C. RAMPRASAD, KARTHIK SONA, MOHAMMED AFRIDHI AND RAM KUMAR
Abstract
The present study aims to analyze the quality of River Cauvery in two distinct places (Mettur and Mayanur) at the upstream and downstream sides and also to prepare a community-based tool kit an âeco-heartâ map. The Eco-heart index has the great potential to be a community-friendly water quality indicator that can be easily recognized by common public through the universal symbol of peace and love. It was drawn based on the 6 vital water quality parameters, pH, dissolved oxygen, chlorides, sulfates, hardness, and total dissolved solids. The study concludes that the water quality map at Mettur upstream clearly visualized a slightly tilted heart shape that indicates it is clean compared to Mayanur. As the stream progresses towards the drain, the water quality gets deteriorated due to various anthropogenic activities. The study concludes that River Cauvery is unfit for drinking purpose directly, and proper treatment needs to be adopted before distribution.