Seasonal Assessment of Physico-Chemical Water Quality Parameters of the Ganga River at Varanasi, India

The present study investigates the seasonal variation in the water quality of the Ganga River at various ghats in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, during the year 2024–2025. The objective is to evaluate the spatial and temporal fluctuations in physicochemical parameters and assess the extent of pollution in the river water. Water samples were collected from seven strategically selected ghats—Sant Ravidas Ghat, Assi Ghat, Harish Chandra Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Lalita Ghat, Manmandir Ghat, and Namo Ghat—during the monsoon and winter seasons. The parameters analyzed include pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total alkalinity (TA), total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, and chloride content.The study revealed notable seasonal variations, particularly in DO, BOD, and COD values. Elevated levels of BOD and COD were observed during the monsoon season, indicating higher organic and chemical pollution loads likely due to increased surface runoff, sewage discharge, and anthropogenic activities along the riverbanks. Several parameters exceeded the permissible limits prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), suggesting significant contamination. These findings indicate a deteriorating water quality status, posing potential risks to human health and aquatic biodiversity.This research underscores the urgent need for effective water quality monitoring, strict regulation of pollution sources, and implementation of sustainable management practices to protect the ecological integrity of the Ganga River in urban stretches like Varanasi.