Microbial Load Induced Degradation of Ithikkara River in Kollam District, Kerala

Abstract

Water quality convey the health of ecosystems, safety of human contact, extent of water pollution and conditions of drinking water. One of the most important factors of water pollution is the microbial contamination; especially with pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, the physico-chemical and microbiological examination of Ithikkara River was carried out to ascertain their suitability for consumption and presence of microorganisms that could cause water-borne diseases. Ithikkara River is a 56 km long river and it originates from the Kulathupuzha in the Western Ghats and flows through the Kollam district, finally emptying into Paravur Lake. The village of Ithikkara is located on the river, 15 km from the port of Kollam. The river also flows through the settlements of Chathannoor and Pooyappally. The objectives of the study was to investigate the seasonal variations of physico-chemical parameters and microbiological analysis such as total microbial count, total coliform count and E.coli count. For assessment of water quality the areas such as Alummukku , Anapuzhakkal, Kuzhiyam were selected and investigated .Water samples were collected from the study area and the physico-chemical parameters were analyzed with respect to the seasons following standard methods.The study indicates that there is a pronounced variation of most of the water quality parameters with variations in seasons. High alkaline nature  was observed in site 2. It may be due to the discharge of food wastes to the river. The rate of carbon dioxide in all the three stations increases according to seasonal changes from pre monsoon to post monsoon  and dissolved oxygen  decreases from  pre monsoon to post monsoon. The study shows that high E. coli were observed in station 3. During the drought period, animals and humans located near the river, depend mostly on rivers for bathing and other purposes. It may be causing faecal contamination of river. The  findings from the present study provide a better understanding about the current situation of the river and reminds the necessity for rejuvenating it. Thus, the study suggests that the river water needs urgent measures to control pollution and also to aware the local people to properly treat the water before using it.