Assessment of Water Quality of Kulik River of Raiganj with Reference to Physicochemical Characteristics and Potability

Abstract

This study involves the assessment of physicochemical and microbiological parameters evaluated from nine sites along the stretch of the Kulik river for one year (during January–December 2020), in and around the town of Raiganj in Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal, India. The study was carried out to determine whether the river water can be used for drinking, domestic or household and recreation purposes. The parameters such as water temperature, pH, free carbon dioxide, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, total hardness, chlorides and total coliform count were analyzed using standard protocols. Significant differences were observed in the parameters both temporally and spatially. Total coliform count indicated the river water has high faecal contamination. The present study depicts the quality of the river and indicates that the water is non-potable. The result implies that the river needs continuous monitoring and treatment to maintain its aesthetic and hygienic value and to ensure its conservation for the future generation.