Effect of Puip-Paper Effluents on the water Quality of Muvattupuzha River emptying into Cochin Backwaters

Abstract

Physico-chemical parameters investigated before and after the commencement of effluent discharge from a newsprint factory into the river indicated the extent of pollution. Prior to effluent discharge, the water quality indicated good potable water of high standard (<i>p</i>H, 6.8-7.2; DO, 6-11.5 mg.l^-1; BOD, 0.5-3 mg.l^-1). Since the commencement of coloured waste discharge, along with oil and grease, the transparency of water was affected adversely. The downstream of outfall had disagreeable taste with varying <i>p</i>H(6.25 to 7.85),DO (5.5 to 10mg. l^-1) and BOD (1.5 to 50 mg.l^-1). Analysis of effluent samples indicated that quality standards were not strictly adhered to (<i>p</i>H, 5.9-8.35;DO, 0-7mg.l^-1; BOD, 10-5000 mg.l^-1). Concentrations of NO<img src='http://www.niscair.res.in/jinfo/twobar.gif' border=0>, NO<img src='/image/spc_char/3_bar.gif' border=0> and PO<img src='http://www.niscair.res.in/jinfo/minusthree.gif' border=0>, organic carbon and Hg indicated that waste discharged into the river caused a high degree of pollution. Suspended solids too indicated higher values. The discharge of pulp-paper effluents had rendered the river water unworthy of normal utility.