Effect of Idol immersion on the water quality of a rainfed pond

Abstract

The issues pertaining to the pollution of water bodies is a major concern in today’s era. In India, there is a very strong relationship between religious activities and water bodies. This results in the deterioration of water quality of such surface water bodies. The idols are usually made up of non-biodegradable materials and synthetic paints. These in turn, pose serious threat to aquatic life and environment. Water quality assessment is an important exercise to evaluate the nature and extent of pollution in order to take appropriate control measures. Present study highlighted on the deterioration of the water quality of Nevta village pond, Jaipur, Rajasthan, after Durga idol immersion. Eighteen water quality parameters viz, Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Total Hardness, Chlorides, Phosphates, COD, BOD etc.,
were evaluated which revealed increase in the pollution load of the water body after the immersion.