Assessment of Water Quality of the Gomti River during the Monsoon Season in Jaunpur District, Uttar Pradesh, India

The Gomti River is an important freshwater resource in Uttar Pradesh, supporting various ecological and human activities. However, increasing urbanisation, domestic sewage discharge, agricultural runoff and other anthropogenic activities may influence its water quality. During the monsoon season, surface runoff can transport sediments, organic matter and nutrients into the river. Therefore, assessing the physicochemical characteristics of river water is essential for understanding spatial variations in water quality across different sampling locations in Jaunpur district. The present study assessed spatial variation in the physicochemical characteristics of the Gomti River in Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh, during the monsoon season. Water samples were collected primarily in July and August from five sites: Shahi Bridge/Hanuman Ghat, Sadbhawna Bridge, Ram Ghat/Shamshan Ghat, Ali Ghat, and Pilkichha Ghat. Sixteen physicochemical parameters were analysed using standard methods, and site-wise mean values were compared. Mean pH ranged from 6.83 to 7.50, electrical conductivity from 263.00 to 295.00 µS/cm, and total dissolved solids from 132.60 to 159.60 mg/L. Dissolved oxygen concentrations ranged from 7.31 to 8.35 mg/L, biochemical oxygen demand from 5.15 to 5.57 mg/L, and chemical oxygen demand from 20.20 to 21.60 mg/L. Total hardness and alkalinity ranged from 140.00 to 162.00 mg/L and 121.00 to 150.00 mg/L, respectively. The highest electrical conductivity and free carbon dioxide concentrations were recorded at Sadbhawna Bridge, whereas Ali Ghat had the highest dissolved oxygen, total hardness, total alkalinity, and ammonical nitrogen values. Pilkichha Ghat had the highest phosphate and phosphorus concentrations. The observed spatial differences may reflect local variations in land use and anthropogenic inputs; however, potential pollution sources were not directly identified. The findings support regular monitoring across sites and seasons and appropriate management of wastewater and agricultural runoff.