Page 169 - AJWEP-22-6

Water quality of Bharatpur, Nepal

bacteria. The relatively small maximum deviation 6. Conclusion
(0.280) further confirms the robustness of the
regression model in predicting E. coli concentration Findings from the present investigation revealed that all
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based on TDS. tested parameters, except NO , PO , NH , free CO ,
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and E. coli, complied with NDWQS and WHO standards.
4. Limitations The WQI values ranged from 560 to 663, indicating that
Groundwater samples for this investigation were the groundwater is unsuitable for drinking purposes.
collected only from the Gondrang area of Bharatpur This poor rating is primarily attributed to elevated
Metropolitan City, specifically Wards no. 8 and 9 concentrations of NH , free CO , and PO , suggesting
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of Chitwan. Only a limited number of parameters significant groundwater contamination. Elevated levels
were analyzed, namely, pH, temperature, electrical of TDS and hardness reflect substantial mineral content,
conductivity, free chlorine, alkalinity, hardness, PO , likely resulting from nearby industrial activities, such
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NO , Cl ions, TDS, and NH . In addition, the study as iron processing. Increased Cl and PO levels
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was confined to the pre-monsoon season. further suggest contributions from industrial processes
and discharges, which may have harmful effects on
5. Recommendations human health. The presence of E. coli in the samples
indicates microbial contamination, potentially arising
Based on the findings of this study, the following from inadequate waste disposal or sanitation practices
recommendations are proposed to improve groundwater associated with industrial activities in the studied area,
quality and mitigate associated health risks: contributing to various waterborne diseases. Elevated
(i) To address groundwater quality issues near concentrations of pollutants were detected, including
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industrial areas, it is crucial to implement strict NH (7–19.5 mg/L), PO (4.3–9.8 mg/L), and free
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regulations on industrial discharges and to establish CO . In addition, increased NO levels and the presence
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routine groundwater monitoring and assessment of E. coli (0–9 colony-forming unit/100 mL) indicated
programs. potential health risks.
(ii) To ensure that water quality remains within safe Descriptive statistics, such as mean, standard
limits, regular monitoring of residential areas deviation, and minimum and maximum values were
adjacent to industrial sites should be implemented, calculated. In addition, correlation and regression
focusing on parameters, such as TDS, hardness, simplified the complexities of variance by highlighting
the most significant variables, making data interpretation
NO , and E. coli. easier, and quantifying the degree and direction of linear
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(iii) To ensure safe drinking water quality for local relationships between variables. The statistical analysis
communities, it is essential to promote groundwater indicates the following key findings: Conductivity is
treatment methods, such as activated carbon strongly positively correlated with TDS (r = 0.924,
filtration, membrane-based techniques, such as p=0.025), TH (r = 0.990, p=0.001), total alkalinity
reverse osmosis for removing particulate matter and (r = 0.997, p=0.000), free CO (r = 0.980, p=0.003), NH
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contaminants, and disinfection techniques, such as (r = 0.971, p=0.006), Cl (r = 0.989, p=0.001), PO
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chlorination, ultraviolet treatment, or ozonation. (r = 0.891, p=0.042), and E. coli (r = 0.911, p=0.032),
Additional methods, including coagulation- signifying that higher conductivity is associated with
flocculation or chemical precipitation, should also higher values of these parameters. TH showed an
be considered where appropriate. almost perfect positive correlation with total alkalinity
(iv) To identify potential sources of contamination and (r = 0.995, p=0.000), free CO (r = 0.994, p=0.001),
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their impacts on human health and the environment, and NH (r = 0.969, p=0.007). Total alkalinity also
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detailed investigations (including multi-seasonal demonstrated a very strong positive correlation with free
data) should be conducted. These investigations CO (r = 0.990, p=0.001) and NH (r = 0.981, p=0.003).
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can involve comprehensive assessments of Moreover, Cl and E. coli (r = 0.961, p=0.009) were
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additional water quality parameters, particularly strongly positively correlated. pH and NO exhibit a
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heavy metals (e.g., Pb, Cd, As), and larger sample moderate positive correlation (r = 0.886, p=0.045).
sizes. Such studies will support the development Free CO was strongly correlated with NH (r = 0.985,
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of more precise and targeted water management p=0.002), suggesting that NH is influenced by CO
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strategies. levels, likely through pH shifts affecting NH /NH
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Volume 22 Issue 6 (2025) 163 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025120083