ASSESSMENT OF BHAVANI RIVER WATER

POLLUTION USING GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY

Gowshikan D1, Balamurugan P2, Rajesh R3
1
PG Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering Erode Sengunthar Engineering College (Autonomous),
Erode-638057, Tamilnadu, India.
2
Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering Erode Sengunthar Engineering College
(Autonomous), Erode-638057, Tamilnadu, India.
3
UG Student, Department of Civil Engineering Erode Sengunthar Engineering College (Autonomous),
Erode-638057, Tamilnadu, India.
ABSTRACT
The impact of the untreated domestic sewage discharged from the banks of bhavani river from
Mettupalayam to Bhavani of Tamil Nadu. It is observed during the study that many dyeing, sugar and paper
units discharging their untreated effluent into the river bhavani is this criminately without any treatment. The
physio chemical study on the river bhavani along the stretch of 217 kms is done on the collected samples. The
analysis was carried for winter and summer seasons. The analytical results were compared with the Indian (BIS)
standards to assess the suitability of water for drinking and the extent of deterioration. Spatial variations of
various surface water quality parameters were studied using the Geographical Information System (GIS).
The study indicates that some of the samples of exceed the permissible limit for drinking. Pollution
concentrations are very low at most sample points. But in the upcoming seasons the pollution level may go high
or stay in the same level which is about to be studied in the upcoming study. The study further reveals that the
variation of water quality with respect to space and time is not uniform. Agricultural runoff,
sewage and industrial effluents are the probable sources for the variation of water quality in the study
region.
Keywords: Raw Effluent, Treated Effluent, total dissolved solids, heavy metals, physio chemical analysis, water
quality parameters.

INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL
Bhavani river originates from Nilgiri hills of the Western Ghats, enters the Silent Valley National Park
in Kerala and flows back towards Tamil Nadu. The Bhavani is a 217-kilometre (135 mi) long perennial river fed
mostly by the southwest monsoon and supplemented by the northeast monsoon. Its watershed drains an area of
0.62 million hectares (2,400 sq mi) spread over Tamil Nadu (87%), Kerala (9%) and Karnataka (4%). The
main river courses majorly through Coimbatore district and Erode district in Tamil Nadu. About 90 per cent of
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the river's water is used for agriculture irrigation. The river joins the Cauvery at the Kooduthurai holy site near
Bhavani.

Twelve major rivulets including West and East Varagar rivers join Bhavani draining the southern Nilgiri slopes.
At Mukkali, Bhavani takes an abrupt 120-degree turn towards the northeast and flows for another 25 kilometres
(16 mi) through Attappady plateau. It gets reinforced by the Kunda river coming from the north.
Siruvani river, a perennial stream and the Kodungarapallam river, flowing from the south and southeast
respectively join the Bhavani at Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The river then flows east along the base of Nilgiris
and enters the plains near Bathra Kaliamman temple at Mettupalayam after joining with Coonoor river
coming from northwest. About 30 kilometres (19 mi) downstream, Moyar River, a major tributary
originating in Mudumalai National Park, flows in from the northwest, where it drains the valley between the
northern slopes of the Nilgiris and the southern slopes of the Bilgiri Hills. After the Moyar it is blocked
by the Lower Bhavani Dam, feeding Lower Bhavani Project Canal near Sathyamangalam in Erode District.
The river continues east for over
160 kilometres (99 mi) through Erode District, traversing Kodiveri Dam, near Gobichettipalayam which feeds
the Arakkankottai and Thadappalli canals constructed for agricultural purposes. A small barrage across the
river was built by Kalingarayan in 1283 AD to feed the 90-kilometre (56 mi) Kalingarayan irrigation canal.

1.2 WATER POLLUTION DUE TO INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITES

Only three percent of Earth's freshwater are located in lakes, streams, and reservoirs. The remaining 97 percent
of freshwater is underground. That surface water also contaminated by various Industrial activities. When the
Effluent from various Industries like Tannery Industry, Textile Industry, Paper and pulp Industry, Sugar cane
Industry, etc., are discharged into the water bodies, it will causes the serious water pollution. Rivers and
streams are quite vulnerable to pollution because they are naturally open, easily accessible and substantially
used in agricultural, industrial and municipal processes. The release of hazardous contaminants into rivers, for
example, sewage treatment plant emissions, accidental spills or intentional dumping of toxic materials, poses
great threats to the residents and ecosystems exposed to the river water.

1.3 RED CATEGORY INDUSTRIES

Under section 18(1) of the Water Act, 1974, The Ministry of Environment and Forest and CPCB
(February 29, 2016) has categorized the industries as Red, Orange, green and white. The categorization
of industrial sectors is based on the concept of Pollution Index which is a function of waste generated and the
raw materials used. The Pollution index ranges from 0 to 100. Higher index value indicates greater pollution
load. Industrial sectors having pollution index greater than 60 are labelled as Red Industries. Based on this 60
industries are identified as Red category.

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 Table : 1.1 Classification of Industries

CATEGORIES SCORE INDUSTRIES

Automobile, Sugar, Hazardous Chemicals, Oil and Grease,
Red Category Industries Above 60 Lead battery industries.

Aluminiumand copper extraction, Coal Washeries, Food and

Orange Category Industries 41 to 59
food processing, spinning and weaving industries.

Cement, poultry and hatchery ,Ready Mix Concrete, soap

Green Category Industries 21 to 40
manufacturing, Tea
Processing
Air Coolers, Bio fertilizers, Fly Ash Bricks production,
White Category Industries Upto 20
organic manure, scientific and mathematical
instruments.

1.4 HEAVY METALS

Rapid developments and increase in mining and industrial activities have gradually redistributed many of the
toxic metals from the earth's crust to the environment. This has substantially raised the changes of human
exposure to these metals (in excess of their natural levels) through ingestion, inhalation or skin contact. There is
progressively rising evidence linking many diseases to the environmental factors, which are injurious to
bio-systems. Most of these factors are man-made and among these, human activity concerning heavy metals
constitutes a major health hazard.

1.5 STUDY AREA

The area of the Bhavani river that flows into Tamil Nadu which enters at Nilgiri hills (Latitude 11.3744° N,
Longitude 76.7620° E) till Bhavani (Latitude: 11.4333 Longitude: 77.6833) which is a 217 kms stretch. The
river basin covers Around main cities such as Udhagamandalam, Mettupalayam, Sathyamangalam,
Gobichettipalayam, Bhavani. Throughtout its distance on both sides of the bank of the river Bhavani more than
100 villages are situated.
The industrial effluent released by chemical, dyeing, bleaching, paper and sugar industries located along the
river cause severe impacts on the water bodies. Since Bhavani flows through many areas, Mettupalayam,
Sathyamangalam, Gobichettipalayam , Bhavani are home to Paper, Sugar, Dyeing, Bleaching industries
totalling 400 in numbers. Many of the industries doesn‟t have their treatment plant for the effluent which
leads to the is charge of untreated effluents into the river causing pollution.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

 To access nature and extent of pollution control (is needed) in different locality.
 To evaluate effectiveness of pollution control, strict vigilance necessary for water resources
 To evaluate water quality trend over a period of time, like winter and summer.
 To assess assimilative capacity of a water body thereby reducing cost on pollution control.
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 To understand the environmental fact and toxic nature of different pollutants in water resource.

1.7 AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the effect of pollution on River bhavani on different seasons such as Winter and Summer at
different important sampling points which are reliable to pollution.

1.8 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

 Samples are collected for 217 kms stretch starting from Mettupalayam to kalingarayan anicut.
 Collection of samples are done for 2 different seasons i.e., on Winter and Summer.
 To preserve the sample for analysis.
 Physio chemical analysis of Water Quality Parameters on collected samples along with heavy metal
analysis.
 To use ArcGis software to evaluate the accuracy of water quality parameters down the stream.

MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY

2.1 MATERIALS
2.1.1 CHEMICALS AND GLASSWARE
All the chemicals used in this study were of analytical reagent (AR) grade and were supplied by Ranbaxy
chemicals Ltd, Chennai, India. Glassware used in the present study were manufactured by M/S Borosil Glass
Works Ltd. (Bombay, India) and marketed under the brand name „Borosil‟. They were washed with liquid soap
followed by washing with tap water and distilled water.

2.1.2 WATER
All the solutions and samples were prepared by using double distilled water.

2.1.3. INSTRUMENTS USED

The instruments employed for the characterisation of the collected water sample to achieve the aim of this
study is presented in table 3.1

Table 2.1: Instruments used for present investigation

S.No Description Purposes

1. pH meter To measure and adjust the pH of the wastewater.

2. Hot plate To determine solids present in wastewater.

3. COD Digester To digest the sample during COD determination.

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 4. Refrigerator To preserve the samples

5. Digital weighing balance To weigh chemicals and solids determination.

2.2. METHODOLOGY

COLLECTION OF 7 SAMPLES AT DIFFERENT SAMPLING POINTS

Fig: 2.1 Methodology

2.3 COLLECTION OF SAMPLES

The water samples are collected for a stretch of 217 kms from Mettupalayam to kalingarayan anicut. seven
sampling points are identified based on the basis of easy to access and reliable to pollution from the industries
present near by.
The following are the sampling point location:
1. Mettupalayam
2. Sirumugai
3. Sathyamangalam
4. Gobichettipalayam
5. Athani
6. Appakudal
7. Kalingarayan anicut

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2.4 PRESERVATION OF THE SAMPLE

As soon as the sample was collected from the Bhavani river from its center, the sample water sealed in a air
tight plastic bottle and placed in a ice box. All the 7 samples collected from the stretch were preserved in the
same manner. Also refilling of ice was done periodically until it was taken to the laboratory. In the
laboratory the samples were kept in refrigerator.

2.5 BHAVANI SAGAR FLOW DATA

Bhavani sagar dam is located on the Bhavani river in Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India. The dam is one of the
largest earthen dams in the world. The dam is situated some 16 km west of Sathyamangalam and 35 km
from Gobichettipalayam. The Lower Bhavani Project was the first major irrigation project initiated in India
after independence in 1948. It was completed by 1955 and opened for use in 1956. The dam is 8 km long
and 40 m (130 ft) high. The full reservoir level is 120 ft (37 m) and the dam has a capacity of 32.8×10 9 cu ft.
The dam has two hydel power stations, one on the east bank canal and the other on the Bhavani river. Each has
a capacity of 16 megawatts (21,000 hp) for a total capacity of 32 megawatts (43,000 hp). As we discussed
earlier in the previous chapter, the Bhavani starts from nilgiries and drains into cavery. During my sample
collection period that is on
14.10.2020 and 15.10.2020 the reservoir was in its full storage capacity which discharged the full flow that
came from Bhavani Sagar dam. During winter the reservoir received high discharge from its upstream side and
hence the reservoir was maintained in its full storage capacity of 100 ft height. on an average. The river was
running its full wide along the study stretch of 110 kms.

Table 2.2: Bhavani sagar dam flow data

DATE FEET INFLOW OUTFLOW T.M.C

14-09-2020 100.09 900 2850 28.7

15-09-2020 100.18 4746 2850 28.87

16-09-2020 100.15 2967 2950 28.8

DATE FEET INFLOW OUTFLOW T.M.C

01-02-2021 97.89 263 2200 27.1

03-02-2021 97.50 753 2700 26.8

2.6 CHARACTERIZATION OF WATER SAMPLE

The collected Sample was tested and the basic parameters of the water sample were determined. T he basic

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parameters tested in this study are pH, Electrical Conductivity, Colour, Hardness, Turbidity, Alkalinity, Total
Dissolved Solids, Total Suspended Solids, Chlorides, Sulphates, COD, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium,
Potassium, Chromium, Zinc.

Table 2.3: Parameters and methods for water examination.

S.No Parameters of water Analysis Methods

1. Dissolved Oxygen Winkler‟s titrimetric method

2. Total Dissolved Solids Gravimetric method

3. Electrical Conductivity Conductivity Meter

4. Chemical Oxygen Demand Oxygen difference method

5. Total suspended solids Gravimetric method

6. Turbidity Nephelometric method

7. Alkalinity Titration method

8. Chlorides Mohr‟s Titration method

9. Sulphates Gravimetric method

10. Hardness Titration method

11. pH Electrometric method

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

3.1 CHARACTERIZATION OF BHAVANI RIVER WATER

The water samples collected was characterized to determine pH, Electrical Conductivity, Hardness,
Turbidity, Alkalinity, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Suspended Solids, Chlorides, Sulphates, COD
Table 3.1: Characterisation of the water sample 1

SAMPLE TDS TSS D.O TURBIDITY HARDNESS

pH EC
NO PPM mg/l mg/l NTU PPM

S1 7.97 252 164 11 6.0 7.2 56

S2 7.46 257 167 10 6.5 6.1 58

S3 7.31 277 180 12 6.4 4.13 45

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 S4 7.54 232 190 5 6.2 2.57 60

S5 7.23 253 164 7 6.2 3.24 56

S6 6.97 260 169 10 6.4 3.1 63

S7 7.39 320 210 13 6.3 7.75 98

Table 3.2: Characterisation of the water sample 1

SAMPLE ALKALINITY CHLORIDES SULPHATES

COD
NO mg/l mg/l mg/l

S1 210 90 26.65 191.09

S2 198 80 33.32 127.96

S3 148 84 26.64 129.6

S4 156 70 29.97 118.67

S5 143 75 33.31 119.46

S6 139 87 39.98 145.97

S7 228 104 49.97 291.09

Table 3.3: Characterisation of the water sample 2

SAMPLE TDS TSS D.O TURBIDITY HARDNESS

pH EC
NO PPM mg/l mg/l NTU PPM

S1 7.52 244 174 54 6.6 58 66

S2 6.88 228 156 74 6.5 76 65

S3 7.29 194 150 13 6.7 9 64

S4 7.56 267 198 15 6.0 8 85

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 S5 7.68 334 254 15 6.2 10 92

S6 7.71 393 296 17 6.7 12 114

S7 7.70 459 331 18 6.6 13 158

Table 3.4: Characterisation of the water sample 2

ALKALINITY CHLORIDES SULPHATES

COD
mg/l mg/l mg/l

S1 110 70 25 5
S2 110 69 18 5
S3 110 81 18 7
S4 126 90 32 11
S5 133 102 46 16
S6 149 121 55 20

S7 150 155 52 22

3.2 APPLICATION OF ARCGIS SOFTWARE

All the data‟s are to be used in the ArcGIS software platform to generate a base map for the Bhavani river. For
creating the base map, we require the latitude and longitude of the sampling location. Once the base map is
created, all the analysed dates are sequentially entered into the ArcGIS software to generate the results for the
entered data.

3.3 RESULT GENERATED FROM ARCGIS SOFTWARE

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CONCLUSION
In this study, The physio chemical characteristics and heavy metal characteristics of river water sample taken
from seven different location are analysed through water quality index and heavy metal index, compared to BIS
standards. The water is concluded that all the water samples are poor quality and unfit for drinking purpose.
From this study it is clearly evident that the quality of Bhavani river water is deteriorating day by day, hence at
most care is needed to arrest the movement of domestic sewage and untreated effluent discharge to the river .
on an overall, study indicates that the water of the entire Bhavani river stretch is not fit for drinking. The
Bhavani River is the main source of water for drinking and irrigation for Tamil Nadu. Over the years, river
water has become highly polluted in several stretches. The main reason for the high values of these parameters is
the pollution caused due to anthropogenic activities. At several locations, the colour of the river has changed
drastically with a foul smell caused due to the sewage disposal into the river. In some parts of river, the water is
unfit for irrigation also, as per BIS guidelines. There are a few industries situated surrounding the banks of the
river mainly textile and chemical industries that also contribute to the pollution of the river which leads to
adverse health impacts in human beings. Bhavani is a source of drinking for many people and at several
locations, where people still drink water directly from the river untreated. The main reason for this is the
increase in the population, which in-turn generates increased sewage, making its way into the river in untreated
form.
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