Assessment of heavy metals in surface water of Vishwamitri River

Heavy metal analysis of the surface waters from Vishwamitri River was conducted in pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons during year 2015–2016. Samples were collected and analysed from various sampling stations along the Vishwamitri with a view to assess and analyse the concentration of various metals, i.e., Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni and Zn. The overall mean concentration revealed the toxicity level of heavy metals in the following order Pb>Fe>Hg>Cd>Ni>Cu>Mn>Zn. pH values were observed less than seven and consequently concentrations of most of the heavy metals were observed high in downstream stretch. Identification of point and non-point sources of heavy metal pollution in Vishwamitri is necessary. Suitability of Vishwamitri water is to be assessed for drinking purposes. Assessment regarding the biotoxic effects of heavy metals concentration and adoption of appropriate treatments and controlling measures to reduce metallurgical effluent load deposited into the river is need of the hour. Copyright © 2019 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.