Determining The Impact of Industrial Effluents on Water Quality of Patalganga River Estuary, District - Raigad, Maharashtra State

Abstract

Among the 351 polluted river stretches in India, the Patalganga River in Maharashtra has been identified as a polluted river stretch by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The effluent generated by the selected industries in the Patalganga Industrial Estate is sent to acommon effluent treatment plant (CETP). This CETP treats the effluent on behalf of the industries, and the treated effluent is ultimatelydischarged into the Patalganga River. Parameters such as water temperature, pH, BOD, DO, TSS, PO4, NO2, NO3, and NH4+ were measuredat the CETP discharge point and at 10 locations for three seasons: pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon. The water body stretchwas conceptually categorized into five zones: Coastal, estuarine, mixing point, CETP outlet vicinity zone, and riverine zone. The findingsreveal significant degradation in water quality near the CETP outlet compared to other areas, with noticeable impacts both upstreamand downstream. Dilution emerged as a key factor in pollutant dispersion, particularly evident in coastal zones. Moreover, elevatedlevels (>11.9 mg l-1) of biochemical oxygen demand exceeded standard thresholds in freshwater areas, indicating potential ecologicalstress. Correlation analysis conducted between the zones underscores the temporal and spatial variability of water quality dynamics,highlighting the critical influence of CETP discharges. Utilizing cluster analysis, optimization has been conducted for the number ofmonitoring stations to enhance the efficiency of data collection. The CETP zone exhibited a water quality index (>25), classified as “Very Bad,” emphasizing the urgent need for targeted management interventions to address pollution sources, improve water flow duringlow-flow periods, and promote sustainable resource management practices. These measures are essential for safeguarding ecosystemhealth in similar aquatic ecosystems.