Research Article Open Access

IMPACT OF INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS ON THE HYDROCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF KAYAMKULAM ESTUARY, SOUTH WEST COAST OF INDIA

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the impact of industrial effluents on the water characteristics of Kayamkulam estuary, in the south west coast of India. The surface water samples from ten selected stations of the entire stretch of the estuary and also the effluents discharged from the industries (NTPC and KMML) were collected in the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons of the year 2012. Various physico-chemical parameters of water and effluent samples have been determined following standard analytical methods. The values obtained were compared with surface water quality standards given by CPCB criteria. The values of EC, TDS, BOD, sodium, total alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, sulphates, chlorides, salinity and SAR of water samples in some stations exceeded the standard permissible limits of surface water quality. The effluent characteristics analyzed indicate that the concentration of pollutants were higher in KMML effluents than that of NTPC effluents. Results of the analyses showed that the water of the estuary is not suitable for irrigation and outdoor bathing without proper treatment. Recommendations to manage the pollution load of the Kayamkulam estuary are also mentioned in this study.

REMYA KRISHNAN AND D.S. JAYA

To read the full article Download Full Article | Visit Full Article