Assessment of Water Quality of Gomti River at Lucknow

The Gomti River, a vital water source for Lucknow, India, faces escalating pollution challenges due to urbanization, industrial discharge, and agricultural runoff. This study aims to assess its water quality using a water quality index (WQI) and advanced statistical methods, addressing knowledge gaps in understanding pollution dynamics in this urban river. Systematic sampling and analysis of physicochemical parameters, including pH, TDS, turbidity, ions, and organic pollutants, were conducted. Results revealed neutral pH (average = 7.55), permissible TDS (323.95 ppm), and moderate turbidity (16 NTU), while hardness (136 ppm), alkalinity (57 ppm), and ammonia (0.39 ppm) indicated localized contamination. Dissolved oxygen (DO) was critically low (0.9 ppm), with high BOD (30.7 ppm) and COD (75.7 ppm), reflecting significant organic pollution. PCA and cluster analysis identified primary pollution sources, highlighting untreated sewage and industrial effluents. These findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted interventions, such as wastewater treatment and stricter discharge regulations, to ensure the river’s sustainability. The study underscores the importance of integrating WQI with statistical methods for comprehensive water quality assessment, offering critical insights for policymakers and aligning with sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to clean water and environmental conservation.