Seasonal variation in water quality of four stations in the Periyar river basins

Abstract

Studies were conducted to evaluate the quality of water from four stations of the river Periyar at Kanakkankadavu, Purappallikavu, Pathalam and Manjummal in Ernakulam District, Kerala, India with view to utilise them for drinking purposes. Nutrient elements like Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn were detected occasionally and were well below the maximum admissible limit. Mercury and lead were detected in January and March samples of Kanakkankadavu. Trace levels of As, Se, Cr and Cd were detected in some samples during certain months of the study period. Significantly higher levels of Magnesium and calcium were detected during summer seasons. The hydrographic data revealed that all the sources are acidic pH, turbid, low salinity during monsoon and nitrate, sulphate and hardness were higher during summer months. Among the stations Kanakkankadavu and Purappallikavu had extreme salinity and the presence of certain toxic metals during summer months and the same for other stations were well below the limit. Results revealed that these water sources could be utilized for meeting the growing demands of drinking water for Cochin City after introducing certain water quality management measures.