Comparative Assessment of Some Physico-Chemical Parameters of lmphal, Iril and Nambul Rivers in India
Laishram Sangita Devi *
Department of Environmental Studies, D.M.College of Arts, Dhanamanjuri University, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
River water quality in Manipur is also facing growing stress from urbanisation, industrial effluent, and agricultural runoff. The Imphal River, being a key source of water for urban and rural communities, is threatened by domestic sewage, agricultural runoff, and encroachment. The Iril River, although relatively cleaner, is being impacted by deforestation and sedimentation more and more. The Nambul River, running through the central part of Imphal city, is the most contaminated by direct discharge of wastewater and solid waste deposition. This research work presents a comparative evaluation of the water quality of the three prominent rivers of the state—Imphal, Iril, and Nambul—based on pollution sources, environmental effects, and possible conservation measures. Water samples were collected from selected locations along the river and analysed for key parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), hardness, and selected metal ion concentrations using standard analytical procedures. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was utilised to evaluate the overall water quality of the selected rivers. The results revealed elevated levels of BOD and COD at several sampling sites. In the Nambul River, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) content varies between 6.09 mg/L and 5.68 mg/L, and BOD ranges from 3.05 mg/L to 4.27 mg/L indicates high-order pollution and excessive organic matter decomposition due to sewage and industrial waste effluent. On the other hand, the Imphal River showed DO concentrations from 5.89 mg/L to 6.23 mg/L and Values of BOD ranging from 4.27 mg/L to 14.62 mg/L, suggesting organic pollution with oxygen uptake and potential contamination by domestic or industrial effluent set to be toxic to freshwater species. In the Iril River, DO varies from 5.32 mg/L to 6.29 mg/L, and BOD stands at 2.44 mg/L to 5.79 mg/L reflects organic pollution because of discharge from domestic sewage, agricultural waste run-off, or industrial waste. The comparative analysis of the Imphal, Iril, and Nambul Rivers displays substantial differences in water quality, mainly controlled by the level of urbanisation, agricultural activity, and methods of waste disposal. Among the three rivers, the Nambul River was found to be the most polluted due to the direct discharge of untreated sewage and solid waste. There is a need for immediate intervention in the form of enhanced wastewater management, enforcement of pollution control regulations, and community-based conservation practices to prevent further degradation. Effective management of water resources, public consciousness, and policy changes is essential to restore and conserve these rivers for generations to come.
Keywords: River water quality, urbanisation impact, pollution control, eutrophication, sustainable water management, water quality index