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QUARTERLY
4(4) : 263-271, 2010
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SEASONAL VARIATION IN PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND MICRO-
BIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF MAHANADI RIVER WATER IN AND
AROUND HIRAKUD, ORISSA (INDIA)
P. K. KAR*, K. R. PANI, S. K. PATTANAYAK 1 AND S. K. SAHU 1
Department of Chemistry, V. S. S. University of Technology, Burla - 768 018, INDIA
1
Department of Environmental Science, Sambalpur University, Burla - 768 019, INDIA
E-mail: pravinkar@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
Hirakud town is an industrial hub in the district of Sambalpur, located in the
western part of Orissa and south-eastern part of India. It is situated on the left
bank of river Mahanadi in the down stream of Hirakud Dam reservoir which is
constructed across the river in 1950’s. The flow of water in the river Mahanadi is
controlled by the Hirakud dam. The area lies at 21º31’59’’ NL and 83º54’46’’ EL
and is at about 162 meter above mean sea level (MSL). Industries like aluminium,
power, rolling and cable are situated in Hirakud. Besides many residential colonies,
a large number of villages are also present in and around this area. There are also
many industries like Steel, aluminum, power, sponge iron etc. in the upstream of
Hirakud Dam alongside the reservoir. The drainage network of the area is
controlled by river Mahanadi. A rivulet flows through the central part of the town
before meeting the river Mahanadi on its left bank. It carries almost all the industrial
effluents and also a sizeable load of domestic effluent from industrial townships
of Hirakud.
Lakes, rivers and streams are the sources of drinking water, irrigation, fishery and
energy production (Iscen et al., 2008). Almost all the fresh water bodies are being
polluted by expanding human population and in consequence, industrialization,
intensive agricultural practices and discharges of massive amount of wastewater
etc. which result in deterioration of water quality (Sinha, 1986). The main pollutants
that pose to natural water quality problems are organic wastes, bacteria, nutrients
and other chemical substances. These parameters could be affected by external
and internal factors. There is an intricate relationship between the external and
internal factors in aquatic environments. Meteorological events and pollution
are a few of the external factors which affect physico-chemical parameters such
as temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) of the water. These parameters
have major influences on biochemical reactions that occur within the water.
Sudden changes of these parameters may be indicative of changing conditions
in the water. Internal factors, on the other hand, include events, which occur
between and within bacterial and plankton populations in the water body
(Bezuidenhout et al., 2002).
The physico-chemical and microbiological parameters of different fresh water
systems (river, stream, ocean etc.) have been studied by various researchers
(Panda et al., 1991; Sahu et al., 1991; Singh et al., 2004; Ghose et al.,
2009).However, no comprehensive work has been done till yet to explore the
seasonal variation in physico-chemical and microbiological parameters on the
water quality of river Mahanadi at Hirakud. Keeping this in view, a work was
undertaken during the period 2007-2009 to measure some physico-chemical
and microbial (total and faecal coliform counts) parameters of Mahanadi river
water in and around Hirakud in different seasons.
The physical, chemical and microbiological
characteristics of Mahanadi river water in and
around Hirakud, Orissa have been studied
from October, 2007 to September, 2009 in
four different seasons (monsoon, postmonsoon,
winter and premonsoon) to evaluate the
suitability of water for various uses. The water
samples were collected from four different
points - the Hirakud dam reservoir, upstream,
middle stream and downstream of the river
channel. The samples were analysed for 18
physico-chemical parameters viz. water
temperature, turbidity, pH, electrical
conductivity, total dissolved solids, DO, total
hardness, total alkalinity, chemical oxygen
demand, biological oxygen demand, fluoride,
chloride, cyanide, sulphate, arsenic, mercury,
faecal and total coliform. Pearson’s correlation
coefficients were calculated to show
correlations between various parameters using
MINITAB software v.15.10. The Water quality
index was also calculated using NSF water
quality calculator. It was observed that the
Mahanadi river water in this region is of
category D, i.e. bad, and therefore it requires
urgent attention.
KEY WORDS
Mahanadi river water, Hirakud township,
Water Physico-chemical parameters, Water
Biological parameters and NSF water quality
index
Received : 17.09.2010
Revised : 09.10.2010
Accepted : 11.11.2010
*Corresponding author
263

P. K. KAR et al.,
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Water quality analysis
Water samples were collected from four study sites (reservoir
stretch, upstream stretch, midstream stretch and down stream
stretch) (Fig. 1) at monthly intervals between October 2007
and September 2009, covering four seasons i.e.
monsoon(June-September), post monsoon(October-
November), winter (December-February) and pre monsoon
(March-May). The physico-chemical parameters like
Temperature, Turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen, pH, Conductivity,
Total Hardness, Total Alkalinity, Total Dissolved solids,
Chemical Oxygen Demand, Biological Oxygen Demand,
Fluoride, Chloride, Cyanide, Sulphate, Arsenic and Mercury;
and biological parameters like Fecal and Total coliform bacteria
were measured.
Standard methods (APHA, 1989; BIS, 1984) were used for
collection, preservation and estimation of water samples.
Samples were collected in 2 liters sterile bottles in triplicate.
Except temperature and pH, all other parameters were
determined at VSS University of Technology laboratory
(formerly UCE, Burla). Water temperature and pH were
estimated on the spot with a mercury thermometer and
portable Taiwan made pH meter respectively. For dissolved
oxygen (DO), water was collected in BOD bottles and the
oxygen was fixed on the spot following Kilian (1997).The DO
and microbiological analysis were done within 3 hour after
sampling of water and BOD analysis was done after incubating
the water samples for 3 days at 27ºC.
Statistical Procedures
Physico-chemical and microbiological parameters of the water
samples were presented in terms of Mean ± 2SD. Pearson’s
correlation coefficient (r) was determined using MINITAB
Statistical Software 15.10 to show relationship between all the
parameters. The water quality index was calculated using the
NSF water quality index calculator.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Seasonal variations in physico-chemical and microbiological
parameters from four sampling sites of the river Mahanadi are
shown in Figs. 2 to 19. The average value of all parameters
(Mean ± 2SD) are given in Table 1 and correlation coefficients
between various parameters are given in Table 2. The obtained
values of different parameters were also compared with the
prescribed limits given in BIS Water Quality Guidelines (Table
3) and water quality was categorized according to NSF WQI,
i.e. excellent quality waters (Category A), good quality waters
(Category B), medium quality waters (Category C), bad waters
(Category D) and very bad waters (Category D) ( Table 4).
Temperature
Temperature is an important physical parameter of water
quality which has a direct effect on aquatic life as because it
reduces the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in the water
making oxygen less available for respiration. Temperature also
affects chemical reactions and reaction rates within the water,
thereby influencing its suitability for irrigation (Metcalf and
Eddy, 2003). In the present investigation, the temperature of
Mahanadi river water at reservoir, upstream, middle stream
and downstream sites varied between 25.8ºC (Winter,
Reservoir) and 32.4ºC (Pre monsoon, Downstream) (Fig. 2)
with mean temperature of 28.2 ± 4.37, 28.5 ± 4.4, 28.7 ±
3.68, 29.4 ± 4.11 respectively (Table 1). Temperature of water
was maximal at downstream indicating mixing of effluents
with it (Fig. 2). Temperature showed significant positive
correlation(r≥0.803, p< 0.05) with pH, BOD, TC indicating
their rise with temperature (Table 2).
Turbidity
In most of the waters turbidity is due to colloidal and extremely
fine dispersions. Suspended matter such as clay, slit, finely
divided organic and inorganic matter, plankton and other
microscopic organisms also contribute to Turbidity
(Manivaskam, 1986). In the present study, the turbidity values
Table 1: Values of physicochemical and microbiological parameters (Mean ± 2SD) of Mahanadi river water
Parameters
Sampling Sites
Reservoir Upstream Middle stream Downstream Average
Temperature(ºC) 28.2 ± 4.37 28.5 ± 4.40 28.7 ± 3.68 29.4 ± 4.11 28.7 ± 1.01
Turbidity (NTU) 88.5 ± 6.32 85.0 ± 5.21 87.9 ± 5.80 96.1 ± 9.90 89.4 ± 9.43
pH 7.51 ± 0.71 7.47 ± 0.50 7.44 ± 0.54 7.49 ± 1.00 7.48 ± 0.06
Conductivity (mS/cm) 0.87 ± 0.13 0.75 ± 0.07 0.78 ± 0.08 0.85 ± 0.15 0.81 ± 0.11
DO (mg/L) 7.10 ± 0.55 7.31 ± 0.46 7.37 ± 0.34 7.0 ± 0.72 7.19 ± 0.35
Total Hardness (mg/L) 129.8 ± 45.87 124.6 ± 37.32 115.9 ± 36.60 143.4 ± 32.68 127.7 ± 23.89
Total Alkalinity (mg/L) 31.75 ± 17.75 29.16 ± 17.00 27.18 ± 16.50 34.44 ± 21.73 30.63 ± 6.31
TDS (mg/L) 273.6 ± 30.64 263.5 ± 36.06 251.5 ± 36.86 285.8 ± 34.91 268.6 ± 29.22
TSS (mg/L) 41.3 ± 12.12 32.9 ± 11.10 31.6 ± 12.06 45.7 ± 14.90 37.9 ± 13.57
TS (mg/L) 314.9 ± 42.21 296.4 ± 47.04 283.1 ± 48.63 331.6 ± 49.78 306.5 ± 42.42
COD (mg/L) 49.0 ± 19.84 43.5 ± 17.02 40.8 ± 15.45 53.2 ± 18.85 46.7 ± 11.11
BOD (mg/L) 33.8 ± 11.44 29.9 ± 13.91 28.1 ± 16.36 37.5 ± 13.53 32.3 ± 8.41
Fluoride (mg/L) 0.78 ± 0.27 0.71 ± 0.27 0.59 ± 0.23 0.75 ± 0.23 0.71 ± 0.17
Cyanide(mg/L) 0.072 ± 0.017 0.062 ± 0.019 0.057 ± 0.015 0.073 ± 0.012 0.066 ± 0.015
Chloride (mg/L) 67.79 ± 40.83 56.89 ± 36.22 49.69 ± 39.56 64.30 ± 38.09 59.67 ± 16.11
Sulphate (mg/L) 74.75 ± 15.05 71.29 ± 17.90 67.83 ± 21.84 73.09 ± 14.81 71.74 ± 5.94
Arsenic (mg/L) 0.0036 ± 0.0008 0.0032 ± 0.0008 0.0029 ± 0.0008 0.0034 ± 0.0007 0.0032 ± 0.0006
Mercury (mg/L) 0.0015 ± 0.0006 0.0013 ± 0.0006 0.0011 ± 0.0004 0.0014 ± 0.0004 0.0013 ± 0.0003
FC (MPN/100mL) 193 ± 57 206 ± 69 222 ± 73 240 ± 73 215 ± 40
TC (MPN/100mL) 482 ± 62 474 ± 60 467 ± 54 492 ± 68 479 ± 21
264

SEASONAL VARIATION IN MAHANADI RIVER WATER
Table 2: Correlation-coefficient matrix showing relationship between different physico-chemical and biological parameters of Mahanadi river water in and around Hirakud
Temp. Turb. pH EC DO TH TA TDS COD BOD Fluoride Cyanide Chloride Sulphate Arsenic Mercury FC
Temp. 1.000
Turbidity 0.160 1.000
pH 0.838 -0.213 1.000
Conductivity(EC) 0.050 0.746 -0.182 1.000
DO -0.791 0.347 -0.733 -0.409 1.000
Total Hardness (TH) 0.510 0.248 0.600 0.089 -0.490 1.000
Total Alkalinity(TA) 0.679 -0.059 0.859 -0.163 -0.587 0.877 1.000
TDS 0.088 0.822 -0.240 0.837 -0.405 0.050 -0.199 1.000
COD 0.758 0.597 0.521 0.610 -0.816 0.577 0.512 0.632 1.000
BOD 0.803 0.545 0.600 0.497 -0.843 0.606 0.591 0.556 0.946 1.000
Fluoride 0.330 0.564 0.049 0.773 -0.552 0.078 -0.031 0.874 0.770 0.704 1.000
Cyanide 0.289 0.726 0.055 0.846 -0.616 0.223 0.066 0.904 0.786 0.741 0.926 1.000
Chloride 0.054 0.637 -0.286 0.836 -0.303 -0.231 -0.391 0.905 0.539 0.457 0.908 0.846 1.000
Sulphate -0.026 0.597 -0.311 0.739 -0.09 -0.050 -0.260 0.823 0.510 0.405 0.798 0.733 0.858 1.000
Arsenic 0.159 0.603 -0.095 0.863 -0.443 0.055 -0.101 0.897 0.693 0.611 0.957 0.929 0.921 0.864 1.000
Mercury 0.030 0.642 -0.234 0.852 -0.325 -0.069 -0.252 0.916 0.601 0.508 0.927 0.903 0.948 0.882 0.955 1.000
FC 0.806 0.539 0.490 0.245 -0.551 0.508 0.480 0.345 0.788 0.798 0.406 0.403 0.255 0.340 0.287 0.246 1.000
TC 0.906 0.271 0.816 0.243 -0.807 0.743 0.801 0.238 0.884 0.909 0.465 0.467 0.139 0.183 0.350 0.201 0.801
Figure1: Location of sampling sites in the study area of Mahanadi in
and around Hirakud
Temperature
35.0
33.0
31.0
29.0
27.0
25.0
23.0
21.0
19.0
17.0
15.0
Reservoir Upstream Middle Stream Down Stream
Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Pre Monsoon
Figure 2: Seasonal variation of temperature in Mahanadi river water
in and around Hirakud
Turbidity
120.00
100.00
80.00
60.00
40.00
20.00
0.00
Reservoir Upstream Middle Stream Down Stream
Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Pre Monsoon
Figure 3: Seasonal variation of turbidity in Mahanadi river water in
and around Hirakud
of water samples of Mahanadi river in four sites at Hirakud
varied from 81.92 (Winter, upstream) to 102.73 (Monsoon,
Downstream) (Fig. 3). The mean turbidity value was 88.5 ±
6.32, 85.0 ± 5.21, 87.9 ± 5.80, 96.1 ± 9.90 in reservoir,
upstream, middle stream and downstream respectively (Table
265

P. K. KAR et al.,
pH
8.40
8.20
8.00
7.80
7.60
7.40
7.20
7.00
6.80
6.60
6.40
Reservoir Upstream Middle Stream Down Stream
Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Pre Monsoon
Figure 4: Seasonal variation of pH in Mahanadi river water in and
around Hirakud
Total Hardness
180.00
140.00
100.00
60.00
Reservoir Upstream Middle Stream Down Stream
Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Pre Monsoon
Figure 8: Seasonal variation of total hardness in Mahanadi river
water in and around Hirakud
Conductivity
1.00
0.95
0.90
0.85
0.80
0.75
0.70
0.65
0.60
0.55
0.50
Reservoir Upstream Middle Stream Down Stream
Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Pre Monsoon
Figure 5: Seasonal variation of conductivity in Mahanadi river water
in and around Hirakud
350.00
300.00
Reservoir Upstream Middle Stream Down Stream
Total Alkalinity
60.00
50.00
40.00
30.00
20.00
10.00
0.00
Reservoir Upstream Middle Stream Down Stream
Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Pre Monsoon
Figure 9: Seasonal variation of total alkalinity in Mahanadi river
water in and around Hirakud
70.00
60.00
50.00
Reservoir Upstream Middle Stream Down Stream
TDS
250.00
200.00
150.00
COD
40.00
30.00
20.00
10.00
100.00
Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Pre Monsoon
Figure 6: Seasonal variation of TDS in Mahanadi river water in and
around Hirakud
8.00
7.50
Reservoir Upstream Middle Stream Down Stream
0.00
Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Pre Monsoon
Figure 10: Seasonal variation of COD in Mahanadi river water in and
around Hirakud
50.00
40.00
Reservoir Upstream Middle Stream Down Stream
DO
7.00
6.50
BOD
30.00
6.00
20.00
5.50
5.00
Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Pre Monsoon
Figure 7: Seasonal variation of DO in Mahanadi river water in and
around Hirakud
1). The maximum permissible value for turbidity as per BIS
with respect to the drinking water is 10 NTU. The turbidity of
surface water at all sampling points was above the permissible
limit (Table 1). The turbidity at all the sampling points was
higher in monsoon as compared to other seasons which can
be attributed to flow of muddy water. Further, the turbidity
values of downstream were found to be more than other points
indicating mixing of both industrial and domestic effluents
from the Hirakud industrial township (Fig. 3).Turbidity bears
10.00
Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Pre Monsoon
Figure 11: Seasonal variation of BOD in Mahanadi river water in
and around Hirakud
significant positive correlation (r≥0.564, p< 0.05) with
conductivity, TDS, fluoride, cyanide, chloride, sulphate, arsenic
and mercury indicating presence of these ions in colloidal
form (Table 2).
pH
The hydrogen-ion concentration (pH) is an important factor
that determines the suitability of water for various purposes,
including toxicity to animals and plants. The pH range suitable
266

SEASONAL VARIATION IN MAHANADI RIVER WATER
1.00
Reservoir Upstream Middle Stream Down Stream
0.0045
Reservoir Upstream Middle Stream Down Stream
0.90
0.80
0.0040
Fluoride
0.70
0.60
0.50
Arsenic
0.0035
0.0030
0.40
0.30
0.0025
0.20
Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Pre Monsoon
Figure 12: Seasonal variation of Fluoride in Mahanadi river water in
and around Hirakud
0.0020
Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Pre Monsoon
Figure 16: Seasonal variation of Arsenic in Mahanadi river water in
and around Hirakud
0.105
Reservoir Upstream Middle Stream Down Stream
0.0020
Reservoir Upstream Middle Stream Down Stream
Cyanide
0.085
0.065
0.045
Mercury
0.0015
0.0010
0.025
0.005
Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Pre Monsoon
Figure 13: Seasonal variation of Cyanide in Mahanadi river water in
and around Hirakud
0.0005
Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Pre Monsoon
Figure 17: Seasonal variation of Mercury in Mahanadi river water in
and around Hirakud
100.00
Reservoir Upstream Middle Stream Down Stream
300
Reservoir Upstream Middle Stream Down Stream
250
Chloride
70.00
FC
200
150
40.00
100
50
10.00
Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Pre Monsoon
Figure 14: Seasonal variation of Chloride in Mahanadi river water in
and around Hirakud
0
Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Pre Monsoon
Figure 18: Seasonal variation of faecal coliform in Mahanadi river
water in and around Hirakud
Reservoir Upstream Middle Stream Down Stream
90.00
600
Reservoir Upstream Middle Stream Down Stream
Sulphate
80.00
70.00
60.00
TC
500
400
300
200
50.00
Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Pre Monsoon
Figure 15: Seasonal variation of Sulphate in Mahanadi river water in
and around Hirakud
for the existence of most biological life is quite narrow and
critical, and is typically 6-9 (Metcalf and Eddy, 2003). pH of
natural water is governed by the carbonate – bicarbonate -
carbon dioxide equilibrium. High carbonates cause calcium
and magnesium ions to form insoluble minerals leaving
sodium as the dominant ion in solution (Bauder et al., 2004).
In the present study, pH values in the water samples of
100
Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Pre Monsoon
Figure 19: Seasonal variation of total coliform in Mahanadi river
water in and around Hirakud
Mahanadi river at Hirakud ranged from 7.13 (Monsoon,
downstream) to 8.23 (Pre monsoon, downstream) (Fig. 4) with
mean pH value (Mean±2SD) of 7.51 ± 0.71, 7.47 ± 0.50,
7.44 ± 0.54 and 7.49 ± 1.00 in reservoir, upstream, middle
stream and downstream, respectively (Table 1). The pH values
of all the surface water sources during the sampling period
were within the prescribed limits (6.5-8.5) as per BIS with respect
267

P. K. KAR et al.,
Table 3: BIS Water Quality Guidelines
Parameters IS: 10500 Requirement IS: 10500Permissible limit in Undesirable effect outsidethe desirable limit
(Desirable limit) the absence of alternate source
Turbidity (units on 5 10 Above 5, consumer acceptance decreases
N.T.U. scale), Max
pH 6.5-8.5 No relaxation Beyond this range the water will effect the mucousmembrane
and / or water supply system
Total hardness as 300 600 Encrustation in water supply structure and adverse effects
CaCO 3
,Max
on domestic use
Chlorides as Cl, Max 250 1000 Beyond this limit taste, corrosion and palatability are effected
Fluorides as F, Max 1.0 1.5 Fluoride may be kept as lowas possible. High fluoride may
cause flouorosis
Dissolved solids, Max 500 2000 Beyond this palatabilitydecreases and may causegastro
intestinal irritation
Sulphate as SO 4
, Max 200 400 Beyond this causes gastrointestinal irritation when
magnesium or sodium are present
Mercury as Hg,Max 0.001 No relaxation Beyond this, the water becomes toxic
Arsenic as As, Max 0.05 No relaxation Beyond this, the water becomes toxic
Cyanide as CN, Max 0.05 No relaxation Beyond this, the water becomes toxic
Alkalinity, Max 200 600 Beyond this limit taste becomes unpleasant
to the drinking water standard (Table 3). The pH values were
found to be more at downstream than at other sampling points
which may be attributed to presence of effluents. The pH value
was more in pre-monsoon as compared to other seasons at all
sampling points. This might be due to less flow in the river and
higher temperature during pre-monsoon season. pH had strong
positive correlation (r≥0.816, p< 0.05) with temperature, total
alkalinity and TC (Table 2).
Conductivity and total dissolved solids
Electrical conductivity (EC) is a measure of the ions present in
water, and therefore a surrogate for total dissolved solids (TDS)
(Metcalf and Eddy, 2003). The EC of irrigation water is
important because it is a measure of the salinity of the water.
The conductivity values in the water samples of Mahanadi
river at Hirakud ranged from 0.72 mS/cm (Winter, Upstream)
to 0.94 mS/cm (Monsoon, Reservoir) (Fig. 5). The mean
conductivity (Mean±2SD) is 0.87 ± 0.13, 0.75 ± 0.07, 0.78
± 0.08 and 0.85 ± 0.15 in reservoir, upstream, middle stream
and downstream, respectively (Table 1). It showed significant
positive correlation (r≥0.746, p< 0.05) with TDS, turbidity,
fluoride, cyanide, chloride, sulphate, arsenic and mercury
(Table 2).The maximum value in the monsoon season indicates
the presence of ions in the water. The TDS values in the water
samples of Mahanadi river at Hirakud varied from 230.0 mg/
L (Winter, Middle stream) to 304.85 mg/L (Monsoon,
Downstream) (Fig. 6) with mean values (Mean±2SD) of 273.6
± 30.64, 263.5 ± 36.06, 251.5 ± 36.86 and 285.8 ± 34.91
in reservoir, upstream, middle stream and downstream
respectively (Table 1).The values of TDS were more or less
high throughout the year with maximum value in the down
stream which indicates the pollution load in the river water.
Turbidity had significant positive correlation (r≥0.822, p<
0.05) with conductivity, turbidity, fluoride, cyanide, chloride,
sulphate, arsenic and mercury (Table 2).
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has developed
guidelines for the evaluation of water quality for irrigation and
suggests that there need be no restrictions on the use of irrigation
water with an EC of 0.7 dS/m (700 mS/cm) or a TDS
concentration of less than 450 mg/L; slight to moderate
restrictions if EC concentrations are in the range 0.7 – 3.0 dS/
m or a TDS concentration of 450 – 2000 mg/L and severe
restrictions for irrigation water with an EC of greater than 3.0
dS/m or a TDS concentration of more than 2000 mg/L (Ayres
and Westcot, 1985). On the basis of this guideline the
Mahanadi river water in and around Hirakud can be safely
used for irrigation purpose.
Dissolved oxygen (DO)
The DO content of Mahanadi river water at Hirakud varied
from 6.50 mg/L (Pre monsoon, Downstream) to 7.61 mg/L
(winter, Upstream) (Fig. 7). The mean value of DO (Mean±2SD)
was 7.10 ± 0.55, 7.31 ± 0.46, 7.37 ± 0.34 and 7.0 ± 0.72
in reservoir, upstream, middle stream and downstream,
respectively (Table 1). Dissolved oxygen is one of the most
important factors for aquatic life and most species become
distressed when DO levels drop to 4-2 mg/L (Francis-Floyd,
2003). The low levels of DO concentration in the fresh water
aquatic systems is an indication of high levels of pollution
(Yayýntas et al., 2007). Dissolved oxygen is also important for
the microbial breakdown of waste in the water and for
chemical reactions. The DO content in water samples depend
on a number of physical, chemical, biological and
Table 4: Water Quality Index as per NSF
Sampling Point Season WQI Interferences Class
Reservoir Monsoon 30.66 BAD D
Post monsoon 31.14 BAD D
Winter 31.6 BAD D
Premonsoon 28.27 BAD D
Upstream Monsoon 30.62 BAD D
Post monsoon 31.75 BAD D
Winter 32.43 BAD D
Premonsoon 28.89 BAD D
Middle stream Monsoon 30.91 BAD D
Post monsoon 31.7 BAD D
Winter 32.97 BAD D
Premonsoon 28.49 BAD D
Downstream Monsoon 28.54 BAD D
Postmonsoon 30.67 BAD D
Winter 31.35 BAD D
Premonsoon 26.52 BAD D
NSF Water Quality Classes WQI Descriptor Category; 91-100 Excellent a;
71-90 Good B; 51-70 Medium C; 26-50 Bad D; 0-25 Very Bad E
268

SEASONAL VARIATION IN MAHANADI RIVER WATER
microbiological processes. DO values of flowing water also
show spatial changes depending on industrial and
anthropogenic activities in its course (APHA, 1985). In the
present study, DO values were found to be higher in winter
compared to other seasons which might be due to algal bloom.
The values were less during premonsoon indicating more
consumption of dissolved oxygen at higher temperature. The
minimum value at the downstream may be due to mixing of
oxygen depleting waste of Hirakud Industrial Township. DO
showed significant negative correlation (r = -0.843, p< 0.05)
with BOD indicating the presence of microbes in water (Table
2).
Total hardness
Total hardness varied between 95.30 mg/L (Post monsoon,
upstream) and 162.15 mg/L (Pre monsoon, downstream) in
the river water of Mahanadi at Hirakud (Fig. 8). The mean total
hardness (Mean±2SD) in reservoir, upstream, middle stream
and downstream was 129.8 ± 45.87, 124.6 ± 37.32, 115.9
± 36.60 and 143.4 ± 32.68, respectively (Table 1). The
permissible limit for hardness (as CaCO 3
) as per BIS with respect
to the drinking water is 250 mg/L. In the present study the
hardness of surface water at all sampling points were within
the permissible limit. Hardness showed significant positive
correlation (r = 0.877, p< 0.05) with total alkalinity (Table 2).
Total alkalinity
Total alkalinity of the Mahanadi river water at Hirakud varied
from 18.89 mg/L (Post monsoon, Middle stream) to 49.25 mg/
L (Pre monsoon, Downstream) (Fig. 9) with mean total alkalinity
(Mean±2SD) of 31.75 ± 17.75 in reservoir, 29.16 ± 17.00
in upstream,, 27.18 ± 16.50 middle stream and 34.44 ±
21.73 downstream (Table 1). From these values it is evident
that the surface water of river Mahanadi at all sampling points
were within the permissible limit as per BIS(120 mg/L) and
WHO(200 mg/L )with respect to the drinking water.
Chemical oxygen demand (COD)
Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is often measured as the
oxygen equivalent of organic material in wastewater that can
be oxidized chemically using dichromate in acid solution
(Metcalf and Eddy, 2003). The COD ranged between 31.90
mg/L (winter, Middle stream) and 63.25 mg/L (Pre monsoon,
downstream) in the river (Fig. 10). The COD values were more
in pre-monsoon indicating enhanced reaction during the
season. The mean COD(Mean±2SD) was 49.0 ± 19.84, 43.5
± 17.02, 40.8 ± 15.45 and 53.2 ± 18.85 in reservoir,
upstream, middle stream and downstream, respectively (Table
1). The maximum value at downstream indicates mixing of
pollutants of the area with water. The correlation of COD with
BOD, TC and FC was positive and significant (r≥ 0.788, p<
0.05) (Table 2).
Biological oxygen demand (BOD)
Biological oxygen demand (BOD 3
) is a widely used parameter
to measure water quality and also in the design of effluent
treatment plants (Metcalf and Eddy 2003). The BOD 3
values
of water samples ranged between 18.47 mg/L (Winter, Middle
stream) and 45.40 mg/L (Pre monsoon, Downstream) in the
river (Fig. 11). The mean BOD (Mean±2SD) value was 33.8 ±
11.44, 29.9 ± 13.91, 28.1 ± 16.36 and 3x7.5 ± 13.53 in
reservoir, upstream, middle stream and downstream,
respectively (Table 1). The obtained values of BOD were above
the prescribed limit as per BIS. The values were more in premonsoon
season indicating enhanced reactivity of the
microorganism at higher temperature as compared to other
seasons at all sampling points. The maximum value at
downstream indicates mixing of sewage water.BOD showed
significant positive correlation with temperature, COD, TC and
FC (r≥0.798, p< 0.05) (Table 2).
Fluoride
Fluoride content varied between 0.42 mg/L (winter, Middle
stream) and 0.91 mg/L (Monsoon, Reservoir) in the river at
Hirakud (Fig. 12). The mean fluoride value (Mean±2SD) was
0.78 ± 0.27, 0.71 ± 0.27, 0.59 ± 0.23 and 0.75 ± 0.23 in
reservoir, upstream, middle stream and downstream
respectively (Table 1). The drinking water standard for fluoride
as per BIS is 1.0 mg/L. The fluoride content of Mahanadi river
water at all sampling points were within the permissible limit.
The fluoride content had significant positive correlation
(r≥0.874, p< 0.05) with TDS, cyanide, hloride, arsenic and
mercury (Table 2).
Cyanide
The cyanide content of the Mahanadi river water at Hirakud
varied from 0.047 mg/L (Winter, Middle stream) to 0.082 mg/
L (Monsoon, Reservoir) (Fig. 13) with the mean cyanide value
(Mean±2SD) of 0.072 ± 0.017, 0.062 ± 0.019, 0.057 ±
0.015 and 0.073 ± 0.012 in reservoir, upstream, middle
stream and downstream, respectively (Table 1), whereas the
prescribed limit for cyanide as per BIS with respect to the
drinking water is 0.05 mg/L. The fluctuation of cyanide level
in and around the prescribed standard of drinking water in
the present study is an alarming sign in the event of rapid
expansion of industrial and mining activities in and around
Hirakud catchment area. The cyanide content showed
significant positive correlation with turbidity, conductivity, TDS,
fluoride, chloride, arsenic and mercury (r≥0.726, p< 0.05)
(Table 2).
Chloride
The chloride content varied between 23.48 mg/L (winter,
Middle stream) and 87.31 mg/L (Monsoon, Reservoir) in the
river (Fig. 14). The mean chloride content (Mean±2SD) was
67.79 ± 40.83, 56.89 ± 36.22, 49.69 ± 39.56 and 64.30 ±
38.09 in reservoir, upstream, middle stream and downstream,
respectively (Table 1). As per BIS the permissible limit for
chloride in drinking water is 250 mg/L (Table 3) . The chloride
content of Mahanadi river water at all sampling points in the
present study were within the permissible limit.
Sulphate
The sulphate content varied between 57.28 mg/L (winter,
Middle stream) and 85.08 mg/L (Monsoon, Reservoir) in the
river (Fig.15). The mean sulphate content (Mean±2SD) was
74.75 ± 15.05, 71.29 ± 17.90, 67.83 ± 21.84 and 73.09 ±
14.81 in reservoir, upstream, middle stream and downstream
respectively (Table 1). The sulphate ion in Mahanadi river
water at all sampling points were within the permissible limit
(200 mg/L) during all the sampling period (Table 3). It showed
strong positive correlation with turbidity, conductivity, TDS,
chloride, arsenic and mercury(r≥0.739, p< 0.05) (Table 2).
269

P. K. KAR et al.,
Arsenic
The arsenic content varied between 0.0023 mg/L (winter,
Middle stream) and 0.0040 mg/L (Monsoon, Reservoir) in the
river (Fig. 16). The mean arsenic values (Mean±2SD) were
0.0036 ± 0.0008, 0.0032 ± 0.0008, 0.0029 ± 0.0008 and
0.0034 ± 0.0007 in reservoir, upstream, middle stream and
downstream respectively (Table 1). The arsenic content in
Mahanadi river water at all sampling points were within the
permissible limit (as per BIS 0.05 mg/L) during all sampling
occasions. Arsenic had strong positive correlation with
conductivity, TDS, fluoride, chloride, cyanide, sulphate and
mercury (r≥0.863, p< 0.05) (Table 2).
Mercury
The mercury content varied between 0.0009 mg/L (winter,
Middle stream) and 0.0018 mg/L (Monsoon, Reservoir) in the
river (Fig. 18). The mean mercury(Mean±2SD) content was
0.0015 ± 0.0006, 0.0013 ± 0.0006, 0.0011 ± 0.0004 and
0.0014 ± 0.0004 in reservoir, upstream, middle stream and
downstream respectively (Table 1). Indian coal contains 0.17-
0.32 ppm of mercury (Wankhade and Agrawal, 2003). The
presence of mercury in water may be attributed to burning of
coal in captive power plants and iron and steel industries in
and around the study area (Koshle et al., 2008). There is also
ongoing coal mining activities in the catchment of the Hirakud
reservoir. The mercury content had strong correlation with
conductivity, TDS, fluoride, chloride, sulphate, cyanide and
arsenic (r≥0.852, p< 0.05) (Table 2).
Faecal and total coliform
The biological characteristics of water and wastewater are of
fundamental importance to human health, in controlling
diseases caused by pathogenic organisms of human origin,
and because of the role that they play in the decomposition of
waste (Metcalf and Eddy, 2003). Freshwaters polluted by faecal
discharges from human and animals may carry a variety of
human pathogenic micro – organisms. However, there is not
a perfect indicator organism for wastewater as excreted
organisms range from bacteria to helminthes, protozoa and
viruses (WHO, 2006). The most common indicator organisms
used for monitoring water quality are total Coliform and Faecal
Coliform. In the present study total coliform (TC) ranged from
443 MPN/100ml (winter, Middle stream) to 539 (Pre monsoon,
Downstream) and faecal coliform (FC) ranged from 159 MPN/
100 ml (winter, Reservoir) to 280 MPN/100 ml (Pre monsoon,
Downstream. The mean TC(Mean±2SD) was 482 ± 63, 474
± 60, 467 ± 54, 492 ± 68 and the mean FC (Mean±2SD)
was 193 ± 57, 206 ± 68, 222 ± 73 and 240 ± 73 in
reservoir, upstream, middle stream and downstream
respectively (Table 1). The waters of Mahanadi river at all
sampling points for total coliform and faecal coliform values
are therefore above permissible limit as per the drinking water
quality standard of BIS (No sample should contain more
than10 coliform per 100mL). The maximum values were
recorded during pre monsoon at down stream which may be
ascribed to mixing of sanitary effluent with river water in the
study area (Figs.18 and 19). This also points to unsanitary
practice of population of the area. TC and FC showed
significant positive correlation(r= 0.801, p< 0.05) with each
other and with BOD and COD (r≥0.884, p< 0.05) and strong
negative correlation with DO(r≥ -0.807, p< 0.05) (Table 2).
The bacteriological quality of the Mahanadi River giving a
signal of increased risk of infectious disease transmission to
the communities and hence requires disinfection before use
for drinking purpose.
The general trend of values of most of the parameters was in
the order of downstream ≤reservoir>middle stream>
upstream indicating precipitation or settling down of the
pollutants in the reservoir. The higher value at downstream in
all seasons may be attributed to pollution due to industrial
and domestic discharge from the study area (i.e. Hirakud
industrial township). The presence of cyanide and mercury in
river water is a matter of great concern due to rapid expansion
of industrial and mining activities in and around Hirakud
catchment area.
Water quality index
The values of physico-chemical and microbiological
parameters of Mahanadi river water were taken together for
calculating the NSF water quality index. From the calculation
it was observed that the Mahanadi river water in this region
comes under category D i.e. bad (Table 4) at all sampling
points and therefore unsuitable for drinking purpose. However,
the water can be used for irrigation purpose.
It is clear that activities related to mining, Industry, farming and
irrigation have affected the microbial and physico-chemical
characteristic of Mahanadi river water in and around Hirakud.
Therefore, it is necessary to treat the river water thoroughly
before it is supplied for domestic use. The industrial effluents
should be treated as per norms before released into the river.
It is high time to earmark the pollution sources in the catchment
of Mahanadi river in and around Hirakud.
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271

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