Water Quality of the Kolar River Basin

Abstract

Electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium absorption ratio (SAR) values
were determined for the surface water of Kolar river during post-monsoon
and pre-monsoon periods. The analytical results show erratic EC and SAR
values mainly due to tidal ingression. The point source effluent from the
ash bund disposal waste water from Koradi Thermal Power Station of
Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB) shows higher values which
decrease with river water dilution. However, when used for irrigation, it
may affect the soil, crops, human life and cattle. The utility of Kolar river
water for irrigation has been discussed. The river water contains low
medium salinity. the calculated values of SAR, sodium per cent and magnesium
hazard are in the ranges of 5.4 to 18.49,36.06 to 74.50 and 15.78
to 48.79.