Water quality assessment of the Song River in Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Abstract

The Song River is among the important water bodies that traverse Dehradun in Uttarakhand. It plays a very important role in the region regarding domestic, agricultural, and ecological needs. Nevertheless, a high rate of urban development, uncontrolled tourism, and the discharge of untreated domestic and agricultural waste have created major concerns about the quality of its water. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the prevailing status of water quality in the Song River, based on the physicochemical as well as the microbiological parameters at three strategic points located upstream (1st point), middle (2nd point), and downstream (3rd point) of the river. Sahastradhara (starting point), Sahastradhara (end point), Maldevta. The main water quality indicators that were evaluated in the course of the study include pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, alkalinity, nitrate, phosphate, chloride, calcium, magnesium, iron, and biological indicators such as E. coli and total coliform bacteria. The accuracy and reliability of the tests were ensured by using the standard laboratory procedures as per IS (IS 10500:2012), CPCB and WHO guidelines. The results indicate that the Maldevta site has comparatively better water quality, where most parameters are within the allowed levels. On the contrary, Sahastradhara places, especially the end-point, had more TDS, hardness, and microbial contamination, thus indicating a significant anthropogenic influence.