Sustainable Management of Water Resource and Control of Pollutions

Abstract

This study explores the current status, challenges, and management strategies related to water resources and pollution in the state of Odisha, India.The samples were collected from strategically selected sites during both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, and analyzed for a range of physical, chemical, and biological parameters, including pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), heavy metals (Pb, Cd), and coliform bacteria. The data were evaluated against BIS and WHO standards, and the Water Quality Index (WQI) was computed to assess the overall usability of water at each site. The results indicate that several sites, especially those near urban and industrial zones such as Angul Talcher, and Cuttack, exhibit moderate to high levels of pollution, with WQI values categorizing them as poor to very poor in quality. Elevated concentrations of heavy metals and microbial contamination were observed, indicating risks to public health and aquatic ecosystems. Seasonal variations furtherhighlighted that pollution levels tend to intensify during the pre-monsoon period due to lower dilution capacity. Geospatial analysis using GIS tools helped visualize the spatial distribution of pollution and supported the identification of critical pollution zones. Correlation analysis and pollution source apportionment suggested that domestic sewage, industrial discharges, and agricultural runoff are the principal contributors. The study concludes with a set of recommendations for improving water quality, including strengthening wastewater treatment infrastructure, enforcing environmental regulations, and enhancing community awareness. The research provides valuable insights for policy-makers, environmental planners, and water resource managers aiming to achieve sustainability.

Introduction

Water is a vital but limited resource essential for life, economic growth, and environmental health. Although freshwater makes up only about 2.5% of the Earth’s water, accessible clean water is even scarcer. Growing populations, industrialization, and agriculture are increasing water demand and pollution, threatening water quality and availability worldwide. Contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and pathogens from domestic, industrial, and agricultural sources degrade water bodies, posing risks to human health and ecosystems.

This thesis examines water pollution’s extent, sources, and impacts, focusing on a case study of the Kaliapani Canal in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India—an urban water body suffering from industrial effluents, sewage discharge, and solid waste pollution. It aims to assess pollution levels, evaluate health and environmental effects, review existing management policies, and recommend sustainable strategies.

The literature review highlights key pollution sources (point and non-point), emerging contaminants like microplastics, and their effects including eutrophication, biodiversity loss, and waterborne diseases. Global case studies illustrate similar challenges and responses.

Effective water management strategies discussed include Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), pollution control techniques (physical, chemical, biological), policy enforcement, and community involvement. Despite progress, challenges remain such as poor regulation enforcement, limited data on new pollutants, and lack of public awareness.

The research methodology combines field sampling, lab analysis, and spatial tools to evaluate water quality and pollution sources in the Kaliapani Canal. This case underscores urgent needs for improved waste management, sewage treatment, and collaborative efforts to protect urban water resources in rapidly developing areas.

Conclusion

This study investigated the current status of water quality and pollution in selected stretches of the Mahanadi River Basin in Odisha, India. By combining field sampling, laboratory analysis, and GIS-based spatial interpretation, a comprehensive assessment of water resources was achieved. The findings revealed that water quality across many sites is degrading due to urbanization, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff. Several physical, chemical, and biological parameters exceeded the permissible limits set by BIS and WHO, particularly in downstream regions and near industrial clusters such as Angul and Talcher.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Soubhagya Mohapatra, Abhijit Mangaraj. 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.