Occurrence of pollution indicators in tropical perennial river of Periyar, Southern India

Abstract

The Periyar river water samples were collected from nine different places during summer 2015 for physiochemical and bacteriological analysis. The mean concentrations of DO (mg/L) and BOD (mg/L) in S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8 and S9 were 6.7 and 7.8, 5.8 and 8.1, 4.9 and 5.8, 5.6 and 6.3, 4.3 and 7.4, 8.0 and 9.1, 4.4 and 5.1, 3.4 and 6.8, and 5.1 and 3.8, respectively. The level of Pollution Index (PI) (Fecal coliforms / Fecal Streptococci ) in S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8 and S9 was 1.8, 1.3, 2.1, 1.75, 2.4, 1.8, 2.3, 1.4 and 1.5, respectively. The higher PI ratio (>1) indicated that the sampling sites were contaminated by human fecal matters which is major contribution for river pollution and which require immediate attention. The study further raises points for the need of action for a sustainable utilization of precious resources. The study also recommends the necessity of proper sanitation and waste disposal to sustain the surface water quality.