Evaluation of seasonal variations on surface water quality metrics in the slum areas of Tricity- Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula of Northern India

Water pollution has become a major problem in recent decades, endangering natural ecosystems as well as human health. This study aims to investigate the seasonal variations in surface water quality in slum regions of tricity (Mohali, Chandigarh, and Panchkula). Samples of surface water were collected from various sites across all three areas of Bhankharpur in Mohali, Chaunki in Panchkula, Dhanas areas in Chandigarh during the pre-monsoon (April), monsoon (July) and post-monsoon (October) seasons for consecutive two years in 2023 and 2024. The samples were taken along the canal and examined for different parameters including physical and chemical parameters such as pH, TDS, turbidity, alkalinity, hardness along with different metal concentrations. The metals concentrations studied were calcium, cadmium, iron, copper, magnesium, potassium, lead, chromium and aluminium.The results showed significant seasonal variations, with water quality generally improving in the monsoon months and declining during the post-monsoon months due to accumulation of pollutants. Bhankharpur emerges as the most prone location, showing substantial spikes in TDS, turbidity, hardness and metal concentrations, warranting urgent monitoring and remediation. Chaunki shows increasing trends in alkalinity, cadmium and potassium, while Dhanas remains relatively stable but with rising metal levels.