SRINIVAS S. VUTUKURU, D. SUN1AN RAJ, N.S. CHARY, V. HIMABINDU AND Y. ANJANEYUI
Abstract
From the perennial river Godavari, the Gostani and Velpur canal (G and V canal) originates at Nidadavole and passes through important towns like Tamuku, Bhimavaram and other downstream villages before joining the sea at Narsapur. The canal water lost its potability owing to the contamination by indiscriminate discharge of untreated domestic sewage, industrial effluents besides sullage dumping at various points. In this scenario, an attempt was made to assess the impact of these pollutants on the water quality of G and V canal, its suitability for drinking water purposes and also on the ground water of the surrounding environs. Results of the present study revealed that the canal was subjected to organic pollution of domestic and industrial origin indicated by high BOD and COD values besides a poor microbial water quality as evidenced by high MPN count based on mammalian lactose fermenters. However, other physico-chemical parameters and nutrient loads were observed to be well within the permissible limits for drinking water standards for both the canal and the ground water. Appropriate remediation measures were suggested.