Comprehensive Investigation of Biological and Physico-Chemical Parameters of the River Ganga: From Its Source to the Plains of Prayagraj (Allahabad), India

Abstract

River Ganga is the major River of the country that passes across the north and north east India. Domestic water, solid wastes, industrial effluent from various areas is dumped into the river through different drains. Water samples from different sites of river were collected and analysed for Physico-chemical and biological parameters, to assess the quality of the river system. The study reveals that as per Physico-chemical and biological parameters which exceed the permissible limits render the water of the holy river to be unfit for drinking purpose and it is also unhealthy for the aquatic life.

Introduction

The River Ganga, originating from Gangotri and flowing 2525 km to Ganga Sagar, is India’s most important freshwater system. Once considered a symbol of purity, it is now heavily polluted, especially in urban regions of Uttar Pradesh. According to the World Bank–sponsored State of Environment Report (UP), pollution in the Ganga contributes to 9–12% of the state’s total disease burden, with coliform levels exceeding 2 lakh MPN compared to the national limit of 5000. Annual health damage due to water pollution is estimated at 6.4 million DALYs.

Major pollution sources include municipal sewage (1340 mld), industrial effluents (260 mld), agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides, and improper disposal of solid waste, animal carcasses, and human corpses. Although programs like the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) and National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) have improved parameters such as DO and reduced BOD at several monitoring stations, water quality at many sites still fails to meet bathing standards.

Rapid urbanization, increasing population, and rising nutrient and silt loads continue to degrade the river. The study emphasizes the urgent need for sewage treatment plants in every urban settlement and highlights gaps in India’s drinking water, sanitation infrastructure, and water policy. It also stresses public awareness campaigns conducted by NGOs and educational institutions to address water pollution.

Industrial pollution—especially from tanneries in Kanpur's Jajmau area—remains a major concern. Legal interventions have ordered closure of units that fail to treat effluents. The study argues that clean water is not explicitly guaranteed as a fundamental right, although the State has a duty to prevent pollution. Supreme Court principles such as the Precautionary Principle and Polluter Pays Principle support legal remedies.

The research highlights the inadequacy of wastewater treatment facilities and recommends routine testing of drinking water, strict enforcement of pollution laws, creation of environmental courts, and stronger penal provisions.

Materials and Methods

Five sampling sites—Gangotri, Haridwar, Meerut, Kanpur, and Allahabad—were monitored during pre- and post-monsoon seasons (2016–2017). Physico-chemical parameters (temperature, pH, DO, BOD, COD, hardness, chloride, sulphate) and biological indicators (plankton) were analyzed using standard APHA methods.

Results and Discussion

Findings show significant seasonal variations:

• pH ranged from 7.1–9.6 (higher during monsoon), exceeding the acceptable drinking range (6.5–8.5).

• DO varied from 4.1–6.5 mg/L (monsoon) and 5.4–8.2 mg/L (post-monsoon).

• BOD levels (2.2–13.5 mg/L pre-monsoon; 4.5–15 mg/L post-monsoon) indicate severe pollution, especially at Kanpur and Allahabad.

• COD values also exceeded normal limits, pointing to high organic contamination.

• Chloride and sulphate levels were within permissible limits but showed seasonal fluctuations; excess sulphates may cause gastrointestinal issues.

• Total hardness was slightly below WHO/ISI limits but remained high.

Conclusion

Overall, elevated BOD, COD, sulphates, and high pH values confirm that the river water is not suitable for drinking or industrial use. The study concludes that comprehensive pollution control, continuous monitoring, robust legal enforcement, and public awareness are critical for restoring the Ganga’s water quality.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Arpita Singh, Dr. Vaibhav Shukla. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.