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Physico-Chemical and Microbiological Assessment of Kadayal River Water for Potability and Drinking Suitability Evaluation
Summary
Physicochemical and microbiological analysis of the Kadayal River in Tamil Nadu found most parameters within safe drinking limits, with absence of fecal coliforms and only low-abundance microplastic fibers detected, suggesting limited anthropogenic contamination at the sampling site. The presence of microplastic fibers even in this relatively clean river system underscores the pervasiveness of plastic pollution in freshwater sources globally.
Freshwater rivers play a vital role in meeting domestic, agricultural, and ecological demands. Continuous monitoring of river water quality is essential to ensure public health and sustainable water resource management. The present study evaluates the physico-chemical and microbiological characteristics of the Kadayal River water, Tamil Nadu, India, to assess its suitability for drinking purposes. A single water sample was collected and analyzed following standard procedures prescribed by IS 3025 and APHA methods. Parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, hardness, major ions, nutrients, trace metals, turbidity, and microbial indicators were examined. The results were compared with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) drinking water limits. Most parameters were found to be well within permissible limits, indicating good water quality. Microbiological analysis confirmed the absence of total coliforms and E. coli, signifying minimal contamination. Microplastic analysis revealed a low abundance of predominantly fiber-shaped particles, suggesting limited anthropogenic influence at the sampling location. The study concludes that Kadayal River water at the sampling location is suitable for drinking after conventional treatment and highlights the importance of periodic monitoring to safeguard water quality.