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International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering
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Assessment of Multi Parameters of Water Quality
in Surface Water Bodies-A Review
Purushottam Sarda1, Parag Sadgir2
1,2
Research Scholar, Government College of Engineering Aurangabad (India)

Abstract-The various Physico–Chemical and Biological parameters such as Water temperature, pH, EC, TDS, DO, COD,BOD,
Chloride, Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Calcium and Magnesium, Sulphate, Nitrate, Nitrogen as Ammonia, Nitrogen as Nitrate
and Nitrogen as Nitrite are discussed and studied in this paper. The objective of study was to know the important water quality
parameters for Drinking, Irrigation and Aquatic life i.e. multipurpose from surface water bodies. Various researchers explained
their views about water quality parameters that are explained below. From this study it will seen that ,all parameters are equally
important but some are the broad range and simple field parameters in surface water bodies such as Water Temperature, pH ,
EC,TDS, DO, COD, BOD etc. those are covered maximum water quality for different purposes.
Keywords: Multi parameter, Multipurpose, Reservoir, Water quality

I. INTRODUCTION

The water is a primary natural resource for people for different consumptions such as drinking, irrigation, hydro-electricity, fish
fostering and recreation; therefore, it requires at least an acceptable level of water quality [5]. The need of study of surface water
quality is one of the major issues today due to increasing the load of pollution from industrial, commercial and residential with its
effects on human health and aquatic ecosystems [11]. Human activities that involve urbanization, agricultural development, over
use of fertilizers, inadequate management of land use and sewage disposal have directly or indirectly affected the quality of water
and making it unfit for different purpose. Therefore now a day’s fresh water has become a scare commodity due to over
exploitation and pollution. Water quality is largely determined by both natural processes including the lithology of the basin,
atmospheric inputs and climatic conditions, and by anthropogenic inputs [2]. In natural waters, the dissolved solids mainly consist of
bicarbonates, carbonates, sulphates, chlorides, nitrates and phosphates of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium with traces of
iron, manganese and other minerals. Water quality measurements include a variety of physical, chemical and biological parameters.
Basic problem in the case of water quality monitoring is the complexity associated with analyzing the large number of variables
[12]. Predicting the water quality is also the key factor in the water quality management of stream, and it enables a manager to
choose an option that satisfies a large number of identified conditions [10].

II. LITERATURE SURVEY

The relevant literature on water quality parameters of surface water for multipurpose like drinking, irrigation, aquatic life, etc., with
respect to all the characteristics, objects, standards, methods, aspect and their impact on environment and on human beings was
reviewed and presented here.

A. Importance of Physico- Chemical Parameters On Surface Water Bodies

1) Temperature: Temperature is one of the most important factors for survival of aquatic life. The moderate change in temperature
can seriously affect aquatic environment, including bacteria, algae, invertebrates and fish [6; 11]. Water temperatures fluctuate
naturally both daily as well as seasonally. Aquatic organisms often have narrow temperature tolerances with the ability to buffer
against atmospheric temperature extremes. Verma and Singh [3] stated that as the temperature increases, lesser and lesser amount of
oxygen remains dissolved in the sample and hence BOD and COD increases. However, after a certain temperature all living
organisms die and hence BOD values falls sharply.

2) pH: The concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution is subjectively called pH; it is the indicator of acidic or alkaline condition of

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water status and quantifies the basic or acidic nature of a solution. The pH scale ranges from 1 (acid) to 14 (basic) with 7 as Neutral.
Standard range for any purpose such as survival of fish and its use as drinking water in-terms of pH is 6.5-8.5 [1; 4; 9]. Higher
values of pH hasten the scale formation in water heating apparatus and reduce germicidal potential of chlorine. The pH value
dependent on various phases of water treatment and water supply such as acid-base, neutralization, coagulation, sedimentation,
corrosion control [11]. Due to acid rain or discharges, pH changes which in turn increases the bacterial degradation thereby
depleting the DO and hence the BOD requirement exponentially rises [3].

3) Electrical Conductivity: Electrical conductivity is a measure of the ability of an aqueous solution to carry an electric current and
depends on the presence of ions, on their total concentration, mobility and temperature. It is associated with major water quality
parameters due to dilution effect of stream flow and can be used as indicator in determining the suitability of water for irrigation.
Higher value of conductivity was due to presence of higher concentration of dissolved salts of cations such as calcium, magnesium
and sulphate during the rains. Electrical conductivity is also considered to be a rapid and good measure of dissolved solids which
reflects the pollution status as well as tropic level of the aquatic body [6; 8; 9; 11]. The low conductivity might be responsible for
the soft nature of the water and the significant changes in conductivity may be an indicator that a discharge or some other source of
pollution has entered a stream [2].

4) Total Dissolved Solids: The amount of dissolved solid is important consideration in determining its suitability for irrigation,
drinking and industrial uses. TDS indicates the general nature of salinity of water such as higher value will have salty taste. For
irrigation water dissolved solid is a very important criterion due their gradual accumulation results in salinization of soil, thus,
rendering the agriculture land non-productive. In general, waters with a total dissolved solids <500 mg/l are most suitable for
drinking [4]. Higher dissolved solids may leads to impairment in physiological processes in the human body and also are
undesirable in industrial water as they form scales, causes foaming in boilers, accelerate corrosion, and interfere with the colour and
tastes of many finished products.

5) COD: Chemical Oxygen Demand is an index of organic content of water because the most common substance oxidized by
dissolve oxygen in water is organic matter having biological origin i.e. dead plant and animal wastes [6]. It is a valuable parameter
of water quality assessment which measures oxygen demand of biodegradable pollutants as well as non-biodegradable pollutants
[11]. The mean range of COD for drinking water is 1.2mg/l - 2.6mg/l, however recommended COD level is <2mg/l in drinking
water and fish production [9]. Alam [1] showed that mortality due to liver cancer for men and women was positively correlated with
the COD in drinking water. The higher the COD concentration of waste water, the more oxygen the discharges demand from water
bodies to which it finally joins [3]. The high COD level linked with pollution could have occurred due to high rate of organic
decomposition resulting from human activities on the watershed which produce sewage and agricultural run-offs into reservoir and
this have negative impact on the water quality [9].

6) BOD: Alam [1] has limited the amount of BOD of 2 mg/l or less (5 days 20 0C) for drinking water source without conventional
treatment but after disinfection. Gupta [6], the untreated discharge of municipal and domestic waste in water bodies increases the
amount of organic content. Therefore the microbes present in water require more amount of oxygen for its degradation thus the
BOD of water gets increased. BOD is the measure of the extent of pollutant in the water body. Verma and Singh [3] the BOD levels
from decomposition are higher than the local DO content in the water, there is not enough oxygen left for other organisms causing
them to die.

7) Dissolved Oxygen: Dissolved oxygen is an important indicator of water quality, ecological status, productivity and health of a
water bodies. Mustapha [9] reported that dissolved oxygen concentration of 3mg/l to 12 mg/l will promote the growth and survival
of fish in reservoir. The range of dissolved oxygen recorded 4.8 mg/l – 8.2 mg/l shows the water to be of good quality and will
support fish production [1]. If there is not enough oxygen in the water, the following may happen on aquatic life: Death of adults
and juveniles, Reduction in growth, Failure of eggs/larvae to survive, Change of species present in given water body. Higher
dissolved oxygen recorded in the rains could be as a result of low temperature and increased mixing of water [9]. Temperature
directly affects the amount of oxygen in water, the colder the water, the more oxygen it can hold [3]. Significantly lower dissolved

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www.ijraset.com Volume 3 Issue VIII, August 2015
IC Value: 13.98 ISSN: 2321-9653
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oxygen might be due to higher turbidity and increased suspended materials which affected dissolution of oxygen. The impact of low
DO concentration or of anaerobic conditions is reflected in an unbalanced ecosystem, fish mortality, odors and other aesthetic
nuisances [1; 12].

8) Chloride: High chloride content in water sample may be due to the pollution from rich effluent of sewage and municipal waste
however chloride in excess imparts salty taste to water and people who are not accustomed to high chloride are subjected to laxative
effect [6].

9) Alkalinity: The total alkalinity of the reservoir is a reflection of its carbonates hydroxides and bicarbonate profiles with the
likelihood of silicates and phosphates contributing to it [8]. This is so; because phenolphthalein alkalinity was absent in the reservoir
[9]. Higher concentration of total alkalinity in the dry season could be due to higher carbon dioxide concentration and release of
bicarbonates ions by sediments. The weathering of rocks is the potential source of alkalinity. Singh [14] reported that total alkalinity
above 40 mg/l is indicative of high productivity in the reservoir which will support good fish production. Alkalinity is also a buffer
for pH changes that helps stabilizing the pH of the reservoir.

10) Total Hardness: The hardness of water is not pollution parameter but indicates low salinity due to the presence of calcium and
magnesium ions expressed as CaCo3 (temporary hardness), largely combined with bicarbonate and carbonate and with sulfates,
chlorides, and other anions of mineral acids (permanent hardness)[9]. The water containing excess hardness is not desirable for
potable water as it forms scales on water heater and utensils when used for cooking and consume more soap during washing of
clothes [6; 11]. Higher total hardness levels in the rains could be due to higher concentration of calcium and magnesium ions.

11) Calcium and Magnesium: The main sources of calcium in natural water are various types of rocks, industrial waste and sewage.
According to Mustapha [9], waters with calcium levels of <10 mg/l are usually oligotrophic, while those above 25 mg/l are
eutrophic. There is evidence that hard water plays a role in heart diseases. Higher concentration of magnesium makes the water
unpalatable and act as laxative to human beings [11].

12)Sulphate: Sulphate occurs in natural water in concentration ranging from a few to several thousand milligrams per liter. Mine
drainage wastes may contribute high sulphate by virtue of pyrite oxidation. Excess sodium sulphate should not be present in
drinking water as they cause cathartic action in human beings. It is also associated with respiratory illness [6; 11].

13) Nitrogen : Nitrogen occurs in natural waters in various forms, including nitrate (NO3), nitrite (NO2) and ammonia (NH3). These
three compounds are interrelated through the process of nitrification, the biological oxidation of ammonia to nitrate. In this process
nitrite is produced as an intermediate product. Order of decreasing oxidation state:
Nitrate → Nitrite → Ammonia → Organic Nitrogen
(Stable) →→→ →→ → →→ → (Unstable)
In relatively stable, oxygenated natural water systems the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate is rapid, but the conversion of NH3 to NO2- is
the rate limiting step in the total process [9].

a) Nitrogen As Ammonia: Ammonia (NH3) it is one of the most important pollutants in the aquatic environment because of its
relatively highly toxic nature and its ubiquity in surface water systems. It is discharged in large quantities in industrial, municipal
and agricultural waste waters. In aqueous solutions, ammonia assumes two chemical forms: NH4+ - ionized (less/nontoxic) and NH3
- unionized (toxic). The relative concentration of ionized and unionized ammonia in a given ammonia solution are principally a
function of pH, temperature and ionic strength of the aqueous solution

b) Nitrogen As Nitrate: Nitrate (NO3-), it is the essential nutrient for many photosynthetic autotrophs and generally occurs in trace
quantities in surface water. Nitrate is a less serious environmental problem; however when nitrate concentrations become excessive
and other essential nutrient factors are present, eutrophication and associated algal blooms can be become a problem. The main
sources of nitrate in water are human and animal waste, industrial effluent, use of fertilizers and chemicals, silage through drainage
system [6]. When nitrate concentration is above 40 mg/l, it may leads to a disease called “Methamoglobinemia” or “blue baby” in

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children.

c) Nitrogen as Nitrite: Nitrite (NO2-:) is extremely toxic to aquatic life, however, is usually present only in trace amounts in most
natural freshwater systems because it is rapidly oxidized to nitrate. The conversion process is affected by several factors, including
pH, temperature and DO, number of nitrifying bacteria and presence of inhibiting compounds. If pH of the solution increases either
naturally or by addition of a base, the concentration of unionized NH3 increases. As the pH increases the toxicity in terms of NO2 as
N decreases while the toxicity in terms of HNO2 as N increases.

BIS (10500-2012)
WHO
Sr. No. Parameters ID Units Acceptable Permissible
(2004)
Limits Limits
O
1 Temperature Temp. C -- -- 15-35
2 Potential of Hydrogen pH -- 6.5-8.5 No relaxation 6.5-8.5
3 Electrical Conductivity EC mic.mho/ cm ---- --- 300
4 Total Dissolved Solids TDS mg/l 500 2000 1000
5 Alkalinity Alk. mg/l 200 600 ---
6 Total Hardness TH mg/l 200 600 ---
7 Calcium Ca mg/l 75 200 ---
8 Magnesium Mg mg/l 30 100 ---
9 Chloride Cl mg/l 250 1000 250
10 Sulphate SO4 mg/l 200 400 400
11 Dissolved Oxygen DO mg/l 4 6
12 Biochemical Oxygen Demand BOD mg/l --- --- 5
13 Chemical Oxygen Demand COD mg/l --- --- 10
14 Nitrogen NO3 mg/l 45 --- ---
15 Nitrogen as Ammonia NH3– N mg/l 0.5 No relaxation 1.5
16 Nitrogen as Nitrite NO2-N mg/l --- --- ---
17 Nitrogen as Nitrate NO3-N mg/l 45 No relaxation 10
(NOTE: Dissolved oxygen permissible limit is 85% of average saturation concentration at 150c and at 250c i.e.7.72 mg/l.)

B. Significance Of Water Quality Parameters

1) Temperature: It affects both chemical and biological reactions in the water. High temperature reduces solubility of gases and
amplifies taste and odour. At high temperature, metabolic activity of organisms increases requiring more oxygen but at the same
time the solubility of oxygen decreases, thus increasing the stress. Change in temperature occurs due to sunlight intensity, climate,
industrial and domestic wastes.

2) pH: pH of water gets drastically changed due to disposal of waste, exposure to air, biological activity and temperature changes. A
lower value below 4 produces sour taste and higher value above 8.5 an alkaline taste. Extreme pH can result in rapid fish kills and
alteration in flora and fauna.

3) Electrical Conductivity: It is a rapid measure of the total dissolved solids. It is an important parameter for determining suitability
of water and waste water for irrigation.

4) Total Dissolved Solids: They denote various kinds of minerals present in the water and also organic substances in case of polluted
waters. Dissolved solids in higher concentration reduce its palatability.

5) Dissolved Oxygen: It is the most important parameter in water quality assessment. It is essential to maintain presence of higher

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forms of biological life in the water. Low oxygen in water can kill fish. Fish require oxygen concentration of 2 to 5 mg/l depending
on species. In waters heavily contaminated with organic matter, dissolved oxygen disappears. Oxygen saturated waters have a
pleasant taste.

6) Chlorides: They occur naturally in waters. Discharge of sewage contributes to chloride. Therefore chlorides serve as an indicator
of pollution by sewage.

7) Alkalinity: It is caused due to carbonates and bicarbonates. In polluted waters, silicates, phosphates, borates, hamates also
contribute to Alkalinity of water. Alkalinity value is important for calculating alum dosage.

8) Sulphate: Discharge of domestic and industrial waste increases its concentration. It also occurs naturally in water. Rainwater has
high conc. of Sulphate in areas of high air pollution. Sulphate produces objectionable taste above 300 mg/l.

9) Calcium: It has no hazardous effects on human health. High concentration is not desirable for washing and bathing due to
suppression of lather formation.

10) Magnesium- High concentration renders water unpalatable and increases hardness of water.
11) Nitrogen as Nitrate:It is the highest oxidized form of nitrogen. Domestic sewage and industrial waste contribute to nitrates.
Run-off from agricultural fields also contribute nitrate. Ground waters can get contaminated by sewage rich in nitrates. Nitrates can
cause blue baby disease if above 40 mg/l .High concentration is useful in agriculture but their entry into the water increases algal
growth and eutrophication.

12) Nitrogen as Ammonia: Occurrence of ammonia in the waters can be accepted as the chemical evidence of organic pollution.
High concentration of ammonia is toxic to man. Toxicity of ammonia increases with high pH.

III. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Selection of Important Water quality parameters for surface water bodies (Reservoir)

Figure 1 Water Quality parameters for surface water

Verma and Singh [3] showed that DO, BOD and COD are the essential parameters in reservoir water quality. Electrical conductivity
is considered as one of important parameter in reservoir for calculating water quality for drinking and irrigation purpose [2; 6; 8; 9;

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IC Value: 13.98 ISSN: 2321-9653
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11]. The WQ of reservoir is normally assessed by measuring a broad range of parameters i.e. temperature; pH; electric conductivity;
total dissolved solids; and the concentrations of the heavy metals [14]. Time series of water quality parameters such as temperature,
pH, water transparency, EC, DO, and nutrients (N, P) can provide valuable information on the quality of the water, the likely
sources of the variation, and their impacts on the functioning of the reservoir [7]. Thus, from maximum researchers and figure
1showed that the essential parameters are Temperature, pH, TDS, DO, BOD, COD, EC, etc are used for water quality testing,
analysis, indexing and modeling purpose and considered individually for analysis of reservoir, river, stream water quality.

IV. CONCLUSION
The water qualities of all surface water bodies that may be river, reservoir, lake, stream, delta, and creek are very important. Various
researchers explained their views about water quality parameters that are explained above. The physical chemical and Biological
factors are investigated in this study to assess the water quality and it is clear that all parameters are equally important and broad
range of parameters is to be studied with more details for water quality modeling. Also, those parameters were selected due to their
simple, fast and continuous measurement at water quality monitoring stations.
So it can be conclude that Temperature, pH, TDS, EC, DO, BOD, COD are the broad range of water quality parameters for
drinking, irrigation, aquatic life for surface water.

A. Future Scope and Recommendations

From above study it is helpful in future to work on water quality of surface bodies as reservoir with different analysis and tools for
prediction, forecasting of above water quality parameters.

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