Monitoring of anthropogenic influences on underground and surface water quality of Indus River at district Mianwali-Pakistan

Aim: Quality of underground and Indus river surface water at Kalabagh, Pakistan was monitored to investigate the anthropogenic activities in the region because people of the Mianwali district often suffer from rusty spot on their teeth and clothes. Material and Methods: Fully flush sampling method was used for underground water samples. Surface water samples were collected from the main river flow. Conductivity, total dissolved solid (TDS), pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) were measured using the standard procedures. Heavy metals were determined by plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry. Results: The obtained results were compared with the set limits of National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQs) and World Health Organization (WHO). In river water samples, the average levels for BOD, COD, TDS, conductivity, pH and heavy metals were exceeding the limits of NEQs and WHO. In underground water samples of Kamer village, levels for COD, BOD, TDS and heavy metals such as cadmium and chromium were below their maximum contamination limits (MCL). However, the levels for pH, conductivity, iron and manganese were above the limits of MCL. In underground water samples from Mianwali city, the parameters including BOD, COD, TDS and heavy metals, including cadmium and chromium were below their MCL, while the conductivity, pH, and heavy metals were also observed higher than their MCL. Conclusion: The investigated parameters for river water like dissolved oxygen (DO), BOD, COD, TDS, iron, manganese, lead, cadmium were reported above MCL. In underground drinking water of Kamer village and river water samples of Mianwali city areas, the concentration levels for lead, iron and manganese were also found higher than their MCL. This may be one of cause for rusty spot on teeth and clothes of the residents. The statistical linear correlation study indicates that metals might have their origin from anthropogenic activities and natural influences.