Journal of Environmental Biology

Water quality and pollution status of Chambal river in

National Chambal sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh

 

D.N. Saksena*, R.K. Garg and R.J. Rao

 

Aquatic Biology Laboratory, School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior - 474 011, India

 

(Received: February 04, 2006; Revised received: July 15, 2006; Accepted: September 09, 2006)

 

Abstract: The physico-chemical characteristics of Chambal river water in National Chambal sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh) have been studied. The stretch of Chambal river contained in the National Chambal sanctuary (located at 25⁰ 23?-26⁰ 52?N, 76⁰ 28?-79⁰ 15? E) is extending up to 600 km downstream from Kota (Rajasthan) to the confluence of the Chambal with Yamuna river (Etawah). The river flow in Madhya Pradesh spans up to approximately 400 km. Three sampling stations viz., Station A-near Palighat, district Sheopurkalan, Station B-near Rajghat, district Morena and Station C-near Baraighat, district Bhind were established for the collection of? water samples during April, 2003 to March, 2004. The water quality parameters namely transparency (12.12 - 110 cm), colour (transparent-very turbid), turbidity (1-178 TNU), electrical conductivity (145.60-884 ?S cm^-1), total dissolved solids (260-500 mgl^-1), pH (7.60-9.33), dissolved oxygen (4.86-14.59 mgl^-1), free carbon dioxide (0-16.5 mgl^-1), total alkalinity (70-290 mgl^-1), total? hardness (42-140 mgl^-1), chloride (15.62-80.94 mgl^-1), nitrate (0.008-0.025 mgl^-1), nitrite (0.002-0.022 mgl^-1), sulphate (3.50-45 mgl^-1), phosphate (0.004-0.050 mgl^-1), silicate (2.80-13.80 mgl^-1), biochemical oxygen demand (0.60-5.67 mgl^-1), chemical oxygen demand (2.40-26.80 mgl^-1), ammonia (nil-0.56 mgl^-1), sodium (14.30-54.40 mgl^-1) and potassium (2.10 mgl^-1-6.30 mgl^-1) reflects on the pristine nature of the river in National Chambal sanctuary. On the basis of various parameters studied, Chambal river in this stretch can be placed under the category of oligosaprobic. The water quality analysis, indicated that the river water in the sanctuary area is pollution free and can serve as a good habitat for many aquatic animals including endangered species.

 

Key words:??? Chambal river, Water quality, Pollution status, Sanctuary area

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