Assessment of Physicochemical Parameters of Chambal River Water in Kota, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

The present study assessed selected physicochemical parameters of Chambal River water at four sampling sites in Kota, Rajasthan, during March–May 2026. Water samples were collected from Bhitariya Kund, Godavari Dham, Chambal River Front and Nayapura Bridge in capped polyethylene bottles and analysed for eleven parameters: pH, total dissolved solids, turbidity, total alkalinity, phosphate, sulphate, calcium, fluoride, chloride, magnesium and nitrate. The results were compared with the Indian Standard Specification for drinking water, IS 10500:2012, wherever applicable. The pH values ranged from 6.84 to 7.42, indicating near-neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. Total dissolved solids varied from 257 to 416 mg/l, while turbidity ranged from 3.12 to 4.61 NTU. Total alkalinity was recorded between 116 and 129 mg/l. Phosphate, sulphate, calcium, fluoride, chloride, magnesium and nitrate ranged from 0.09 to 0.23 mg/l, 12.59 to 15.81 mg/l, 33.7 to 36.9 mg/l, 0.31 to 0.67 mg/l, 59 to 78 mg/l, 11.6 to 14.1 mg/l and 6.92 to 10.29 mg/l, respectively. Pearson correlation and standardised one-way ANOVA were applied to the existing site-wise data. Most measured parameters were within the acceptable limits prescribed by IS 10500:2012. Turbidity values were below the permissible limit but exceeded the acceptable limit of 1 NTU at all sites. The findings indicate that Chambal River water at the selected locations was generally within the prescribed physicochemical range during the study period. However, regular monitoring and suitable treatment before domestic use are recommended to maintain water safety and quality.