Studies on water quality of Sutlej River around Ludhiana with reference to physicochemical parameters

Water quality was determined in the different stretches of the river Sutlej (S(1), S(2), and S(3)) for a period of 1 year (November 2006 to October 2007). S(1) was at Ropar Head Works, S(2) at U/S of Budha Nallah at Phillaour, and S(3) was D/S of Budha Nallah in district Ludhiana (Punjab). Relatively low values of TDS, turbidity, BOD, total alkalinity, total hardness, chlorides, nitrates, and phosphates were recorded at S(1) and S(2) as compared to S(3). Heavy metals like Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni were detected at S(2) and S(3). On the basis of water quality standards given by Central Pollution Control Board, the water quality was at "A-B" at S(1), "B-C" at S(2), and "D-E" at S(3). For the computation of water quality rating and water quality index, nine parameters were considered. The mean values of these parameters were compared with WHO, ICMR, and ISI standards. The water quality index at stations S(1), S(2), and S(3) was 32.84, 51.01, and 132.66, respectively. This clearly indicated that the river water at station S(2) and S(3) was found to be unsafe for human consumption.