Assessment of heavy metals and their interrelationships with some physicochemical parameters in Eco-efficient rivers of Himalayan Region

Most precious water reservoirs like Himalayan Glaciers, and ongm of world famous Himalayan Rivers like Ganga, Yamuna and their tributaries is from Uttarakhand state of India. Over the years increased industrial activities and urban growth along the rivers and lakes has resulted in increased load over the water bodies. In the present study a comparison of characteristics of water quality with respect to heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cu and Pb) and their interrelationships with some physiological parameters has been made in the water bodies flowing through the two geographical regions namely Garhwal and Kumaon regions of the Himalayan State of India during year 2010. All observed values of Pb, 02 observation of the Cu, 59 observations of Fe were exceeded with the WHO standard for drinking water 83 observations of Pb, 110 observations of Cu and 59 observations of Fe were found to be exceeded with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). However none of the observation of Zn was found exceeding with the standard limit. Cu shows highest concentration 7.30 mg/l among all samples and also having higher concentration in water bodies of Kumaon region. All the metals show negative correlation with Dissolved Oxygen and pH. It is concluded that the water bodies of Kumaon region are polluted manifolds due to heavy industrial discharge and untreated sewage disposal.