WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF
VRISHABHAVATHI RIVER, BIDADI A CASE STUDY
Vidya. B. R1, Ashfaq T M2, Chaitra M V3
Dodda Basappa S4, Soumya Bhuti5
1,
Assistant Professor, 2,3,4,5U G Students
Department of Civil Engieering, AIeMS Bidadi, Bangalore (India)
ABSTRACT
Vrishabhavathi River is a constituent of the Arkavathi River Basin, Bangalore Urban and Ramanagara. District
and covers an area of 381.465Km2, representing seasonally dry tropical climate. This River is the main surface
water source which is tributary of river Arkavathi, which joins the Cauvery River. It drains a major parts of
Bangalore metropolis and is an outlet for domestic and industrial effluent of that area. Earlier this surface water is
mainly used for agricultural and drinking purposes. Since this watershed lies in Bangalore urban and rural area,
today this water is only used for agricultural purpose which is also not safe. In order to assess the surface water
quality, the present study has been undertaken to map the spatial variability of the surface water quality in the
watershed using Geographical Information System. The water qualities of 5 stations were randomly selected in
Vrishabhavathi watershed for the present study.
In Vrishabhavathi River, colour and odour is present. Activated carbon and copper sulphate is used for the removal
of colour and odour.
Filtration is necessary for the sample of water as we have obtained TSS value above 100 mg/l. TDS is above 500
mg/l in order to remove it flocculation treatment is also necessary. DO is below 4mg/l and COD is above 250 mg/l
so aeration process need to be provided. The BOD value is above 30 mg/l so we have to treat it by algae growth
method.
Keywords: Alkalinity, BOD, COD, DO, Electrical conductivity, Hardness, pH, Turbidity, Temperature,
TDS, TSS,
I. INTRODUCTION
Water is one of the most important and abundant compounds of the ecosystem. All living organisms on the earth
need water for their survival and growth. As of now only earth is the planet having about 70% of water.
But due to increased human population, industrialization, use of fertilizers in the agriculture and man-made activity
it is highly polluted with different harmful contaminants. Therefore it is necessary that the quality of drinking water
should be checked at regular time interval, because due to use of contaminated drinking water, human population
suffers from varied of water borne diseases.
Vrishabhavathi River is the main surface water source which is tributary of river Arkavathy, which joins the
Cauvery River. It drains a major parts of Bangalore metropolis and is an outlet for domestic and industrial effluent
of that area. Today this water is only used for agricultural purposes which are also not safe.
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Degradation of tanks in the urban area is the main factor for the change in the water quality. Due to Urbanization,
instead of tanks settlements are built in the watershed. From the settlements watershed is receiving the domestic
sewage water.
This sewage water finally reached in to the main river Vrishabhavathi. To overcome from this problem we have to
analyze the surface water quality in the Vrishabhavathi River. Some physical test should be performed for testing of
its physical appearance such as turbidity, temperature etc, while chemical tests should be perform for its pH, TDS,
BOD, COD, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, hardness and other characters.
II. OBJECTIVES OF STUDY
The work has been taken up with the following objectives
2.1 To determine the physical parameters (Temperature, turbidity) of river water sample at selected points in
Vrishabhavathi river.
2.2 To determine the chemical parameters (pH, Hardness, Alkalinity, TDS, DO, BOD, COD) of water sample at
selected points in Vrishabhavathi River.
III. MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this chapter, the study area is described in detail. The detailed list of equipment along with photographs and
chemicals used for the study has been indicated. The criteria for selection of sampling points, methodology adopted
for analysis have been explained.
3.1 Details of Study Areas
3.1.1 The study area
The study area consists of Vrishabhavathi river situated near the Bidadi industrial [Link] river is located at
12045'48"N latitude, 77025'36"E longitude. Total area of Vrishabhavathi Lake is1018 acre with a population of
9,917 and population density of 290 /km2. It has traditionally been a centre of industrial and education and has been
categorized as the industrial area in the state of Karnataka.
3.1.2 Geology and Hydrogeology
Bidadi is a town situated on the Bangalore express way and is the part of Ramanagara district in the state of
Karnataka. The town is located 32 km from Bangalore towards Mysore and is connected by both rail and bus to
Bangalore city. For studying the rainfall pattern 10 years actual rainfall from 1996-2005 is considered as per the
data, normal annual rainfall Bangalore urban district received is 831mm. typical monsoonal climate prevails in the
distract with major contribution of rainfall during south waste [Link] general prevails pre-humid to semi arid
climatic condition prevail in the districts. Average temperature is 23.1°c.
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Fig [Link] map showing sampling station of study area.
VI. METHODOLOGY
4.1 Sampling Points
The sampling points in the lake are selected with utmost care and so chosen that the samples collected from those
stations represent the actual pollution scenario of the lake. A total of five sampling stations were established along
the lake.
Station S1: Inlet (Point of Sewage entry)
Station S2: Inlet Phase-1(Industrial wastewater from industries)
Station S3: Inlet Phase-2(Industrial wastewater from industries)
Station S4: Corner point (where water from lake goes out to agricultural land)
Station S5: Outlet
4.1.1Determination of river water pH meter
Method: electrometric
4.1.2 Determination of river water turbidity
Method: electrometric
4.1.3 Determination of river water electrical conductivity
Method: electrometric
4.1.4 Determination of river waterAlkalinity, Hardness
Method: titration
4.1.5 Determination of river water DO, BOD, COD
Method: titration
V. TEST AND RESULT
This chapter briefly presents the results of the sampling and analysis of the samples. Discussions on 10 water quality
parameters have been given. Analysis and discussion on chemical and physical parameters are also included.
Sampling was done in the river in a month from Sep 2016 to Mar 2017. For better understanding and analysis of the
results, tables and necessary graphs have been [Link] quality samples were collected and analysed for
different chemical and physical parameters from 5 sampling stations located in Vrishabhavathiriver.
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5.1 Physical analysis
5.1.1. Turbidity
Month S-1 S-2 S-3 S-4 S-5
September 245 233 235 236 240
October 100 150 155 188 142
November 238 220 233 296 209
December 196 201 222 196 232
February 254 241 186 199 220
March 234 267 219 204 255
Table 4.1.1: Turbidity recorded at five stations of
Fig 4.1.1 Variation of Turbidity at 5 stations
Vrishabhavathi river (Sept’16-Mar’17)
5.2 Physical analysis
5.2.1 pH
Month S-1 S-2 S-3 S-4 S-5
September 7.12 6.9 7.1 7.2 7.0
October 7.3 7.16 7.2 7.1 7.8
November 7.3 8.1 6.9 7.0 7.6
December 7.9 7.8 7.5 8.2 7.3
February 7.7 7.5 8.1 7.3 7.7
March 7.8 7.2 7.8 7.7 7.3
Table 4.2.1 pH recorded at five stations of
Vrishabhavathi river (Sept’16-May’17) Fig 4.2.1 Variation of pH at 5 stations
5.2.2 Electrical Conductivity
Month S-1 S-2 S-3 S-4 S-5
September 1.429 1.302 1.231 0.542 1.407
October 1.429 0.985 1.345 0.499 1.126
November 1.098 1.123 1.34 0.55 1.321
December 1.039 1.251 1.108 0.958 1.251
February 1.149 1.236 1.03 0.969 1.33
March 1.245 1.305 1.09 0.609 1.422
Table 4.2.2: EC (Electrical Conductivity) recorded
at five stations of Vrishabhavathi river (Sept’16- Fig 4. Variation of Electrical Conductivity at 5 stations 2.2
May’17)
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5.2.3 Alkalinity
Month S-1 S-2 S-3 S-4 S-5
September 106 96 121 142 116
October 125 195 110 108 120
November 95 100 134 182 104
December 182 129 99 106 162
February 132 170 101 91 160
March 120 133 160 142 121
Table 4.2.3: Alkalinity recorded at five stations of
Vrishabhavathiriver (Sept’16-May’17) Fig 4.2.3 Variation of Alkalinity at 5 stations
5.2.4 Total hardness
Month S-1 S-2 S-3 S-4 S-5
September 492 504 454 438 113
October 115 505 309 416 368
November 309 319 187 416 251
December 486 442 366 389 192
February 480 289 389 454 123
March 318 337 326 231 317
Table 4.2.4: Total hardness recorded at five stations
of Vrishabhavathi river (Sept’16-May’17)
Fig 4.2.4 Variation of Total hardness at 5 stations
5.2.5 TSS
Month S-1 S-2 S-3 S-4 S-5
September 268 294 237 251 72
October 78 294 183 379 388
November 337 296 231 231 388
December 309.5 348 326 259 263
February 198 348 223 217 314
March 261 238 283 187 329
Table 4.2.5: TSS recorded at five stations of
Vrishabhavathi river (Sept’16-May’17) Fig 4.2.5: Variation of Total Suspended Solids at 5 stations
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5.2.6 TDS
Month S-1 S-2 S-3 S-4 S-5
September 987 936 918 873 467
October 987 727 843 788 814
November 727 375 375 843 609
December 791 828 746 711 342
February 828 585 936 920 830
March 660 536 430 930 823
Table 4.2.6: TDS recorded at five stations of
Vrishabhavathi river (Sept’16-May’17) Fig 4.2.6 Variation of Total Dissolved Solids at 5 stations
5.2.7 DO
Month S-1 S-2 S-3 S-4 S-5
September 2.7 3.1 3.8 3.3 5.5
October 2.7 5.5 4.1 3.5 3.7
November 3.9 5.7 3.5 5.7 4.6
December 3.6 4.1 3.8 4.2 5.9
February 3.6 5.9 4.75 6.0 4.45
March 4.3 4.8 4.4 6.2 5.3
Table 4.2.7: Dissolved oxygen recorded at five
stationsVrishabhavathiriver (Sept’16-May’17) Fig 4.2.7 Variation of Dissolved Oxygen at 5 stations
5.2.7 COD
Month S-1 S-2 S-3 S-4 S-5
September 625 536 424 528 432
October 637 257 324 566 508
November 416 246 442 248 292
December 438 328 438 438 236
February 432 242 312 226 292
March 304 306 296 208 278
Table 4.2.8: COD recorded at five stations of
Vrishabhavathi river (Sept’16-May’17) Fig 4.2.8 Variation of Chemical Oxygen demand at 5
stations
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5.2.8 BOD
Month S-1 S-2 S-3 S-4 S-5
September 132.8 128.4 142.6 122 136.8
October 134.2 42.2 52.8 118.8 120.2
November 178.4 38.8 156.4 35.2 76.4
December 152.6 54.4 144.8 148.8 28.8
February 148.8 36.2 138.6 31.6 34.4
March 56.4 40.8 78.8 30.2 32.8
Table 4.2.9: Bio-Chemical Oxygen Demand recorded
at five stations ofVrishabhavathi river (Sept’16-
Fig 4.2.9 Variation of Bio-Chemical Oxygen demand
May’17)
at 5 stations
VI. CONCLUSION
Various chemical parameters in studied river showed distinct, temporal and spatial variations thought study period.
The present study has shown that Vrishabhavathi river is much more polluted in terms of various chemical
parameters such as pH, Hardness, Alkalinity, TDS, BOD, COD, DO etc,
Vrishabhavathi river was above described limit. This result shows that the Vrishabhavathi river receives very high
pollutions from the surroundings. And the wastage of river highly contaminated and if the similar condition continue
for the longer period, Vrishabhavathi river may soon become ecological inactive.
The main objective of study was to know physical and chemical characteristics of Vrishabhavathi river. Samples
were collected and analysed for different physical and chemical parameters reveals that Vrishabhavathiriver is
pollutant due to wastage coming from Bangalore city sewage wastewater and industries wastewater.
The present study shows that some of the parameters were above or below the permissible limit of wastewater
standards. Some parameters like pH, turbidity, conductivity, COD, BOD etc...
The pH of the Vrishabhavathi river near industrial area is quite moderate. COD concentration recorded was
comparatively high during pre-monsoon seasons due to high temperature and low dilution. TSS and TDS
comparatively low level within the permissible limit. The alkalinity of water body was much higher than the world
and Indian standard. Hardness is quite less than the level specified in the standard. From the above conclusion it has
been made evident that the industrialization in Bidadi industrial area was responsible for the present deteriorating
condition. The mitigation majors along with long term monitoring network will improve in that region. It is seen that
improvement can be achieved in water quality, health, aquatic life, flora and fauna etc. with implementation of
mitigation measures. At Vrishabhavathi river, colour and odour is present. Activated carbon and copper sulphate is
used for the removal of colour and odour.
Filtration is necessary for the sample of river water as we have obtained TSS value above 100 mg/l. TDS is above
500 mg/l in order to remove it flocculation treatment is also necessary. DO is below 4mg/l and COD is above 250 so
aeration process need to be provided. The BOD value is below 4mg/l so we have to treat it by algae growth method.
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VII. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The satisfaction and euphoria that accompany the successful completion of any task would be incomplete without
the mention of the people who made it possible, whose constant guidance and encouragement crowned my effort
with success.
I am grateful to our institution, Amruta Institute of Engineering, Management Sciences & polytechnic (AIeMS) with
its ideals and inspirations for having provided me with the facilities, which has made this, project a success.
I earnestly thank Dr. B.M HIREMATH, Director and Dr. MAHENDRA K.V, Principal, AIeMS, for facilitating
academic excellence in the college and providing me with the congenial environment to work in, that helped me in
completing this project.
I wish to extend my profound thanks to Ms. ARPITHA G C, Head of department of Civil Engineering, AIeMS for
her immense support in completing this project.
I wish to extend my profound thanks to Mrs. VIDYA.B.R, Assistant Professor of Bachelor of Engineering of Civil
Engineering, AIeMS for giving me the consent to carry out this project and I would like to express my sincere
thanks, for her able guidance and valuable advice at every stage of my project, which helped me in the successful
completion of the project.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to Ms. AKSHATHA.D, Assistant Professor & Project Co-ordinator,
Department of Civil Engineering, for giving me the consent to carry out this project.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the teaching faculties and non teaching faculties, friends and to my
parents
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