Application Of Water Pollution Load Index For Quantifying Industrial Pollution In Urban River Systems

Abstract

This study investigates the application of the Water Pollution Load Index (WPLI) for assessing industrial pollution in urban river systems. Urbanization and unregulated industrial discharges have significantly deteriorated river water quality, particularly in developing countries. Using WPLI, a comprehensive water Quality assessment was carried out across multiple sampling points along an industrially impacted urban river. Physico-chemical parameters such as pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Zinc) were analyzed. Results revealed spatial variation in pollutant load, with downstream regions showing critical pollution levels. The study demonstrates the potential of WPLI as an efficient instrument for ecological surveillance and regulatory decision-making in urban water resource management.