Assessment of Water Quality Characteristics along the Course of the Yamuna River (India)

Yamuna river plays an important role in providing water for irrigation, life and drinking but the development of various small and large cities along its bank has deteriorated river water quality. Various physicochemical parameters of the river Yamuna were assessed over its mountainous region to confluence point near Prayagraj covering a distance of 1376km. The river water samples were studied for temperature, pH, TDS, total alkalinity, total hardness, electrical conductivity, chlorides, sulfate, phosphate, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium concentration in pre monsoon and post monsoon seasons. Water samples collected from 41 different sites from its mountainous region to its confluence point to the Ganga River. The physicochemical parameters showed a significant decrease of 20-30% in nearly all parameterspost monsoon reasons. WAWQI calculated by dividing studied stretch of Yamuna River into four segments. The results unveiled that quality of river water was poor in mountainous regions, which became worse at its confluence point. The various parameters indicate that pollution from all sources-industrial, municipal and agricultural sources are responsible for the pollution of Yamuna river water. Regular analysing water samples can identify river’s health, suitability for human use and to ensure that water is suitable for recreation and aquatic life. The significance of this research lies in its potential to protect aquatic ecosystem, elevate sustainable water useand contributing to the long term river’s health and various communities that depends on it.