Water quality of the River Ghaghara has been examined in
special reference to seven heavy metals namely cobalt (Co), copper (Cu),
chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and on seasonal
basis for two consecutive years 2013-14 and 2014-15. Samples were collected
from five stations namely Katernia ghat, Colonelganj, Ayodhya, Dohrighat, and
Chhapra.
In the water of the river maximum value of Co, Cu,Cr, Ni, Cd,
Zn, Pb and was recorded as 0.027, 0.032, 0.007, 0.018, 0.043, 0.031and 0.019
mg/l respectively whereas the minimum value was recorded 0.005, 0.016, 0.001,0.005,
0.003, 0.013, 0.005 mg/l respectively at different sites. Most of the above
values were found either below or closed the permissible limit set by World Health
Organization (WHO) except Cd.
Cadmium concentration exceeded the WHO limit.
Cd contamination in the river water of this area is a serious
concern for human health. Correlation
analysis among all considered heavy metals shows positive correlation with
each other in both the years. The data generated may provide useful information
to Governmental agencies to control the heavy metal pollution of the river at
these urban centers which may even be worst in future scenario.
