Unveiling the Silent Crisis: How Pollution is Threatening River Tons’ Water Quality and Biodiversity

Last Updated: October 26, 2023

Rivers, often hailed as the cradle of civilization, are now grappling with an alarming crisis: pollution. From the ancient Indus to the mighty Nile, human activities have paradoxically turned these life-giving arteries into conduits of waste. In India, a land where rivers are revered as sacred, many are succumbing to selfish interests, becoming heavily contaminated with sewage, industrial discharge, and agricultural runoff. This escalating problem demands immediate attention, particularly for smaller, less-dignified rivers that often escape the spotlight, yet play a critical role in the larger hydrological network.

This blog post dives deep into a groundbreaking PhD thesis titled “Impact of Sewage and Industrial Effluent on Quality of Water and Biodiversity of River Tons at Akbarpur.” Authored by Gajraj Pandey and guided by Dr. S. N. Chaubey and Dr. Anoop Kumar Srivastava, this research sheds light on the often-overlooked environmental challenges faced by smaller rivers like the Tons. We will explore the thesis’s core objectives, meticulous methodology, and crucial findings regarding the physico-chemical characteristics of the water, primary production, and nutrient dynamics. Understanding these impacts is not just an academic exercise; it’s vital for safeguarding aquatic life, human health, and the ecological balance of our precious river ecosystems. Join us as we unravel the silent crisis threatening River Tons and discover the profound implications for environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Thesis Overview and Key Insights

The thesis, “Impact of Sewage and Industrial Effluent on Quality of Water and Biodiversity of River Tons At Akbarpur,” represents a significant contribution to environmental science, specifically in the field of Zoology. It meticulously investigates the detrimental effects of anthropogenic activities on a vital, yet often neglected, river system.

Research Objectives: A Deep Dive into River Tons

The primary objective of this research was to comprehensively assess the impact of sewage and industrial effluents on various ecological parameters of the River Tons at Akbarpur. The study specifically aimed to:

• Analyze Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Water: To quantify key water quality indicators at different sites along the river, providing a baseline and highlighting variations due to pollution. This involved measuring parameters such as temperature, transparency, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N), phosphate-phosphorus (PO4-P), chloride, bicarbonate alkalinity, and chemical oxygen demand (COD).
• Evaluate Primary Production and Energetics: To understand how pollution influences the photosynthetic activity and energy flow within the river’s ecosystem, particularly focusing on phytoplankton and macrophytes. This included estimating monthly biomass, seasonal productivity, and energy content of dominant species.
• Investigate Nutrient Dynamics: To determine the levels and cycling of essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are critical for aquatic life but can become pollutants in excess.

Methodology: A Rigorous Scientific Approach

The research employed a rigorous and systematic methodology to collect and analyze data, ensuring scientific validity and reliability.

Study Sites: Two distinct sampling sites were chosen on the River Tons at Akbarpur:

• Site I: Miranpur Ghat: Located upstream, this site was considered relatively free from significant sewage pollution.
• Site II: Shivala Ghat: Situated downstream, this site was heavily disturbed by human activities and was located just before a major city sewage discharge point.

Sample Collection: Water samples were collected monthly in triplicates at the surface from both sites. Plant material for biomass and energy estimation was collected using specific quadrats for emergent and free-floating zones, and a vertical core sampler for the submerged zone.

Physico-Chemical Analysis:

• Temperature and transparency were measured on-site.
• pH and electrical conductance (EC) were determined using a digital portable kit.
• Dissolved Oxygen (DO) was fixed at the collection site using Winkler’s modified iodide-azide method.
• Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) was estimated by incubating samples for 5 days.
• Nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) was analyzed using the phenol-di-sulphate acid method.
• Phosphate-phosphorus (PO4-P) was determined by the stannous-chloride method.
• Chloride was estimated using Mohr’s Method.
• Bicarbonate alkalinity was measured by potentiometric titration.
• Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) was determined using the dischromate reflux method.
• All chemical analyses followed standard methods prescribed by the American Public Health Association (APHA, 1976, 1985).

Primary Production and Energetics:

• Biomass: Plant samples were thoroughly washed, separated by species, oven-dried at 80°C for 78 hours, and weighed.
• Energy Estimation: Dried plant samples were powdered, pressed into pellets, and their calorific values estimated using a Parr Oxygen bomb calorimeter, with corrections for fuse wire heat. The values were then converted to Jg-1 and multiplied by monthly biomass to obtain energy content.
• Statistical Analysis: Two-factor Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed to assess the significance of variations in biomass and energy content between sites and months, including site-month interaction.

Citation: “Water samples were collected in triplicate in plastic container at the surface water by hand from Miranpur ghat (Site-I) and Shivala ghat (Site-II). Precautions and instructions were followed in the collection of water samples as given in IBP Hand book N0. 8 by Golterman et al. (1969). Water samples were preserved by the addition of 2.5 ml of chloroform in 500 ml of water. Temperature and transparency were measured, and dissolved oxygen was fixed at the site. Physico-chemical analysis of water were done by standard methods as prescribed by American Public Health Association (APHA, 1976, 1985).” (Chapter III, Page 30-31)

Key Findings: A Glimpse into the River’s Health

The research yielded several critical findings that underscore the significant impact of pollution on the River Tons.

1. Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Water:

• Temperature: Surface water temperature was higher at Site II (Shivala Ghat) (34°C in July) compared to Site I (Miranpur Ghat) (31.5°C in July), likely due to increased anthropogenic activities and effluent discharge. An inverse correlation was found between temperature and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), while a positive correlation was observed with dissolved oxygen (DO) at both sites.
• Transparency: Lowest transparency was recorded in the rainy season at both sites (19 cm at Site I, 15 cm at Site II in August), attributed to suspended materials from soil erosion and runoff. Transparency was positively correlated with electrical conductivity and chloride at Site I, but negatively with nitrate-nitrogen at Site II.
• pH: Water at both sites was slightly to more alkaline (pH 7.1-8.7), with Site II showing slightly lower pH during certain months due to pollution. pH showed a positive correlation with temperature at Site II.
• Electrical Conductivity (EC): Higher EC values were observed in summer, indicating increased ion concentration from decomposition and lower water levels (max 730 µmhos/cm at Site II). EC was positively correlated with chloride and negatively with nitrate-nitrogen at both sites, indicating water quality degradation.
• Dissolved Oxygen (DO): Maximum DO was found in March (11.8 mg/l at Site I, 10.2 mg/l at Site II), attributed to prolific macrophyte growth and photosynthetic activity. Lowest DO in August (4.6 mg/l at Site I, 4.2 mg/l at Site II) was linked to increased turbidity and reduced photosynthesis, highlighting aquatic ecosystem stress.
• Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD): Site II consistently showed higher BOD values (peak 15.0 mg/l in July) than Site I (peak 9.6 mg/l in July), indicating greater organic pollution and microbial activity at the downstream site. This is a crucial indicator of eutrophication and river pollution.
• Nitrate-Nitrogen (NO3-N): Higher NO3-N concentrations were observed in rainy and early winter seasons, particularly at Site II (0.42 mg/l in September), primarily due to agricultural runoff, decomposition of organic matter, and municipal sewage effluents. This contributes to nutrient enrichment.
• Phosphate-Phosphorus (PO4-P): Elevated PO4-P levels were found in the late rainy season at both sites (0.015 mg/l at Site I, 0.019 mg/l at Site II in August), driven by fertilizer runoff, domestic wastes, and decaying organic matter. PO4-P is a major factor in eutrophication in freshwater ecosystems.
• Chloride: Maximum chloride values were recorded in late summer at both sites (29.30 mg/l at Site I, 31.80 mg/l at Site II in July), often indicating pollution from animal sources.
• Bicarbonate Alkalinity: Site II consistently exhibited higher bicarbonate alkalinity (max 278.30 mg/l) than Site I (max 213.50 mg/l), classifying the water as “nutrient rich.”
• Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD): Site II showed significantly higher COD values (max 272.38 mg/l) compared to Site I (max 222.85 mg/l), especially in late summer, reflecting higher organic and inorganic pollution that requires more oxygen for oxidation.

Citation: “BOD is a measure of oxygen required for the microbial break down of organic matter under condition. In both the sites two peaks were distrinct. In site I, first peak was observed during January and second in JUly. The second peak was higher (9.6 mg 1-1) than the first (5.0 mg 1-1). Biochemical oxygen demand varied greatly with months. Site II also showed a similar trend, first peak was observed in January (10.5 mg 1-1) and second in July (15.0 mg 1-1).” (Chapter III, Page 36)

2. Primary Production and Energetics:

• Biomass:
  • Emergent Zone: Spirogyra and Cladophora dominated at Miranpur Ghat, with Spirogyra contributing significantly (150.49 g/m² average). Maximum biomass was in summer, highlighting seasonal growth patterns.
  • Free Floating Zone: Oedogonium was the sole species, showing much higher biomass at the polluted Shivala Ghat (1192.68 g/m² peak) than Miranpur Ghat (605.96 g/m² peak), especially in post-monsoon months. This suggests pollution-tolerant species thrive in enriched conditions.
  • Submerged Zone: Comprised Ulothrix, Zygnema, Diatoms, Nostoc linckia, and Anacystis nidulans. While Ulothrix and Zygnema had higher biomass at Miranpur Ghat, Diatoms, N. linckia, and A. nidulans showed better growth at the more polluted Shivala Ghat, indicating their adaptability to water pollution impact.
• Energy Concentration:
  • Energy values varied seasonally for all species, generally peaking during periods of active growth. Anacystis nidulans, while present throughout, had a lower peak energy concentration compared to other species.
• Energy Content:
  • Oedogonium exhibited the highest energy storage in the free-floating zone, significantly higher at Shivala Ghat (12713 KJ/m²) than Miranpur Ghat (6377 KJ/m²), reinforcing the idea that certain species flourish under nutrient enrichment.
  • Ulothrix was a major contributor in the submerged zone at Miranpur Ghat (3240 KJ/m²), while other species showed varied contributions across sites.
• Primary Production (Dry Weight & Energy Basis):
  • The free-floating zone contributed the most to primary production at Shivala Ghat (1597.28 g/m²/yr, 17253 KJ/m²/yr), whereas the submerged zone was dominant at Miranpur Ghat (945.41 g/m²/yr, 9199 KJ/m²/yr). This stark difference highlights the ecological shift driven by pollution.
  • Rainy and winter seasons generally favored higher productivity, with summer showing declines due to senescence and decomposition.

Citation: “Plants of submerged zone contributed maximum to the primary production at the Miranpur ghat whereas at the Shivala ghat free floating zone contributed the maximum (Table 4.3).” (Chapter IV, Page 65)

Importance in Zoology/Biology/Environment: A Call to Action

This thesis is crucial for several reasons:

• Understanding River Health: It provides detailed, site-specific data on the water quality parameters and aquatic biodiversity of a significant Indian river, the Tons, which can serve as a model for studying similar, smaller river systems.
• Ecological Shift: The findings demonstrate a clear shift in aquatic communities and primary productivity in response to sewage and industrial effluents. The dominance of pollution-tolerant species at the more impacted site is a stark indicator of river ecosystem degradation.
• Eutrophication Dynamics: The study directly links elevated nutrient levels (nitrate and phosphate) to changes in primary production, reinforcing the understanding of eutrophication processes in tropical freshwater environments.
• Baseline Data: The data collected can serve as a vital baseline for future monitoring, impact assessments, and the development of river conservation strategies.
• Policy Implications: The research provides scientific evidence to inform local and national policies on wastewater management, industrial effluent treatment, and sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate river pollution.

Applications or Future Implications: Paving the Way for River Restoration

The implications of this research are far-reaching:

• Targeted Remediation: Identifying specific pollutants and their impact on various aquatic species allows for the development of targeted river restoration projects and pollution control measures.
• Biomonitoring: The study’s detailed account of phytoplankton species and their responses to pollution can aid in developing biomonitoring protocols using these organisms as bioindicators of water quality.
• Sustainable Development: The findings underscore the urgent need for integrating environmental considerations into urban planning and industrial development along river banks to prevent further water pollution impact.
• Public Health: By highlighting the degraded water quality, the research implicitly calls for greater public awareness and measures to ensure access to safe drinking and bathing water, addressing concerns related to waterborne diseases.
• Further Research: The thesis opens avenues for future research into the long-term effects of specific heavy metals, the role of microbial communities in pollutant degradation, and the effectiveness of different bioremediation techniques in tropical river ecosystems.

Conclusion

Gajraj Pandey’s thesis on the River Tons pollution impact at Akbarpur delivers a sobering yet essential message about the deteriorating state of our smaller river systems due to sewage and industrial effluents. The meticulous analysis of water quality, primary production, and nutrient dynamics provides undeniable evidence of ecological degradation and the urgent need for intervention. This research not only expands our academic understanding of river pollution but also serves as a crucial call to action for policymakers, environmentalists, and communities to collaborate on river conservation strategies and safeguard these invaluable natural resources for future generations.

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Source & Citations
Thesis Title: Impact of Sewage and Industrial Effluent on Quality of Water and Biodiversity of River Tons at Akbarpur
Researcher: Gajraj Pandey
Guide (Supervisor): Dr. S. N. Chaubey, Dr. Anoop Kumar Srivastava
University: Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University Jaunpur
Year of Compilation: 2014
Excerpt Page Numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74.
Thesis PDF: [Link to Thesis PDF] (Please insert the actual link to the PDF here)

Author Bio:
Gajraj Pandey is a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Zoology from Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur. His research focuses on the ecological impacts of pollution on freshwater ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on river biodiversity and water quality.

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Disclaimer: Some sentences have been lightly edited for SEO and readability. For the full, original research, please refer to the complete thesis PDF linked in the section above.

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FAQs Section

Q1: What are the main sources of pollution in River Tons identified in the study?
A1: The study identifies municipal sewage, domestic wastes, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff as the primary sources of pollution impacting the River Tons, particularly at Akbarpur. These discharges introduce various organic compounds, nutrients (like nitrates and phosphates), and other pollutants into the river.

Q2: How does pollution affect the biodiversity of River Tons, according to the research?
A2: Pollution leads to a significant shift in the river’s biodiversity. The study found that while some sensitive species (like certain Ulothrix and Zygnema) might be more prevalent in less polluted areas, pollution-tolerant species (such as Oedogonium, Diatoms, Nostoc linckia, and Anacystis nidulans) tend to thrive in more polluted, nutrient-enriched conditions, indicating a degradation of the natural aquatic community structure.

Q3: What is “eutrophication” and how is it related to the River Tons study?
A3: Eutrophication is the excessive richness of nutrients in a lake or other body of water, frequently due to runoff from the land, which causes a dense growth of plant life and death of animal life from lack of oxygen. The study highlights that high levels of phosphate-phosphorus (PO4-P) and nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) in the River Tons, particularly at the polluted Shivala Ghat, are major causes of eutrophication, leading to increased primary production by certain pollution-tolerant species and reduced dissolved oxygen levels.

Q4: Why is it important to study smaller rivers like the Tons, even if they are “less dignified” compared to larger rivers?
A4: Smaller rivers are crucial because they act as tributaries to larger river systems, contributing to their overall pollution load. Neglecting them can exacerbate pollution in bigger rivers. Moreover, these smaller rivers often directly impact local communities for domestic, agricultural, and cultural purposes. Studying them provides localized data for effective conservation and sustainable management.

Q5: What practical applications can be derived from the findings of this thesis?
A5: The findings can inform targeted river restoration efforts, wastewater management policies, and industrial effluent treatment strategies. It also provides baseline data for biomonitoring programs using aquatic organisms as indicators of water quality and emphasizes the need for public awareness campaigns regarding the health impacts of polluted water.

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