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This study examines how water quality in the Yamuna River varies seasonally and its implications for health and the environment.

June 17, 2026Open Access

Seasonal variation in water quality of the yamuna river near bagpat

Key Points

This study examines how water quality in the Yamuna River varies seasonally and its implications for health and the environment.
Monthly sampling from January to April 2026 at five locations along a 20-km stretch of the river.
Analysis of physical, chemical, and biological parameters to assess water quality.
Statistical analyses using ANOVA and PCA to determine the significance of seasonal and spatial variations.
Dissolved oxygen levels fell to 2.5 mg/L by April, below the safe threshold for aquatic life.
Biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand peaked at 30 mg/L and 95 mg/L, exceeding CPCB standards by 8-10 times.
Heavy metals like chromium and lead reached alarming levels, with fecal coliform counts indicating severe public health risks.

Abstract

AbstractThe Yamuna River, a vital lifeline in northern India, faces severewater quality degradation due to anthropogenic pressures andseasonal dynamics. This study investigates the seasonal variation inwater quality of the Yamuna near Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, fromJanuary to April 2026, a period marked by low river flow andheightened pollutant concentration. Five sampling sites along a 20-km stretch were analyzed monthly for physical (temperature, turbidity,TSS), chemical (p H, DO, BOD, COD, nitrate, phosphate, heavymetals), and biological (fecal coliforms) parameters, revealing starkspatial and temporal trends. Results indicate a significant decline inwater quality over the study period, with dissolved oxygen (DO)dropping to 2.5 mg/L. by April —below the 4 mg/L threshold foraquatic life —due to rising temperatures and organic pollution.Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand(COD) surged to 30 mg/L. and 95 mg/L, respectively, exceedingCentral Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards by 8 -10 times,driven by untreated urban sewage and industrial effluents. Heavymetal contamination, notably chromium (48.6 g/L) and lead (15.3pg/L), peaked near industrial zones, posing carcinogenic andneurotoxic risks, while fecal coliform counts reached 45,000 MPN/100mL at urban discharge points, signaling a public health crisis.Agricultural runoff elevated nitrate (15.3 mg/L) and phosphate (2.8mg/L) levels, fueling eutrophication and algal blooms that furtherdepleted oxygen. Statistical analyses (ANOVA, PCA) confirmedsignificant seasonal and spatial variations (p < 0.01), attributingpollution to urban sewage (25% variance), industrial effluents (30%),and agricultural runoff (20%). Climate change amplified these impactsthrough reduced flow and erratic rainfall, concentrating pollutants.The study underscores the Yamuna's ecological collapse and itsimplications for agriculture, fisheries, and human health,recommending enhanced sewage treatment, sustainable farming,and stricter industrial regulations. Urgent, multi-sectoral interventionsare critical to restore the river's health and safeguard dependentcommunities.

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