Developing Regression Models to Interpret Coliform–Physicochemical Interdependency in the Narmada River at Maheshwar, India

Abstract

A study was conducted to interpret the interdependency between coliform counts and other hydrological parameters of the Narmada River. Water samples were collected every month from the river Narmada in Maheshwar from the centre and from both left and right catchment areas, recording high human activities between September 2023 and September 2025. These samples were analysed for 12 water quality variables, including physical, chemical and bacterial parameters.  A correlation study was conducted, and the correlation coefficient “r” was determined using a correlation matrix to identify the highly correlated and interrelated physicochemical parameters with coliform count. Regression models were developed to test the significance of ‘r’. Regression analysis was carried out using SPSS 16. The comparison of the observed and predicted values of different parameters using the regression equation suggested that the regression model provides a useful means of rapid and easier monitoring of the water quality of a river in a region.