Spatio-Seasonal Observations of Water Quality Index, Heavy-Metal Pollution Index and Microbial Contagion in Springs of Lower Indian Himalayan Zone
Jabrinder Singh, Manish Pant, Tarumay Ghoshal, Arun Lal Srivastava, Subhash Singh
Abstract
Spring aquifers originating from hilly terrains of Dehradun (Indian lower Himalayan zone) moving downstream; are the main resource of domestic water footprints. Prone to rock-water interactions and anthropogenic contamination, these spring's water quality deteriorates. 15 freshwater springs were evaluated for potable water quality in rural and urban areas of the Dehradun during the Dry and Wet season. A sample of each spring was collected from the source and analyzed via Weighted Arithmetic -Water Quality Index (WQI). The 27 physicochemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed in the laboratory. The WQI of the spring water in the region varies from poor–good quality. Although, physio-chemical parameters were found in normal ranges; however, 68% of aquifer samples were infested with bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coliform and Total coliform) varying from 3.1 to 2496.1 MPN/100 ml, exceeding the BIS/WHO standard’s permission limit (0 MPN/100 ml). The parameters fluctuate seasonally. Among trace elements, only Mn, Cr, Cu, and Zn were found above the permissible limits of the heavy metals category given by the BIS. The mean heavy metal pollution index (HPI) for the dry season and wet season were 115.4 and 120.4 indicating that the water HPI was above the desired limit (HPI > 100), hence making freshwater resources unsuitable. Modeling of water resources in this zone and recovery of heavy metals from water resources with economic values must be assessed in further studies. The findings of this study pave the way for spring aquifers conservation priorities by municipal authorities and achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs 6 & 11).