Abstract

Masood Alam and Naseem Ahmad

The physicochemical characteristics of yamuna river and distribution of heavy toxic metals in it at Delhi have been studied during eight months period. Five almost equally spaced sampling stations namely Wazirabad, Neelichatri, I.T.O., Nizamuddin and Okhla head were selected along the length of river Yamuna at Delhi. The parameters such as temperature, chlorides, pH, hardness, sulfate, alkalinity, turbidity, D.O., COD, total solids show that quality of water has deteriorated in the downstream. Different values obtained for the above parameters for the eight months have been reported and plotted. Different parameters were recorded in the following ranges COD 40-300 ppm, Chlorides 2-210 ppm, Hardness 100-600 ppm Turbidity 3-333 NTU, D.O. 0-8 ppm, Temperature 10-35°C. Five heavy metals namely Zinc, Nickel, Cobalt, lead and Lithium were studied in water sample drawn from the five stations in down stream side of the river and were measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Perkin-Elmer) over eight month period. Nickel concentration was high in the months of May and June. Cobalt and Lead in May and Zinc in March and July and Lithium increased to the highest value in August. Physicochemical studies of yamuna river water and determination of five heavy metals suggests that yamuna water at Delhi is not suitable for drinking, bathing and industrial uses. It can be made usable in the areas only after its suitable treatment.

D.O., alkalinity; hardness; pH; chlorides; COD; turbidity; total solids; heavy metals; Atomic absorption spectrophotometer

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