Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the water quality of the Tuikual River in order to determine the impact of human activities on the river’s water quality. Methods: The present study examined the water quality of the Tuikual River over a year (i.e., from October 2020 to September 2021). Four sampling points were chosen along the river from upstream to downstream. The method outlined in ’Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater’ was used for the analysis. The results were computed and expressed on a seasonal basis, i.e., winter (October-January), summer (February-May), and rainy (June-September). Findings: The findings reveal that the river water gets polluted due to the discharge of unwanted substances and the intensity of pollutants. It transports wastewater drains, household waste, city garbage, municipal waste, and other pollutants from a variety of locations around Aizawl. The Tuikual River also receives biomedical effluents from Aizawl Civil Hospital and Ebenezer Hospital. All of the parameters under study showed a strong and significant (p<0.01) correlation, according to the analysis of correlation coefficients. The findings were compared to scientific standards established by organisations such as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the United States of Public Health (USPH). Novelty : Most of the investigated metrics have higher values during the monsoon season, which is linked to significant rainfall that rinses nearby fertilised agricultural areas, city trash, and other pollutants into river bodies of water. This study proved the significance of serious management actions and strategies for the Tuikual River’s protection, conservation, and management. It is critical to investigate the water quality of the Tuikual River before it has disastrous consequences.

Keywords: Pollutants; Anthropogenic activities; Tuikual River; Water quality standards; Correlation