EVALUATION OF WATER QUALITY THROUGH WATER QUALITY INDEX (WQI), GOMTI RIVER, JAUNPUR CITY, INDIA

Jaunpur is an ancient city situated on the bank of River Gomti which bisects the municipal area of Jaunpur city (located between 25°44’ to 25°46’ North latitude and 82°40’ to 82°43’ East longitude) in the north and south directions. Population growth and urbanisation rate in the city is very high during the last few decades. The rate of environmental degradation has accelerated due to the population growth and the process of urbanisation and industrialisation has increased the level of pollutants. All the sources of water in Jaunpur city have been deteriorated with the growth of population, urbanisation and industrialization. The river serves as a major source of domestic water supply of the Jaunpur city, subsequently; the river receives back the untreated domestic wastewater from Jaunpur city (about 450 mld) directly during its course. It causes the river water quality deterioration. While entering the city Gomti river water quality can be seen less polluted but it increases as it run in the city core. The study aims to determine the water quality of river Gomti in Jaunpur city. Water quality variables are integrated to determine the water quality index value along the river. In order to determine the water quality, seven stations were selected along the stretch of river. Data have been collected on the water quality from Gomti river through sampling and analysis for pre and post monsoon, 2015 and 2016. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was calculated using the Weighted Arithmetic Index method. This method appears to be more systematic and gives comparative evaluation of the water quality of sampling stations. It is also helpful for public to understand the quality of water as well as being a useful tool in many ways in the field of water quality management.