Geospatial analysis of industrial and agricultural pollution impact on pond water quality in Raipur district, central India

This study attempts to fill the critical need for comprehensive data on pond water quality in the central region of rural India, with an emphasis on the industrial and agricultural zone of Chhattisgarh’s Raipur district. Geospatial tools were used to map pollution distribution and identify contamination hotspots across the district. The study employs geospatial analysis and mapping methods to assess physicochemical factors, such as pH, EC, TDS, DO, and concentrations of metals, alongside the Water Quality Index (WQI) and other water quality indicators to evaluate the overall impact of industrial and agricultural pollution on pond water quality. Ponds are increasingly in danger due to pollution from domestic waste, industrial discharge, and agricultural runoff, even though they are essential for everyday tasks like irrigation and drinking. Twenty ponds were selected for analysis based on their proximity to industrial zones and agricultural activities. Water samples were collected and analysed for key physicochemical parameters and specific metal contaminants for WQI. The total WQI score was 115.74, indicating severe contamination across the sampled ponds. This high WQI score underscores the urgent need for remediation efforts to address pollution and protect public health. The results offer insightful information about the declining condition of pond water quality, emphasizing the need for prompt action and long-term sustainable management strategies. Bioremediation methods such as phytoremediation, microbial treatment, and adsorption techniques (e.g., activated carbon) can effectively remediate water contaminated by industrial and agricultural pollutants, improving water quality sustainably and cost-effectively.