Spatial and Seasonal Variation in Physicochemical Water Quality of the Gandak River at Hajipur–Sonepur, Bihar, India

Kalpana Shahi; Monika Singh

Spatial and Seasonal Variation in Physicochemical Water Quality of the Gandak River at Hajipur–Sonepur, Bihar, India

Author(s)	Prof. Kalpana Shahi, Monika Singh
Country	India
Abstract	The Gandak River is an important tributary of the Ganga and supports domestic, agricultural, religious and other human activities along its lower reaches. The present study assessed the spatial and seasonal variation in physicochemical water quality of the Gandak River in the Hajipur–Sonepur region of Bihar, India. Water samples were evaluated at five representative locations, namely Baladas Ghat, Old Gandak Bridge Ghat, Sidhi Ghat, Konhara Bathing Ghat and Konhara Cremation Ghat, during the pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons of 2018. Sixteen physicochemical parameters were investigated, including temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, alkalinity, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, sulphate, sodium, potassium and iron. The results indicated that the river water was generally neutral to moderately alkaline, while considerable seasonal variability was observed in turbidity, EC, TDS and several dissolved ionic constituents. Turbidity generally increased during the monsoon period, whereas EC and TDS showed comparatively lower concentrations during high-flow conditions, indicating the influence of runoff and dilution. Hardness and alkalinity exhibited comparatively moderate seasonal variation. Spatially, the Konhara Bathing Ghat and Konhara Cremation Ghat showed greater variability in several physicochemical characteristics than the upstream sampling locations, reflecting the influence of intensive riverfront use and localized anthropogenic activities. Two-way analysis of variance further demonstrated significant effects of season and, for several parameters, sampling location on water-quality characteristics. The findings demonstrate that physicochemical conditions in the Hajipur–Sonepur stretch are governed by the combined influence of seasonal hydrology, river discharge, runoff and localized human activities. The study provides a baseline for seasonal water-quality monitoring and supports the need for improved management of anthropogenic activities along the Gandak riverfront.
Keywords	Gandak River, Hajipur–Sonepur, water quality, physicochemical parameters, seasonal variation, spatial variation, turbidity, river pollution, ANOVA.
Published In	Volume 9, Issue 1, January-March 2018
Published On	2018-01-05

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Spatial and Seasonal Variation in Physicochemical Water Quality of the Gandak River at Hajipur–Sonepur, Bihar, India

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