Assessment of Physicochemical, Heavy Metal, and Microbial Contamination in the Ganga River at Prayagraj Across Maha Kumbh Phases

Background:The Ganga River at Prayagraj, a sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythological Saraswati, experiences significant anthropogenic stress during the Maha Kumbh Mela, a mass religious gathering attended by millions.The large-scale influx of pilgrims raises concerns regarding water quality, public health, and ecological sustainability.Methods: Water samples were collected across three phases: pre-Kumbh (four weeks prior), during Kumbh, and post-Kumbh (four weeks after).Standard protocols were used to analyze physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, TDS, TSS, BOD, COD, TOC), heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Hg, Cu, Zn), and microbial contamination (total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, Enterococci). Results:The study revealed significant deterioration in water quality during the festival, characterised by elevated turbidity (155 NTU), increased BOD (8.7 mg/L) and COD (70 mg/L), and higher nutrient concentrations.Heavy metals, including Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Hg, and Cu, exceeded the BIS permissible limits during the event.Microbial counts surged dramatically, with total coliforms reaching 50,000 MPN/100 ml, far surpassing CPCB/WHO standards.Post-event measurements indicated partial recovery but not a full return to baseline levels. Conclusion:The findings highlight the severe, short-term deterioration of water quality in the Ganga River during Maha Kumbh, primarily due to anthropogenic pressure, underscoring the need for strict waste management, advanced water treatment, and continuous monitoring to safeguard riverine ecosystems and public health.