Evaluation of Microbial Load and Selected Heavy Metals Contamination in the River Beas (Punjab) India

Abstract

Aim: To analyse the heavy metal contamination and microbial load in upstream (Talwara), midstream (Urmar Tanda) and downstream (Harike Pattan) stretches of the river Beas in Punjab. Methodology: Month-wise samples were collected in triplicate during the period of May to December, 2019. Heavy metal parameters such as Arsenic, Cadmium, Nickel, Lead and Zinc were analysed by Atomic Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry following standard protocol. Microbial load in water samples was calculated in terms of Total Plate Count, Total Coliform and Faecal Coliform as per following standard protocol. Statistical analysis involved calculating Analysis of Variance at 5% significant level (p<0.05). Results: The study revealed that heavy metal parameters like Arsenic, Cadmium, Nickel, Lead and Zinc ranged in mgl from 0.0 to 0.009, 0.0 to 0.02, 0.0 to 0.004, 0.0 to 0.001, and 0.0 to 0.036 respectively. Total Plate Count ranged from 0.32 4 5 -1 -1 x10 to 3.2 x10 cfu ml whereas, Total Coliforms and Faecal Coliforms ranged from 4.0 to 1100 MPN 100 ml and 0.0 to -1 460 MPN 100 ml respectively. The mean concentrations of analysed metals were recorded in the order of Zinc > Cadmium > Arsenic >Nickel >Lead; and most of them were under the permissible limits; however, the presence of faecal coliforms in the water is alarmingly high at Harike Pattan. Interpretation: This investigation revealed that the river Beas water is suitable for supporting aquatic life, bathing, irrigation and other purposes. The microbial load and the heavy metal parameters need to be monitored regularly, so that their adverse effects on living beings or aquatic organisms may be minimized. River stretch near Harike Pattan and Urmar Tanda being an important habitat of endangered freshwater Dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor), Smooth-Coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicilliata) and Ghariyal (Gavialis gangeticus) is more vulnerable to the toxic levels of heavy metals and contamination of faecal coliform.