Pollution of some recreation beaches of Mumbai, Maharashtra
Abstract
Pollution in terms of water and sediment qualities of Madh. Juhu, Dadar and Girgaon recreation beaches was studied. Water quality in respect of low pH (7.8-8.3), low salinity (15.1-34.5 ppl), high microbial population (coliform count up to 18000' /100 mL) and high phosphate and ammonium contents reveal the influence of a land run-off. High DO (3.8-7.8 mg/L) and low BOD (<0.1-7.5 mg/L) however indicate well oxygenated conditions possibly through the surfing action of tidal seawater. Variations over a tidal cycle in respect of low DO; high levels of phosphate, ammonium and coliforms during ebbing and enhancement in DO and salinity associated with decrease in corresponding nutrients during flooding suggest deterioration in the water quality by polluted land based discharges. The deterioration was marked at Dadar where influence of highly polluted discharges through Mahim Creek could be responsible. The beach quality shows marked deviations as compared to the quality of seawater sampled 5 km off the coast. Though most of the parameters are within the norms, coliform counts were abnormally high in the beach waters as compared to the CPCB criteria.
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