International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 11 Issue: 01 | Jan 2024
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Assessing Anthropogenic Impact on Water Quality in the Musi River: A Study of Urbanized and Industrialized Hyderabad Mounika Chiluka1 1Department of Applied Geochemistry, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - Water, vital for life on Earth, faces severe
The Musi River, a tributary of the Krishna River, initially flows through Hyderabad metropolitan city in Telangana state with a substantial discharge in the upstream areas. However, as it reaches Hyderabad city, the river undergoes a transformation into what can be described as more of a sewerage drain. This drastic change is attributed to the high disposal of domestic sewage and pollutants from nearby industries. Astonishingly, Hyderabad city discharges approximately 700 to 800 million liters of untreated sewage water into the Musi River each day. This concerning situation is exacerbated by the municipalities surrounding Hyderabad.
challenges in Hyderabad due to rapid industrial and urban expansion. Over the past three decades, this growth has heightened water consumption and deteriorated water quality. The Musi River, a tributary of the Krishna River, undergoes a drastic transformation as it flows through Hyderabad, turning into a sewerage drain due to the discharge of untreated sewage and pollutants from industries. The city discharges a staggering 700 to 800 million liters of untreated sewage into the Musi River daily. Groundwater, the primary water source, gets contaminated, compelling reliance on municipal water from distant locations. Downstream residents, often economically disadvantaged, are forced to consume the contaminated water due to limited alternatives. The study area, the Musi basin, spans specific longitudes and latitudes and experiences diverse uses along its course. To comprehend pollution extent and pollutant fate, river water samples were systematically collected. Physical and biological parameters were analyzed to understand the river's water quality dynamics. The downstream stretch experiences significant changes, indicating recovery attributed to dilution and bio-physical transformations. Sewerage Treatment Plants contribute to water pollution, with identified inlets from areas with various industries and substantial populations. Water quality parameters such as pH, DO, BOD, EC, SAR, and total coliform were analyzed, revealing challenges from industrial and domestic discharges. The study underscores the urgency of robust water quality management to safeguard downstream communities facing diverse health problems due to contaminated water. Regular testing and comprehensive monitoring are crucial for maintaining water quality and ensuring the safety of water resources.
The infiltration of surface water from the Musi River and nearby lakes to the aquifers has led to the contamination of agroundwater sources in the region. As a consequence of this groundwater contamination and a declining the groundwater table, the city is compelled to rely on municipal water sources. However, this municipal water, crucial for meeting the city's water needs, is sourced from distant locations, necessitating significant expenditure of resources, (Pullaiahcheepi et al. 2012). This predicament particularly affects the downstream residents, who often belong to lower economic strata and are compelled to consume the available contaminated waters due to limited alternatives. The degradation of water quality in the Musi River has reached a concerning level, contributing to a host of health issues observed in the downstream villages. The compromised water quality becomes a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites present in the wastewater. As a result, the communities residing in these areas are confronted with a myriad of health problems, underlining the urgent need for comprehensive and effective water quality management strategies to safeguard the wellbeing of the affected population.
Key Words: Musi River, Urban Sewage, Pollution, Water Quality, Health Impacts
1.INTRODUCTION
2. STUDY AREA
Water is a crucial resource for sustaining life on Earth. However, the rapid expansion of industrial development and urbanization over the last three decades in Hyderabad city has not only significantly increased water consumption but has also had a profound impact on water quality (Salve et al., 2008). Unfortunately, the city lacks proper outlets for wastewater disposal, leading to the discharge of waste into the Musi River. Consequently, the Musi River's ecological balance has been severely disrupted, affecting even the groundwater sources in the region (Hujare et al., 2008).
© 2023, IRJET
|
Impact Factor value: 8.226
The study area, encompassing the Musi basin, is situated between 780 to 790 44΄ east longitudes and 160 40΄ to 170 50΄ northern latitudes. The Musi River flows through the Hyderabad metropolitan area, with a total catchment size of 1,275 km2. Approximately 90 km from its source, the river enters Hyderabad city, where it commences receiving sewage from both point and non-point sources. Over a stretch of 47 km, extending from Gandipet to Pratapasingaram, the Musi River is impacted by sewage inflow. However, for the
|
ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal
|
Page 539