Nutrient Status of Arasalar River, a Tributary of Cauvery River at Tanjore District of Tamilnadu, India

Physico-chemical studies were conducted in river Arasalar situated in Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu, India. The study was conducted from January to December 2010. The present paper deals with nutrient status in Arasalar river, for this three stations were selected for the sampling methods i.e., S1, S2 and S3 the main aim of the study was to determine the nutrient status of Arasalar River and the suitability of the water for domestic and other purposes, in the light of water quality criteria prescribed by WHO standards. The parameters analyzed are water Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, Calcium, Magnesium, Chloride Sodium, potassium, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, Phosphate, Sulphate, Silicate and Iron. The results indicated that most of the Physico-chemical quality parameters of River Arasalar were within the WHO limits for drinking water and, therefore, may be suitable for domestic purpose. However, nutrients levels were high during the study period and did not give any clear seasonal variation. The results revealed that the values of Nitrite and Phosphate do not compile with WHO standards. Water quality assessment of delta regions of Arasalar River revealed strictly contamination from anthropogenic activities.