UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Freshwater rivers are vital for biodiversity, agriculture, and human livelihoods, but their water quality is increasingly affected by human activities. In Maharashtra, pollution and ecological stress in several rivers, including the Shivaganga River in Pune district, emphasize the importance of regular physico-chemical water quality monitoring for sustainable management. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the physico-chemical characteristics and overall water quality status of the Shivaganga River in Pune district, Maharashtra. A spatial assessment-based observational study was carried out on river water samples collected from selected sampling sites, namely Khed Shivapur, Khopi and Kelawade, during November 2022 to October 2023 using standard analytical procedures recommended by American Public Health Associations (APHA, 2017). Physical parameters such as temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and salinity were measured using standard pocket friendly instrument. Chemical parameters including pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total hardness, alkalinity, chlorides, sulphates, phosphates, nitrates and fluorides were analyzed using standard titrimetric and spectrophotometric methods and represented by graphical and tabular formats. Water temperature ranged from 25.11°C to 30.11°C, while pH remained slightly alkaline throughout the study period. Dissolved oxygen concentrations indicated comparatively healthy aquatica conditions; however, lower DO values were observed during summer season months. Elevated turbidity, electrical salinity, BOD, COD values were recorded particularly at Kelawade site, suggesting localized anthropogenic influence and increased organic load. Nutrient such as nitrates and phosphates remained comparatively low, although slightly higher concentrations were observed at downstream stations. Fluorides and sulphates remained within permissible freshwater limits throughout the study period. Thus, Shivaganga River maintains moderately good water quality with relatively stable physico-chemical characteristics. However, increasing anthropogenic activities such as agricultural runoff, domestic wastewater discharge and human interference may gradually influence the ecological health of the river. Among the study sampling sites, Kelawade exhibited comparatively higher pollution-related parameters, indicating greater environmental stress. Continuous monitoring and sustainable management practices are therefore essential for conservation and long-term ecological sustainability of Shivaganga River.