Seasonal Variation in Physicochemical Characteristics of Bor and Vidarbha (Idarba) Rivers of Amravati

The present study focussed on seasonal variation in physicochemical analysis of Vidarbha (Idarba) and Bor Rivers of Amravati district from Maharashtra studied during different seasons for one year from Oct.2010 to Sept.2011. The analyzed data were compared with standard values recommended by BIS (1998).The physicochemical parameters which were analysed include pH, Calcium hardness, Magnesium hardness, Total hardness, Total dissolved solids, Alkalinity, Sulphate, Nitrate, Dissolved oxygen, BOD and COD. The study on analysis of the water quality parameters of Vidarbha (Idarba) and Bor Rivers of Amravati district from Maharashtra shows that the calcium, TDS, Sulphate, nitrate, dissolved oxygen, Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) values are well within the acceptable limits. Total alkalinity of both the rivers was above the acceptable limits and pH was slightly alkaline. However, the values of total hardness in case of Bor river exceeded the acceptable limit during all the seasons as per BIS standards. This indicates the extent of pollution due to addition of effluents. Introduction:Vidarbha (Idarba) and Bor rivers of Amravati district from Maharashtra are minor rivers which join together and flow into the Wardha River. Both rivers are under constant threat of pollution by floral wastes generated on account of pilgrimage, agricultural runoff, cattle grazing, faecal contamination and washing of cloths by ladies. Water is great gift of nature “No life without water” is possible (Gupta and Gupta 1997). Rivers play an important role in the development of nation and sustenance of life which are being polluted due to speedy urbanization, industrialization and other developmental activities (Alam and Pathak 2010). India is rich in water resources being endowed with crisscross network of rivers that can meet a variety of water requirements of the country. The Indian rivers are polluted due to discharge of untreated, sewage, industrial effluents and agricultural runoff ( Jain et al.2011). In rural areas, people often use unprotected water drawn from rivers, lakes, and wells for drinking and domestic purposes ( Indirabai and George 2002). The quality of water is described according to their physicochemical and microbiological analysis. For effective maintenance of water quality through appropriate control measures, continuous monitoring of large number of quality parameters is essential ( Mishra et al.2008). Vidarbha (Idarba) river passing by Anjansingi and Durgwada and Bor river passing by Kurha of Amravati district from Maharashtra are minor rivers which join together and flow into Wardha River. Both rivers are under constant threat of pollution by floral wastes generated on account of pilgrimage, agricultural runoff, cattle grazing, fecal contamination, washing of cloths by ladies. Supply of potable water is important to the development of any country. Clean water sustains a healthy population and it contributes to the quality of life to households through the provisions of basic needs of water and sanitation. The present paper discusses account on seasonal variation in physicochemical analysis of Vidarbha (Idarba) and Bor Rivers of Amravati district from Maharashtra studied for one year during Oct. 2010 to Sept. 2011. The analyzed data were compared with standard values recommended by BIS (1998). Materials and Methods:All the representative water samples were collected in clean, phosphate free polyethylene bottles that have been pre washed with dilute acid followed by distilled water using standard procedures (NEERI Manual 1988) during winter, summer and rainy seasons from Oct.2010 to Sept.2011. Various physicochemical parameters viz pH, Total dissolved solids, Alkalinity, Calcium hardness, Magnesium hardness, Total hardness, Sulphate, Nitrate, Dissolved oxygen, BOD and COD were determined using standard procedures (APHA (1995), ICMR Manual (1977), Trivedy and Goel (1986). The pH of water sample was measured with a pH meter preciously calibrated with buffer solutions. Alkalinity was determined by titrating a known volume of water sample with 0.02 M HCl. Dissolved oxygen (DO) was determined by Winkler’s titration. Total dissolved solids (TDS) was determined gravimetrically by evaporating known volume of water to dryness in a pre-weighed crucible on a steam bath. Total hardness was determined by titrating with EDTA using Eriochrome black T as indicator. Biological oxygen Demand (BOD) was determined by using the relationship BOD = DO-DO5 (APHA 1995). COD was determined by closed reflux titrimetric method. Remaining physicochemical parameters were determined by using standard procedures (APHA (1995), ICMR Manual (1977),Trivedy and Goel (1986).

India is rich in water resources being endowed with crisscross network of rivers that can meet a variety of water requirements of the country. The Indian rivers are polluted due to discharge of untreated, sewage, industrial effluents and agricultural runoff ( Jain et al.2011). In rural areas, people often use unprotected water drawn from rivers, lakes, and wells for drinking and domestic purposes ( Indirabai and George 2002).
The quality of water is described according to their physicochemical and microbiological analysis. For effective maintenance of water quality through appropriate control measures, continuous monitoring of large number of quality parameters is essential ( Mishra et al.2008).
Vidarbha (Idarba) river passing by Anjansingi and Durgwada and Bor river passing by Kurha of Amravati district from Maharashtra are minor rivers which join together and flow into Wardha River. Both rivers are under constant threat of pollution by floral wastes generated on account of pilgrimage, agricultural runoff, cattle grazing, fecal contamination, washing of cloths by ladies.
Supply of potable water is important to the development of any country. Clean water sustains a healthy population and it contributes to the quality of life to households through the provisions of basic needs of water and sanitation. The present paper discusses account on seasonal variation in physicochemical analysis of Vidarbha (Idarba) and Bor Rivers of Amravati district from Maharashtra studied for one year during Oct. 2010 to Sept. 2011. The analyzed data were compared with standard values recommended by BIS (1998).

Materials and Methods:-
All the representative water samples were collected in clean, phosphate free polyethylene bottles that have been pre washed with dilute acid followed by distilled water using standard procedures (NEERI Manual 1988) during winter, summer and rainy seasons from Oct.2010 to Sept.2011.
The pH of water sample was measured with a pH meter preciously calibrated with buffer solutions. Alkalinity was determined by titrating a known volume of water sample with 0.02 M HCl. Dissolved oxygen (DO) was determined by Winkler's titration. Total dissolved solids (TDS) was determined gravimetrically by evaporating known volume of water to dryness in a pre-weighed crucible on a steam bath. Total hardness was determined by titrating with EDTA using Eriochrome black T as indicator. Biological oxygen Demand (BOD) was determined by using the relationship BOD = DO-DO 5 (APHA 1995). COD was determined by closed reflux titrimetric method.
Remaining physicochemical parameters were determined by using standard procedures (APHA (1995), ICMR Manual (1977, Trivedy and Goel (1986). Note:-All parameters are expressed in mg/ ml except pH . Note:-All parameters are expressed in mg/ ml except pH . Note:-All parameters are expressed in mg/ ml except pH . Note:-All parameters are expressed in mg/ ml except pH. Note:-All parameters are expressed in mg/ ml except pH.

Results and Discussion:-
The physicochemical characteristics of both Bor and VIdarbha (Idarba) river water samples studied during different seasons from Oct.2010 to Sept. 2011 are presented in Table 1 to

Conclusion:-
The study on analysis of the water quality parameters of Vidarbha (Idarba) and Bor Rivers of Amravati district from Maharashtra shows that the calcium, TDS, Sulphate, nitrate, dissolved oxygen, Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) values are well within the acceptable limits. Total alkalinity of both the rivers was above the acceptable limits and pH was slightly alkaline. However, the values of total hardness in case of Bor river exceeded the acceptable limit during all the seasons as per BIS standards.
In this present investigation, it was found that the maximum parameters were not at the level of pollution except few parameters like total alkalinity, pH for Vidarbha as well as Bor Rivers and total hardness in case of Bor river. The present investigation has led us to conclude that the quality of Vidarbha and Bor Rivers water samples subjected to study were acceptable from majority of physicochemical parameters while as per BIS standards, both the types of river waters need to be treated before their use for drinking and in domestic applications.