Physico-chemical studies on surface water quality due to idol immersion activities in Bhilai-Durg region

This paper intends to present the environmental impact of idol immersion on water quality of surface water bodies during festivals season in and around Durg-Bhilai area. For this purpose, six ponds and River Shivnath was selected for sampling purpose as these are some of the important idol immersion locations of this area. Water samples were collected before and after immersion from these locatons. The Idols are made up of degradable and non degradable components and paints containing heavy metals due to that immersion activity deteriorates water quality. The physico-chemical parameters including pH, Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Conductivity, Total Hardness, Total Solids, Biological Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Oil and grease and heavy metals like Lead , Cadmium, Chromium(hexavalent) , Phosphates, Sulphates, Iron were analysed to study the environmental impact of idol immersion on ShivnathRiver and other ponds and these parameter shows the significant variation due to immersion idols. A comparative study of both type of surface water i.e. river as well as pond water was carried out by taking certain important parameters like pH, Total dissolved solids, Total Solids, Oil & grease, Dissolved oxygen, BOD, COD, chloride and the same were compared with drinking water standard IS:10500:2005. In this present study it was found that the maximum parameters were not at the level of pollution. On the basis of this study it is concluded that pollution load increases more in the ponds with respect to the Shivnath River due to these religious activities and stagnant and closed waters system are more adversely affected. The work highlights the condition of these surface water bodies after idol immersion with respect to the parameters mentioned above. The study found significant changes in the water quality parameters due to immersion activities. These religious activities can not stop but we can reduce pollution and save the river to create awareness among the people and society.