Estimation of Pollution Load at Critical Points in Stream Water Using Various Analytical Methods

In Pakistan, particularly in Punjab province, River Ravi pollution has been greatly increased due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. Large quantities of untreated industrial effluents and domestic sewage are discharged daily into the rivers without knowing their ill-effects on the aquatic habitats and consequently on human health. Most wastewater contains pollutants, which may deteriorate the quality of receiving water bodies and harm associated aquatic life. The present study monitored the built up of pollution at critical points in Nallah Deg (a tributary of River Ravi). Water samples from the selected station were collected and analyzed for physico-chemical characteristics. To evaluate pollution status the parameters determined are Temperature, pH, Conductivity, Oil & grease, DO, BOD5, COD, TSS, TDS, TS, chlorides, nitrates, Sulphate, Phosphate, Cyanide and Carbonyl compounds. Further, heavy & toxic metals (Cu, Cr, Fe, Cd, Ni, As etc.) were determined using Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer (model 669 SONAR).