Impact of Physico-Chemical Factors on Water Quality in Dehradun and Haridwar, India

Abstract

Water quality has become a crucial concern in modern times and is assessed through various physicochemical parameters. Water is necessary for all living organisms, even though it does not supply organic micronutrients. The relationship between water and the environment is a pressing issue for both the public and policymakers. Human activities are the primary contributors to water and environmental pollution, leading to severe consequences. Water contamination has been linked to numerous health issues, including cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and reproductive disorders. Additionally, pollution adversely affects aquatic life, potentially driving many species to endangerment or extinction within the next century. A study was conducted in the Dehradun and Haridwar districts of Uttarakhand to analyze the impact of water pollution. This region was selected due to its exposure to industrial activities, agricultural practices, wastewater discharge, human settlements, embankment erosion, and urbanization. The current state of water quality in Dehradun is inadequate and often contaminated. It is responsible for various waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea, giardiasis, dysentery, typhoid fever, and E. coli infections, particularly in both rural and urban areas. This study focuses on evaluating the water quality parameters of various locations across Dehradun and Haridwar. To study the effect, water samples were collected from various locations in the Dehradun and Haridwar Districts. Results were analyzed in the environmental lab at Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University. Monitoring water quality and taking the right steps to prevent contamination are crucial for a safe and clean water supply. This research aims to assess the physicochemical characteristics of water in the Dehradun and Haridwar districts. From the experimental results, it can be concluded that in both districts, most of the physical and chemical parameters of the water exceed the acceptable limits for drinking water. Water quality in Dehradun is generally safe, with alkalinity within limits (≤200 mg/L) and TDS under control, but high hardness (>200 mg/L in river and industrial areas) and turbidity at UK ENGG. (above standard) require attention. In Haridwar, while most parameters are acceptable, hardness levels reach 350 mg/L at Har Ki Pauri and 300 mg/L at Mansa Devi Road, and turbidity peaks at 8.1 mg/l in Mayapur, indicating the need for treatment to ensure safe drinking water.