PHYSICO- CHEMICAL CHARACTERSTICS OF TUNGABHADRA RIVER BASIN, A FRESH WATER WETLAND IN HARIHARA KARNATAKA, INDIA

Some Physicochemical characteristics of a fresh water wetland were investigated. The analysis was carried out for a period of two years. Physical parameters such as colour, odor, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC) total suspended solids (TSS) total solids (TS), turbidity and chemical parameters such as pH, Alkalinity, hardness, dissolved oxygen (DO), Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand(COD), chloride, salinity, fluoride, phosphate, & nitrate were examined. Result of the study indicated that water in Tungabhadra River is highly contaminated and not safe for drinking. Uncontrolled use of poly fibers industries effluents and scrupulous dumping of domestic wastes of Harihara city and surrounding villages are the major causes of deterioration of water. Poor quality of drinking water was recorded as the major risk factors for the large-scale water borne was recorded as the major risk factors for the large- scale water borne diseases in the area.