Abstract

A Study on Physico Chemical and Heavy Metals Characteristics of River Noyyal, Tamilnadu, India

Author(s): Babunath R and John G

River Noyyal is major tributary of River Cauvery has been one of the most prominent and important river of Tamilnadu. Unfortunately, certain stretches of river Noyyal are much polluted in industrial and urban waste. The present study analyzed the pollution level of Noyyal River with a view to create a database on the zone-wise pollution level of the river. Samples were analyzed for a period of one year from July 2008 to June 2009 in five sampling points at Noyyal River. Totally, 23 physiochemical parameters were analyzed in five sampling locations of the river. Orathupalayam dam area recorded higher concentrations of pollutants than the permissible limits, and the lowest concentration was noted at Chadivayal. Totally six heavy metals Cr, Zn, Cd, Cu, Pb and Hg were observed in all the sampling points. Linear combinations of environmental factors, including heavy metals were subjected to Principal Component Analysis (PCA). All the physiochemical and heavy metals are observed in maximum to permissible limit. Results indicate that Noyyal river is moderately polluted under the study area.