Physicochemical and Biochemical Characterization of Surface Waters in Mangrove areas of Godavari Region for Assessing their Interaction with Ground waters

Ground water is a significant source for drinking, agricultural and aqua cultural purposes in Godavari region. Ground water if contaminated due to manmade activities cause concern on environment and human health. The aim of the present study is to characterize surface waters which join the sea water in east Godavari mangrove forest region for assessing their interaction with Ground waters. Surface water and Ground water samples were collected and characterized for parameters pH, EC, TDS, Total Hardness, Alkalinity, Chloride, Sulphate, Na, K, Ca, Mg, %Na, SAR, Kelly's Ratio, PI, MH, Cl ⁻/HCO₃⁻, DO, BOD and COD. Higher levels of EC, TDS, Cl ⁻, TH and Na, K levels indicate that these waters are not suitable for drinking purposes. PI, MH, Cl ⁻/HCO₃⁻indicate the unsuitability for irrigation purposes while DO, BOD and COD levels indicate suitability for only aquaculture purposes. Further the waters are characterized for microbial spp and the results indicated the presence of bacterial species like Bacillus, Staplococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, E-coli, Klebsiella, which cause concern on human health.