Abstract

COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF RIVER WATER QUALITY IN GORAKHPUR: A STUDY OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND POLLUTION

Deepshikha Gupta and Ajay Singh*

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Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the water quality of major rivers flowing through Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, with a focus on key physico-chemical parameters to assess pollution levels. The rivers under investigation—Rapti, Rohin, and Ami—were sampled seasonally across selected upstream and downstream locations. Parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrates, phosphates, and turbidity were measured following standard protocols (APHA, 2017). The results indicate spatial and temporal variations in water quality, with downstream sites showing higher concentrations of organic and inorganic pollutants. Elevated BOD and COD levels in certain stretches point towards significant anthropogenic pressures including untreated sewage discharge, agricultural runoff, and industrial effluents. The study reveals that in many locations, water quality falls below permissible limits set by CPCB and BIS standards for surface water. These findings underscore the urgent need for effective river management strategies, pollution control measures, and sustainable practices to restore and conserve the riverine ecosystems of Gorakhpur.

Keywords: River water quality, Gorakhpur, physico-chemical parameters, pollution, BOD, COD, water pollution, Rapti River, Rohin River, Ami River.