Water Quality in Mutha River, Pune, India.

Urban rivers often get polluted due to untreated domestic sewage, industrial effluents, and urban runoff. Present study was undertaken to evaluate water quality along an urban areas of Mula - Mutha River at Pune, (M.S.). For this purpose water samples were collected from four sites representing urban industrial zones, techno-industrial corridors, and downstream cumulative pollution areas. Those were analysed for Dissolved oxygen (DO), Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), Chemical oxygen demand (COD), Nutrients (Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite and Phosphorus), heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni and Zn), and microbial parameters (Total coliforms, Faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli). Results revealed critically low DO levels accompanied by elevated BOD and COD values, indicating severe organic pollution. High nutrient concentrations reflected persistent eutrophication. Presence of heavy metals indicated urban and industrial pollution. Excessive coliform counts confirmed widespread faecal contamination and significant public health risk There was statistically significant site wise variation in water quality parameters, confirming spatial heterogeneity. The findings highlighted\ urgent need for sustainable restoration of water