AN IN-DEPTH INVESTIGATION INTO WATER QUALITY ISSUES OF THE MULA RIVER IN PUNE DISTRICT (2024) (A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS WITH 2023 FINDINGS)

This study presents a year-long assessment (January–December 2024) of the water quality of the Mula River in Pune District, Maharashtra. Building upon previous findings from 2023, the research evaluates seasonal variations and spatial differences in key physicochemical parameters—Temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and Total Hardness—across five sampling sites: Mulshi Dam, Balewadi, MES, Vishrantwadi, and Sangamwadi Bridge. The results reveal continued organic pollution, particularly in the urban and downstream sections of the river. While Mulshi Dam water remained within acceptable limits, significant deterioration was observed at Sangamwadi, where BOD and COD values exceeded permissible standards. Comparatively, the 2024 results show marginal increases in BOD and COD levels at most sites relative to 2023, indicating rising anthropogenic pressure and insufficient wastewater treatment. The findings underscore the urgent need for stricter pollution control measures, regular monitoring, and community participation in river conservation.