e Ferro-alloys Unit (IMFA) and its Captive Thermal Power Plant, Air Force Defence Unit (Aviation Research Centre, Government of India) and one major industry i.e. Arati Steel at Ghantikhal towards the west on the bank of river Mahanadi. Four parameters namely pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Biochemical Oxygen Demand and Fecal Coliform was considered to compute Water Quality Index based on National Sanitation Foundation studies. Our findings highlighting the overall quality of ground water and surface water adjoining the study area except Putoloi (of Birupa) River which remains unaffected in spite of the discharge of effluent water of industrial units located in the study area. However there is deterioration of water quality of few stations due to industrialisation and human activities.

 

KEYWORDS: Choudwar area, NSF Water Quality Index, Dissolved Oxygen, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Fecal Coliform

 

 

1.0 INTRODUCTION:

The relationship between environment and development is one of the most burning issues of the present times. Developmental activities e.g. setting up industrial units, transportation, constructional work etc cause degradation and drastic changes in every component of environment namely, hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere and biosphere through pollution. Water pollution has emerged in the past few decades as the most crucial problem to mankind.

 

Water is one of the essential substances for the survival of living beings. But, in the present times, this natural resource has been most exploited since human beings strode the earth. Pollution of water bodies is increasing steadily on account of rapid industrial proliferation and large sphere of human activities. It is high time that proper measure must be taken to save the water from becoming unhygienic for maintaining normal living standard of both land species and aquatic species in the industrial areas.

 

In the present paper, an attempt has been made to represent the overall quality of ground water of Choudwar area and surface water of Mahanadi and Birupa river adjoining Choudwar and its peripheral areas located in Cuttack district. The impact of major industries like Ferro-alloys, Thermal power plant and Steel industry and small scale industries like rolling mill and carpet manufacturing units on water environment of study area have been studied.

 

2.0 Study Area:

The study area is located at Choudwar 19000’00’’ North and 20040’00” East in Cuttack district on National Highway  42 (NH-42) which is 15kms away from Cuttack City shown in the index map of study area in Fig. 1. The central part of Choudwar area i.e. taken as core zone constitute mainly.

 

The Air Force Defense Unit (Aviation Research Centre, Government of India) is situated just adjacent to the core zone towards the north. The study area consists of one major industry i.e. Arati Steel at Ghantikhal towards the west on the bank of river Mahanadi. A few small industrial units like rolling mill, coke production unit are also situated nearby.

 

Choudwar Area is surrounded by water bodies in three directions namely the south, the west, and the east. Mahanadi river flows on the south west side of core zone at 5 Kms distance and drains from west to east. The effluent from Arati Steel is discharged into this river.

 

INDEX MAP OF STUDY AREA:

 

Birupa river a tributary of the Mahanadi river flows on the south of core zone of 4 kms distance and drains from south to north and then turns towards east at Birupa barge. Birupa river is of particular important in the surface water pollution studies because the effluents from Ferro alloys units of IMFA and its captive power plant is discharged. Besides, the discharge of waste water from the municipality is also drained into this river. Both the rivers Mahanadi and river Birupa adjoining the study area are shown in the Fig.2.

3.0 Methodology:

Samples of surface water were collected at three locations from river Mahanadi and also at three locations from river Birupa adjoining the study area. Similarly, the samples of ground water were collected from dugwells at six locations around the core zone of study area. Details of sampling locations of surface as well as ground water is given in the Table 2 and point of locations are shown in Figure. 2.

 

MAP OF LOCATIONS OF SAMPLING OF SURFACE WATER AND GROUND WATER

 

FIG. 2

(i) Ferro-alloys Unit and its Captive Thermal Power Plant. (Indian Metal and Ferro-Alloys Ltd)

(ii) Ferro-chrome Unit (Utkal Manufacturing and Service Ltd.)

 

Table   1: Details of Locations of Sampling of Surface and Ground Water in the Study Area

Location Code

Location (Sources)

Environmental Setting

SW- 1

Nuapatna (Mahanadi)

9 kms. from the core zone towards south west.

SW- 2

Chasapada (Mahanadi)

5 kms. from the core zone towards south west.

SW- 3

Mandapada (Mahanadi)

4 kms. from the core zone towards south.

SW- 4

Near Putoloi (Birupa)

3 kms. from the core zone towards south.

SW- 5

Near Barage (Birupa)

4 kms. from the core zone towards south east.

SW- 6

Nuapada (Birupa)

7 kms. from the core zone towards south east.

GW- 1

Kapaleswar (IMFA) (Dug well)

Core zone central point of Choudwar Area

GW- 2

Kalinga Nagar (Dug well)

1 kms. from the core zone, towards west

GW- 3

Nua Sahi (Dug well)

4 kms. from the core zone towards west

GW- 4

Manguli (Dug well)

3 kms. from the core zone towards east

GW- 5

Hari Nathpur (Dug well)

4 kms. from the core zone towards south

GW- 6

Agrahat (Dug well)

4 kms. from the core zone towards north

 

 

Sampling of both surface water and ground water were carried out twice in each seasons such as post-monsoon, winter and summer of the study period from October, 2008 to May, 2009.

 

Samples were analysed using standard procedure1. Surface water were analysed for four parameters such as pH, Dissolved oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Fecal coliform colonies (FC). Ground water were analysed for eight parameters such as pH, DO, BOD, turbidity, Fecal coliform, total phosphate, nitrate and total solids, pH of water sample was determined at the sampling site. Analysis of total suspended solids was carried out by filteration process through membrane filter followed by gravimetric method and the dissolved solids content of water sample was done by gravimetric method2. The Winkler’s method was followed for the DO and BOD, Total Phosphate, Nitrate and Turbidity were determined by spectrophotometric method1. Fecal coliform was done by MPN/100ml method by growing in M-FC medium at temperature 44.5 ± 10 C and counted after 48 hours.

 

Water Pollution Indices:

The extent of water pollution is presented in terms of Water Quality Index for general public awareness3. At present, National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index (NSF WQI) is an excellent management and general administrative tool in communicating water quality status. This index has been largely field tested and applied to data from a number of geographical areas all over the world in order to calculate Water Quality Index of various water bodies4. NSF WQI of water at different locations has been estimated with the help of a mathematical equation developed by National Sanitation Foundation5 as given below.

 

 

SIi is the subindex for ith water quality parameter. wi is the weight (in terms of importance) associated with ith water quality parameter. P is the number of water quality parameter taken into our calculation.

 

For the study of surface water quality, 100 point scale of NSF WQI summarises the results of four parameter such as pH, DO, BOD and FC. However, this 100 point NSF-WQI can be divided into several ranges corresponding the quality expressed in common descriptive term and respective class (given in Table 1) which makes it easier for the general public to understand how clean or polluted their water is.

 

Table 2 :  Water Quality Index Legend

NSF WQI Range

Quality

Class

91-100

Excellent

A

71-90

Good

B

51-70

Medium

C

26-50

Bad

D

0-25

Very Bad

E

 

Findings of Water Quality Parameters:

Seasonal average value of findings of water quality parameters of surface water and ground water at different locations are separately given in Table 3 and Table 4.

 

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

4.1 Surface water:

River Mahanadi:

pH was fond to be minimum 7.10 in summer at SW-1 and also at SW-2 and the maximum 7.30 in winter at SW-3. However the findings of pH are within the permissible limits specified by Central pollution Control Board (CPCB). i.e. 5.5-9.0. Dissolved oxygen was found to be minimum 5.4 mg/l in winter and in summer at SW-1 and SW-3 respectively. The maximum value 6.2 mg/l of D.O. has been observed in winter at SW-2. However annual average of these findings are also within the permissible limits. i.e 4 to 6 mg/l that ensure standard living of aquatic life. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) was found to be lowest 3.4 mg/l at SW-3 in winter while highest 4.7 mg/l at SW-2 in winter, the influx of organic pollutants into Mahanadi river through Atharabanki river are confirmed by a slightly high BOD and also low DO6, 7, 8.


 

Table 3 : Seasonal average of findings of parameters of surface water at different locations

Location Code

Location (Sources)

Seasons

pH

D.O mg/l

BOD mg/l

F.C MPN/100ml

SW-1

 

Nuapatna (Mahanadi)

Postmonsson

7.2

6

4.2

01

Winter

7.24

5.4

3.8

01

Summer

7.1

5.7

4

01

SW-2

 

Chasapada (Mahanadi)

Postmonsson

7.18

5.9

4.5

01

Winter

7.2

6.2

4.7

01

Summer

7.1

5.9

4

01

SW-3

 

Mandapada (Mahanadi)

Postmonsson

7.18

6

4.2

02

Winter

7.3

5.8

3.4

02

Summer

7.2

5.4

3.8

02

SW-4

 

Putoloi (Birupa)

Postmonsson

6.72

5.7

3.7

06

Winter

6.76

5.9

4.2

04

Summer

6.74

6.1

4.4

05

SW-5

 

Near Barge (Birupa)

Postmonsson

6.94

5.2

3

02

Winter

6.92

5.9

3.8

02

Summer

6.88

5.4

4

02

SW-6

 

Narapada (Birupa)

Postmonsson

7.32

5.6

3

02

Winter

7.34

5.7

2.6

02

Summer

7.24

5.2

2.8

02

 

Table 4  :  Seasonal Average of findings of parameters of Ground water at different locations

Location Code

Location (Sources)

 

Seasons

 

pH

 

Total solids

mg/l

DO

mg/l

BOD

mg/l

F.C.

(MPN/

100)

Total phosphate

mg/l

Nitrate

mg/l

Turbidity

NTU

GW-1

 

 

Kapeleswar

(Dugwell)

 

Post- Monsoon

7.1

109

4.8

2.2

01

3.80

0.067

1

Winter

6.5

104

4.5

2.1

01

3.61

0.050

1.2

Summer

7.1

102

4.8

1.7

01

3.75

0.069

1.2

GW-2

 

 

Kalinga Nagar

(Dugwell)

 

Post- Monsoon

6.6

226

4.9

3

01

3.51

0.040

0.8

Winter

6.8

235

4.8

2.9

01

3.60

0.043

0.7

Summer

6.7

241

4.7

2.5

01

3.72

0.043

1.2

GW-3

 

 

Nua Sahi

(Dugwell)

 

Post- Monsoon

7.3

178

5.0

2.4

01

3.99

0.038

1

Winter

7.1

199

4.8

1.9

01

3.80

0.036

1

Summer

7.2

226

5.5

2.3

01

3.73

0.046

1.4

GW-4

 

 

Manguli

(Dugwell)

 

Post- Monsoon

7.2

105

5.0

2.6

01

3.68

0.060

1.2

Winter

7.5

122

5.3

2.4

01

3.96

0.034

1.2

Summer

6.9

127

4.7

1.9

01

3.76

0.059

1.5

GW-5

 

 

Harinathpur

(Dugwell)

 

Post- Monsoon

7.1

210

5.2

2.2

01

3.82

0.021

1

Winter

6.8

190

4.8

1.9

01

3.40

0.051

1

Summer

6.8

176

4.7

1.9

01

3.64

0.060

1.3

GW-6

 

 

Agrahat

(Dugwell)

 

Post- Monsoon

7.5

124

5.5

2.1

01

3.76

0.046

1

Winter

6.9

120

5.0

2.8

01

3.92

0.062

1.2

Summer

6.9

101

4.8

2.3

01

3.90

0.066

1.4

 

Table 5 : Average value of parameters of surface water at different locations throughout the study period and respective NSF WQI value

Location Code

Location (Sources)

pH

DO mg/l

BOD mg/l

F.C MPN/ 100ml

NSF WQI

Quality

Class

SW-1

Nuapatna (Mahanadi)

7.18

5.7

4.0

01

77

Good

B

SW-2

Chasapada (Mahanadi)

7.16

6.0

4.4

01

78

Good

B

SW-3

Mandapada (Mahanadi)

7.23

5.7

3.8

02

75

Good

B

SW-4

Putoloi (Birupa)

6.74

5.9

4.1

05

69

Medium

C

SW-5

Near Barge (Birupa)

6.91

5.5

3.6

02

73

Good

B

SW-6

Narapada (Birupa)

7.30

5.5

2.8

02

75

Good

B

 

 

However, the findings of this parameter are within the permissible limit specified by CPCB. i.e maximum 5 mg/l. higher BOD values were recorded during summer season and such observation was also made by Das and Acharya (2003). Low concentration of BOD was recorded during winter due to a huge volume of fresh water that diluted the organic matter resulting in the decrease in the BOD values9, 10. As BOD concentrations at all locations are less than 5 mg/l, surface water of this river is treated as pure.

 

Fecal coliform colonies in surface water of river Mahanadi were found to below 01 MPN/100ml at SW-1 and SW-2 in all seasons of the study period while highest 02 MPN/100ml at SW-3 throughout the study period. However, the findings of F.C. colonies were below the permissible limits i.e. 10 MPN/100ml for hygienic water.

 

River  Birupa:

pH was found to be lowest 6.72 at SW-4 in post monsoon and highest 7.34 at SW-6 in winter. However the findings of pH are within the permissible range i.e 5.5 to 9.0. Dissolved oxygen (DO) was found to be minimum 5.2 mg/l in postmonsoon and in summer at SW-5 and SW-6 respectively. The maximum value 6.1 mg/l has been observed in summer at SW-4. The annual average value of DO is within 4 to 6 mg/l permissible for aquatic life.

 

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) content in surface water of river Birupa was found to be lowest 2.6 mg/l at SW-6 in winter and highest 4.4 mg/l at SW-4 in summer. However, the BOD content are also within the permissible limit i.e. 5mg/l 11, 12. Fecal coliform colonies in water of river Birupa varied from 02 MPN/100ml to 06 MPN/100 ml. The Fecal coliform colonies were unchanged at the value 02 MPN/ 100ml at SW-5 and SW-6 throughout the study period. But the F.C. colonies were varied from 04 MPN/100 ml in winter to 06 MPN/100ml. in postmonsoon at SW-4 of river Birupa. However the findings are also below permissible limit i.e. 10 MPN/100ml.

 

Variation of Water Quality Index of surface water (Mahanadi and Birupa River) against different locations

 

 

Table 6:  Average of findings of all eight parameters of Ground Water at different locations throughout the study period.

Location Code

 

Location (Sources)

 

pH

 

Total solids

mg/l

DO

mg/l

 

BOD

mg/l

 

F.C. Colonies

(MPN/100)

Total phosphate

mg/l

Nitrate

mg/l

 

Turbidity

NTU

 

GW-1

Kapeleswar (Dugwell)

6.9

105.0

4.7

2.0

01

3.72

0.062

1.1

GW-2

Kalinga Nagar (Dugwell)

6.7

234

4.8

2.8

01

3.61

0.042

0.9

GW-3

Nua Sahi (Dugwell)

7.2

201

5.4

2.2

01

3.84

0.040

1.2

GW-4

Manguli  (Dugwell)

7.2

118

5

2.3

01

3.8

0.051

1.3

GW-5

Harinathpur (Dugwell)

6.9

192

4.9

2.0

01

3.62

0.044

1.1

GW-6

Agrahat (Dugwell)

7.1

115

5.4

2.4

01

3.86

0.058

1.2

 

 

Result of WQI:

Annual average of findings of parameters of surface water of river Mahanadi and river Birupa at different locations and their respective NSF WQI are given in Table 5 and graphical representation of WQI of surface water at different locations are shown in Fig. 3

 

Considering the average value of four important analysed parameter such as pH, DO, BOD and F.C. colonies of surface water samples taken at different locations of river Mahanadi and river Birupa adjoining the study area, NSF WQI were computed Figure 3. The WQI value was found to be highest 78 at SW-2 (river Mahanadi at Chasapada) and lowest 69 at SW-4 (River Birupa at Putoloi).

 

WQI values of surface water of river Mahanadi at each location adjoining the study area varied between 75 to 78 i.e. within the range of 71 to 90. Thus, the water quality of river Mahanadi adjoining the study area is described as good category.

 

The WQI values of surface water of river Birupa adjoining the study area were found to be varied between 69 to 75. At SW-4 (river Birupa at Putoloi), the WQI value was found to be 69 i.e within the range of 51 to 70. Thus, the quality of surface water at this location (SW-4) of river Birupa is described as medium category. It is probably due to discharge of waste water as municipal sewage. Moreover, WQI values were found to be 73 and 75 at SW-5 and SW-6 of river Birupa respectively. Therefore, the quality of water of river Birupa at the locations except at Putoloi (SW-4) is within 71 to 90 and accordingly treated as good category. This indicates that no appreciable impact of ferro-alloys and its captive thermal power plant on surface water of river Birupa has been observed.

 

5.0 GROUND WATER:

Study on quality of ground water at six locations within the study area has been carried out in three seasons i.e  postmonsoon, winter and summer of the study period by analysing eight parameters such as pH, total solids, DO, BOD, Fecal Coliform Colonies, total phosphate, nitrate and turbidity.         Annual average of findings of parameter of ground water sampled at different locations are given in Table 6

 

pH was found to be lowest 6.5 in winter at GW-1 and highest 7.5 in winter and in post-monsoon at GW-4 and at GW-6 respectively. However the average value of pH throughout the study period was observed minimum from 6.7 at GW-2, and maximum 7.2 at GW-3 and GW-4. Finally, the findings of pH of ground water at different locations are within the standard range i.e. 6.5 to 8.5 at all times of study period.

 

A total solid was found to be highest 241 mg/l at GW-2 in summer and lowest 101 mg/l at GW-6 in summer. But the average value of total solids throughout the study period was computed to be minimum 105 mg/l at GW-2 and maximum 234 mg/l at GW-1. However the findings of total solids of ground water of all location at all time of study period are within the permissible limit i.e. below 500 mg/l.

 

Dissolved Oxygen was found to be lowest 4.5 mg/l in winter at GW-1 and highest 5.5. mg/l at GW-3 and also at GW-6 in summer and in postmonsoon respectively. But the average value of DO of whole study period was computed to be minimum 4.7 mg/l at GW-1 and maximum 5.1 mg/l at GW-3 and at GW-6. Moreover, the findings of DO in ground water at all locations around the core zone in the study area are good i.e. within 4-6 mg/l which ensures healthy aquatic life in water body.

 

Findings of BOD were varied from 1.7 mg/l (lowest) at GW-1 in summer to 3.0 mg/l (highest) in Post-monsoon at GW-2. Average value of BOD of whole study period was found to be minimum 2.0 mg/l at GW-2 and GW-5 and maximum 2.8 at GW-2.

 

Fecal coliform colonies were found to be unchanged at 01 MPN/100 ml at each location in all seasons of the study period. This finding is much less than the standard i.e 10 MPN/100ml.

 

Total phosphate of ground water was found to be lowest 3.40 mg/l at GW-5 in winter and highest 3.99 mg/l in post-monsoon at GW-3. More over the average value of total phosphate of whole study period was found to be minimum 3.61 mg/l at GW-2 and maximum 3.84 mg/l at    GW-3.

 

The concentration of nitrate in ground water was found to be lowest 0.021 mg/l at GW-5 in postmonsoon and highest 0.067 mg/l in postmonsoon at GW-1. Findings of nitrate in the ground water at all locations are much below the permissible limits.

 

The turbidity in ground water was found to be minimum 0.7 NTU at GW-2 in winter and maximum 1.5 NTU at GW-4 in summer. However the turbidity is much less compared to the standard permissible limits i.e. 5 NTU for ground water.

The annual average (all three seasons) value of the eight parameter summarizes the quality of ground water is good at each location around the core zone in the study area during the study period.

 

6.0 CONCLUSION:

Basing on the NSF WQI of surface water of river Mahanadi adjoining the study area throughout the study period, the overall quality of surface water of river Mahanadi is considered to good. In case of the surface water of river Birupa adjoining the study area, the NSF WQI found to be 69 at Putoloi in the medium category range.

 

Therefore, the overall quality of surface water adjoining the study area except at Putoloi (of Birupa River) remains unaffected in spite of the discharge of effluent water of industrial units located in the study area. At Putoli, the surface water of river Birupa was found to be marginally polluted.

 

Moreover, the detailed study on the analysed parameters of ground water sampled at various locations within and around the core zone of study area concludes that the overall quality of ground water is unaffected despite the discharge of effluent from industrial units.

 

7.0 REFERENCES

1.       APHA (1992). Standard methods for Examination of Water and Waste water, APHA, Washington DC.

2.       Trivedi R.K., Goel P.K., (1984). “Chemical and Biological Methods of Water Pollution studies” Goel publisher, Meerut.

3.       Tiwari T.N., Mishra M, (1986). Pollution in Indian Rivers : Assessement of Geometrical water Quality Index, J. of Orissa Bot. Soc, 8:46-48.

4.       Singh R.K., Ananmdha H, (1996). “Water Quality of Some Indian Rivers,” Ind. J. of Env. Health 21-34.

5.       Curtis G. Cude, Jr., Oregon Water Quality Index February, (2001). A Tool for Evaluting Water Quality Management Effectiveness, of the American Water Resources Association.

6.       Das J, Das S.N., Sahoo R.K., (1997). Semidiurnal Variation of some physico-chemical parameters in the Mahanadi estuary, East cost of India, Indian J.Mar Sei 26, 323-326.

7.       Pradhan S.K., Pattanaik D., Rout S.P., (1998). Ground Water quality an asscessment around a phosphatic fertilizer plant of Pradip, Indian J. Environ Protect 18 (10) 769-772.

8.       Nayak B.B., Sahoo B.N., Acharya B.C., Sahoo R.K., (2001). Studies on water and sediment qualities around Dhamara Estury, Orissa. Vistas goel Res. Utkal Univ. SPl. Pub 1 Goel 2, 243 250.

9.       Bagde, US, Verma, AK; (1985).  Limnological studies of JNU Lake. New Delhi, Proc. Natl Sump. Pure and Appld. Limnl. 32, 16-33.

10.     Palharya JP, Maliva S, (1998). pollution of Narmada river at Hoshangabad in Madhyapradaesh and suggested Measure for conrol in R.K. Trivedy (ed), Ecology and pollution of Indian rivers, Ashish Publishing House New Delhi, PP 55-85.

11.     ISI, (1983). Indian Standard; Specification for Drinking Water, New Delhi, India; Indian Standards Institution.

12.     WHO (World Health Organisation), (1984). Guidelines for Drinking water Quality Vol.1, Health Criteria and Other supporting Information, Geneva.

 

 

 

Received on 29.10.2010        Modified on 11.11.2010

Accepted on 23.11.2010        © AJRC All right reserved

Asian J. Research Chem. 4(8): August, 2011; Page 1214-1220