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A systematic review on the ecological integrity and pollution levels of the river Sone, a major tributary of the Ganga in Madhya Pradesh, India
Summary
A 12-year review of India's Sone River (a key Ganga tributary) found that while the water starts out clean at its source, it picks up dangerous levels of toxic metals like lead, cadmium, and chromium downstream near industrial and urban areas — pollutants linked to health problems ranging from organ damage to developmental issues. The study also flags likely (but under-tested) microplastic contamination near cities and factories, underscoring how industrial waste and sewage can quietly turn a "clean" river into a health risk for the millions who depend on it for water and food.
The River Sone, a vital tributary of the river Ganga, traverses the state of Madhya Pradesh and plays a crucial role in sustaining regional biodiversity and human livelihoods. This systematic review aims to assess the ecological integrity and pollution status of the river Sone by synthesizing twelve years of water quality data (2012–2024) obtained from the Central Pollution Control Board and the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board. A structured literature search was conducted to identify relevant peer-reviewed studies focusing on the physio-chemical parameters, heavy metal concentrations, and pollution indices of the river. Extracted data were analysed using statistical tools and Water Quality Index models to evaluate spatiotemporal trends and variations in river health. The review also highlights emerging pollutants, such as heavy metals and microplastics, which are increasingly recognized as critical indicators of aquatic ecosystem degradation but remain underexplored in the Sone River context. Findings indicate distinct spatial heterogeneity in water quality. The river's origin point at Amarkantak (S1) exhibits superior ecological status with minimal anthropogenic stress. In contrast, downstream sites—particularly near Chachai (S2) and Amlai (S3)—show elevated levels of pollutants, driven by industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff. Heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, and chromium, exceed permissible limits at several locations, posing ecological and public health risks. Microplastic presence, though underreported in official datasets, has been inferred through literature and comparative assessments, with urban centres and effluent discharge zones acting as probable hotspots. This interdisciplinary synthesis provides valuable insights into the current environmental status of the river Sone and offers evidence-based recommendations for its sustainable management and future research directions.