Integrated Analysis of Physico-Chemical and Biological Parameters in Water Quality Assessment of Musi River

Water is the most important natural resource maintaining different ecosystems, human activities and lives. Although, the Earth has plenty of water, only a small percentage of the freshwater is useful for humans. One of the freshwater bodies, the rivers serve as an essential source for domestic, agricultural, and industrial grounds. Nevertheless, urbanization, industrialization, population growth, and agricultural expansion is causing deterioration in the river water quality. The Musi River, tributary of the Krishna River, flowing through Hyderabad in Telangana, is one among such rivers systems that have been strongly affected by human activities. Massive amount of domestic waste, agricultural runoff, and material waste from the city is flows into the river increasing the content of nutrients, pesticides, heavy metals, and pathogenic microorganisms in it. The present study is done to assess the water quality of the Musi River by analyzing different physical, chemical, biochemical and microbial parameters. The values observed were: pH in the water sample was observed to be in the desirable limits as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) (6.5- 8.5) and the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) present in the sample were greater than the optimum limit given by the (BIS) i.e. 100- 400 ppm. There was heavy microbial load observed in the sample indicating contamination from various sewages. Positive results for certain biochemical tests pointed out the presence of various coliform bacteria found in the feces of humans. The results emphasized regular water quality monitoring and effective management to reduce pollution and protect human health.