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Abstract

Markanda River, a seasonal stream and one of the tributaries of Ghaggar River, enters Ambala district (Haryana) with heavy loads of industrial effluents from the well-known industrial town -Kala Amb (H.P.) along with additions of domestic wastes and agricultural runoff on its way to Shahbad (District Kurukshetra, Haryana). Both surface (SW) and ground water (GW) quality was assessed to check its suitability for human utilization and the role of each pollutant was also assessed for a period of two years. The higher values of WQI(SW) = 199.70 and WQI(GW) = 176.96 shows that the water was not found fit for potable purpose. PI shows that the prime pollutants are Fe, BOD, COD along with EC and TDS, though in lesser role, for SW and GW deterioration. More health discomforts were found among the younger population. Prevalence of kidney stones (62%), abdominal pains, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea (78%), dermatological problems (52%) was found among the respondents. Hypertension (16%) and diabetes (09%) was observable health issues amongst the elderly population. The study, a first of its kind, focused on the assessment of the status of SW and GW in Shahbad and its possible interference with the health of the residents to help the authorities in making strategic and sustainable developmental policies.

Keywords- Anthropogenic, WQI, PI, Physiochemical parameters, effluents, pollutants

Introduction

Water is the vital component of life which is responsible for origin, existence and continuation of life on this planet. Regularly increasing anthropogenic interventions, neglecting attitude of man towards this precious resource along with ongoing natural activities are posing a threat to the continuity of healthy life. Almost all the major rivers of India are facing water quality deterioration (CPCB, 2010). Although the current log phase of our population can only be sustained with high pace development in industrialization, urbanization and adoption of modern approaches of agriculture but the same is bouncing back as depletion of quality and quality of natural resources and introduction of health disasters. The major health issues related to water contaminations by effluents are cholera, tuberculosis, typhoid and diarrhea, allergies, dermatological issues, GIT disturbances etc. (Kashyap et al., 2015).

Water quality depends on multiple factors like variation in precipitation, soil erosion and agricultural runoff, disposal of untreated or partially...

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