Physiochemical assessment of five Indian river systems: A study of hardness and pH

Rivers are the lifelines of India, sustaining its people, agriculture, and ecosystems while holding deep cultural and spiritual significance. Their water quality directly influences public health, biodiversity, and the socio-economic fabric of the regions they flow through. Regular scientific assessment of river water quality is essential to detect emerging ecological threats and guide effective conservation policies. This study presents a comparative assessment of water quality across five major Indian river locations: the Ganges at Haridwar, the Yamuna at Mathura, the Gomti at Lucknow, the Sarayu at Ayodhya, and the Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj. Two key physicochemical parameters, pH and water hardness, were evaluated to determine the health of these river systems. Water samples were collected between January and April using standardized protocols to minimize contamination. Laboratory analyses were conducted using a digital pH meter and complexometric titration with EDTA. The pH levels across all five samples were found to be within the WHO-recommended range, indicating a generally stable acidic-alkaline balance. However, hardness measurements revealed moderate to high mineral content, indicating the presence of significant dissolved calcium and magnesium ions in certain locations. This study highlights the need for localized water quality monitoring and contributes baseline data for future comparative research in river ecology and public health policy.