**3. Physico-chemical profile**

### **3.1. Water**

Physico-chemical properties of the water samples collected from the study zones are men‐ tioned in Table 1. The pH values indicate neutral nature of river water acceptable as per BIS [36] and WHO [37] guidelines. A reading of 6.5 to 7.5 is considered neutral, suitable for general plant growth [38]. Conductance which reflects the status of major ions/inorganic pollution and is a measure of total dissolved solids and ionized species in the water, varies between 434 – 503 µmho/cm. Total dissolved solids were highest in zone 2. The hardness of water body is regulated largely by the levels of Ca and Mg salts. Other metals if present such as Fe, Al and Mn may also contribute to hardness. Most parameters were within their respective acceptable limits [36, 37]. Electrical conductivity was low. High COD, BOD and low DO in zones 1 and 2 are due to the discharge of huge amount of the untreated urban and industrial wastewater/ effluents indiscriminately. All three zones were faecally contaminated. Bacterial contamina‐ tion ranged from19000—93000 coliform/100ml; the values are much higher than recommended values of 1coliform/100ml. Most of these coliforms were of faecal type due to gravity discharge of faecal wastes in adjacent areas along the river.


**Table 1.** Physico-chemical profile of water
