A Comparative Hydrobiological Study On Authoorangal Channel and Srivaikuntam Channel and Their Role As Sustainable Water Resources

Journal of Research in Biology
ISSN No: Print: 2231 6280; Online: 2231- 6299
An International Scientific Research Journal
Original Research
A comparative hydrobiological study on Authoorangal channel and

Srivaikuntam channel and their role as sustainable water resources
ABSTRACT:
A hydrobiological study conducted in two different river channels of two
different taluks of south Tamil Nadu showed that the concentrations of PhysicoEsther Isabella Eucharista F
chemical parameters like turbidity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical
and Mohanraj Ebenezer
conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, total alkalinity, calcium,
magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulphate, carbonate, bicarbonate, total
coliform and faecal coliform were deteriorating water quality rapidly due to intense
and excessive amounts of fertilizers, manures, pesticides and insecticides. In the
present investigation among the two channels, maximum values of the physical
parameters with a mean of turbidity 6.50.070 NTU, temperature 33.90.707 0C, pH
Institution:
8.70.707, dissolved oxygen 7.90.707 mg/l, electrical conductivity 3.080.632 ds/m,
PG and Research
total dissolved solids 15.7 3.162mg/l, total hardness 25.66.324 mg/l, and total
Department of Zoology,
alkalinity 50.11.140 mg/l was recorded. The maximum values of the chemical
St. Johns College,
parameters with a mean of calcium 10.01.702 mg/l, magnesium 11.60.378 mg/l,
Palayamkottai - 627002,
sodium 8.482.828 mg/l, potassium 0.230.012 mg/l, chloride 16.12.607 mg/l,
Tamil Nadu.
sulphate 11.93.224 mg/l, carbonate 0.30.070 mg/l and bicarbonate 2.80.050 mg/l
was noticed. The maximum values of the coliform parameters with a mean of total
coliform bacteria 3900.707 (MPN/100 ml) and faecal coliform 370.707 (MPN/100
ml) was also recorded. The results of this study point out the fact that the water
quality of both the channel waters are slowly deteriorating.
Authors:
Corresponding author:
Esther Isabella Eucharista F.
Email Id:
Web Address:
http://jresearchbiology.com/
documents/RA0473pdf

An International
Scientific Research Journal
Keywords:
Physico-chemical and coliform parameters, Authoorangal and Srivaikuntam
river channels
Article Citation:
Esther Isabella Eucharista F. and Mohanraj Ebenezer
A comparative hydrobiological study on Authoorangal channel and Srivaikuntam
channel and their role as sustainable water resources
Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 4(8): 1557-1567
Dates:
Received: 09 Aug 2014
Accepted: 4 Dec 2014
Published: 26 Dec 2014
This article is governed by the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/

licenses/by/2.0), which gives permission for unrestricted use, non-commercial, distribution and
reproduction in all medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
1557-1567 | JRB | 2014 | Vol 4 | No 8
www.jresearchbiology.com
Eucharista and Ebenezer, 2014

essential in monitoring the physico-chemical parameters
INTRODUCTION
Fresh water is an important natural resource
of Authoorangal channel and Srivaikuntam channel for
necessary for the survival of all ecosystems. In India,
the welfare of surrounding human settlements. The
ponds, lakes, rivers and ground water are used for
present study is an attempt to assess the water quality
domestic and agricultural purposes (Hemant Pathak et
with the following objectives:
al., 2011). Agriculture is the chief source of livelihood
Collection of baseline data on the structure and
for the use of agriculture a great effect on the flow of
function of the Authoorangal channel and Srivaikuntam
fresh water is necessary. The potable water should be
channel.
free from infectious agents and chemical constituents,

pleasant to taste, odour and usable for domestic purposes
(Saini et al., 2010). Physico-chemical parameters play a
Assessment of seasonal changes in physico-chemical

parameters.
Analysis of seasonal fluctuations in the microbes.
significant role in determining the distributional pattern

and quantitative abundance of aquatic ecosystem
MATERIALS AND METHODS
(Sayeswara et al., 2011). The physical and chemical
Study area of Authoorangal Channel
properties of fresh water bodies are based upon the
The Authoorangal channel has thirteen channel
geomorphological and weathering processes (Sahni and
inlets. It has the width of about 6m broad and 1.5m depth
Yadav, 2012).
(Figure 1). The channel is getting water from
The presence of safe and reliable drinking water
Thamirabarani river. Further, it is passing through
is a significant prerequisite for a stable community (Sen
Authoor and Sethukavaithan villages.
et al., 2011). Due to the growth of population and man-
acres, the water is utilized for agricultural purposes. It
made activities, the quality of water is deteriorating
belongs to Tiruchendur taluk.
everywhere. For this purpose, it is important to know
Study area of North main channel (Srivaikuntam)
about different physico-chemical characteristics of water.

There
been
no
report
on
The North main channel (Srivaikuntam) is spread
physico-chemical
over a distance of 87 sq.km and 82 acres (Figure 2). The
parameters assessment in the Authoorangal channel and
channel has the width of 30 feet and 6 feet depth. It
Srivaikuntam channel. Hence, a periodical assessment is
consists of two channel inlets namely Mukoot and
Figure 1: Sampling Site Authoorangal
Figure 2: Sampling Site Srivaikuntam
1558
has
In about 460

Table 1: Monthly variations of physical parameters of Authoorangal channel in the year of 2011
YEAR2011
PHYSICAL PARAMETERS
Temperature 0C
21.10.935
22.40. 196
23.50.223
23.70.241
25.90.583
25.70.241
24.50.223
24.81.414
pH
DO (mg/l)
EC (ds/m)
TDS (mg/l)
TH (mg/l)
TA (mg/l)
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
Turbidity
(NTU)
4.00.252
4.40. 307
4.10.040
4.00.707
3.90.037
4.00.316
4.30.221
3.40.141
7.30.196
7.90. 183
7.70.066
7.70.230
8.50.612
7.80.193
7.40.126
7.40.126
7.90. 326
7.10. 111
7.30.094
6.60.215
5.60.168
5.50.067
5.80.126
6.30.134
1.20. 078
3.00.058
0.490.029
0.490.010
0.310.005
1.270.013
0.270.023
0.300.044
11.00. 465
11.10. 160
11.50.353
11.30.330
12.00.400
12.30.083
13.10.333
13.23.049
10.10.345
15.50.316
4.30.050
3.30.134
6.60.276
4.10.031
3.00.707
16.23.391
22.20. 677
25.70. 080
28.00.948
26.20.322
33.30.583
29.80.083
30.30.377
33.21.140
September
3.40.178
24.90.707
7.32.302
5.72.024
0.210.032
12.31.898
13.01.140
40.26.324
October
November
December
4.51.414
5.91.303
6.20.317
23.76.324
22.23.224
21.11.000
7.90.707
7.71.140
8.00.707
7.60.707
7.91.140
7.20.707
3.080.632
2.020.707
0.210.010
14.90.707
15.73.162
14.31.303
25.66.324
23.93.178
3.11.000
45.512.747
50.11.140
30.40.100
Month
Thamiraparani river. Further, the water is passing cleaned polythene two liter bottles without any air bubbles
through
Varadharajapuram,
Appankoil
and
Kaspa and after rinsing it with the sample waer in morning hours
villages. It belongs to Srivaikuntam taluk.
between 8 am to 10 am. The temperature was recorded on
Water analysis
the sot by mercury thermometer. The turbidity was
The two channels have been selected for
measured on spot by Nephelometer. The other parameters
investigation on the basis of geographical locations.
such as pH,
Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Electrical
Samplings were made at monthly intervals from January
Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total
2011 to December 2011. Samples were collected in
Hardness (TH), Total Alkalinity (TA), calcium,
Table 2: Seasonal variations of chemical and coliform parameters of Authoorangal channel in the year
YEAR2011
COLIFORM
PARAMETERS
CHEMICAL PARAMETERS
Month
Ca
(mg/l)
Mg
(mg/l)
Na
(mg/l)
K
(mg/l)
Cl
(mg/l)
SO4 (mg/
l)
CO3
(mg/l)
HCO3
(mg/l)
Total
Col
(MPN/
100ml)
Faecal
Col
(MPN/
100ml)
January
8.20.31
5.50.37
6.45000.14
0.2100.01
13.50.50
4.20.09
0.000.00
2.50.29
2408.94
210.58
February
9.90.36
11.60.18
8.10000.20
0.2300.01
16.00.15
0.00.00
0.240.05
2.70.13
2203.53
200.67
March
2.90.04
1.30.08
0.69560.00
0.0250.00
2.30.13
0.00.00
0.000.00
2.60.16
2302.02
221.14
April
2.60.15
1.20.18
0.59520.00
0.2200.03
2.20.32
0.00.00
0.000.00
2.50.15
2406.51
250.53
May
1.80.37
0.60.07
0.65210.13
0.0510.00
1.40.18
0.00.00
0.200.03
1.50.20
2507.07
230.66
June
2.90.07
451.58
0.66230.00
0.0520.00
2.30.03
3.00.31
0.000.00
2.80.05
2707.07
252.23
July
0.90.08
1.30.09
0.52170.00
0.0250.00
1.00.07
0.00.00
0.000.00
1.70.17
2643.40
242.28
August
2.80.70
1.50.35
0.68560.00
0.0270.00
2.20.31
2.50.70
0.200.07
2.60.32
2771.14
293.11
September
2.80.70
1.30.32
0.56210.03
0.2300.03
2.30.32
2.60.33
0.000.00
2.60.33
27631.63
263.30
October
10.01.7
11.63.16
8.48002.82
0.2100.03
16.12.60
11.93.22
0.200.07
2.70.70
27031.62
273.22
November
9.80. 1.0
10.20.7
7.31000.70
0.2000.07
14.20.70
5.50.63
0.000.00
2.60.33
2610.70
213.17
December
2.00.70
3.00.70
0.56500.00
0.0280.00
2.50.07
0.00.00
0.200.07
2.80.31
2560.70
2601.00
1559

magnesium, sodium, potassium and
chloride, were
month of December (Table 3). In this investigation, the
analyzed in the laboratory as per the standard methods
temperature values were maximum during summer and
described by APHA (2005). Microbial studies were
minimum during winter. Sonawane (2011) reported that
analyzed by MPN method described by Papen and Van
the maximum value was recorded as 21.07 1.49 oC
Berg (1998).
during summer; the minimum value was recorded as
Statistical analysis
12.152.95oC during winter. In the present study, the
Results obtained were subjected to statistical

analysis using SPSS (11.5).
maximum value recorded during summer may be due to

low water level, more solar radiation and more
evaporation. The minimum value recorded during winter
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
may be due to high water level, less solar radiation and
Turbidity
less evaporation.
The present study indicated that the highest value
Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH)
of turbidity was 6.2 0.317 NTU in the month of
The acidity of water is gauged by its pH, which
December 2011 in the Authoorangal channel; Similarly
is a measure of the concentration of the hydrogen ion
the lowest value of turbidity was reported as 3.4 0.141
(H+). During the study period January December 2011,
NTU in the months of both August and September 2011.
the maximum value of pH was recorded as 8.50.612
In the Srivaikuntam channel, the highest value of
during summer in the month of May 2011 in the
turbidity was reported as 6.5 0.070 NTU in the month
Authoorangal channel whereas the minimum value was
of August 2011. On the other hand, the lowest value of
recorded as 7.30.196 in the months of January and
turbidity was showed as 2.9 0.316 NTU in the month of
September 2011 (Table 1). The maximum pH value of
September 2011 (Table 3). The present investigations
Srivaikuntam channel was recorded as 8.7 0.707 in the
reported the highest concentration of turbidity was due to
month of February 2011. The minimum value was
the interaction of agricultural fertilizers, manures,
recorded as 7.30.707 in the months of January and
insecticides and pesticides from the nearby banana field.
September 2011 (Table 3). The present study revealed
Water Temperature
that the pH was alkaline during summer season in
The sun is the source of heat that warms most
Authoorangal channel, on the other hand pH was alkaline
water and its effect depends on the angle at which it
during winter season in Srivaikuntam channel. In the
strikes the surface. There may also be a direct exchange
present investigation, higher values may be due to
of heat between air and water and between substratum
accumulation of ions owing to evaporation and
and water (Macan, 1974). In the present investigation,
pesticides, insecticides from the nearby banana field.
the temperature values in the station Authoorangal
Pathak et al. (2012) reported that the higher values may
channel from January to December 2011 were recorded.
be due to accumulation of ions owing to evaporation,
The maximum value of water temperature was recorded
biological turnover and interaction with sediments.
as 25.9 0.583oC in the month of May 2011. The
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
minimum value was recorded as 21.11.00 C in the
Dissolved oxygen is essential to the respiratory
months of December and January (Table 1). In the
metabolism of most aquatic organisms. Natural sources
station Srivaikuntam channel, the maximum value was
of dissolved oxygen are derived from the atmosphere or
recorded as 33.90.707 C in the month of May. The

o
minimum value was recorded as 10.10.707 C in the

1560
through photosynthetic production by aquatic plants.
In
the analysis of dissolved oxygen during the study period,


the maximum value was recorded as 7.90.326 mg/l in
continuous use will result in salinity hazard, with
the Authoorangal channel during the months of January
ultimate effect on plant growth.
and November (Table 1). The minimum value was
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
recorded as 5.50.067 mg/l in the month of June. In the
In this investigation, the maximum value of TDS
Srivaikuntam channel, the maximum value was recorded
was noticed as 15.73.162 mg/l in the Authoorangal
as 7.90.707 mg/l during the months of August and
channel in the month of November, whereas the
November. The minimum value was recorded as
minimum value was noticed as 11.00.465 mg/l in the
5.90.707 mg/l in the month of May (Table 3). The
month of January. The analysis of Sirvaikuntam channel
present investigation indicated the dissolved oxygen
revealed the maximum value of TDS as 14.01.000 mg/l
level concentration was high during rainy season. High
in the month of May. The minimum value of TDS was
concentration of DO was due to the photosynthetic
9.1 0.707mg/l in the month of February (Table 3). The
activity of algal flora. Bhuiyan and Gupta (2007)
present study revealed the highest concentration of total
reported that the dissolved oxygen is mainly regulated by
dissolved solids which may be due to the surface run off
photosynthetic activity of algal flora. The minimum
and agricultural run off from the nearby banana field.
concentration level of DO was due to the depletion of
Sonawane (2011) reported that the higher concentration
water and abundance of nutrients in the Authoorangal
of total dissolved solids ranged between 502 mg/l and
channel and Srivaikuntam channel. Sonawane (2011)
8626.25 mg/l. The ground water chemistry changes when
reported that minimum concentration is probably due to
the water flows through the subsurface geological
the decomposition of organic matter.
environment having overall change in the major ions and
Electrical Conductivity (EC)
dissolved solids.
In the analysis of electrical conductivity during
Total Hardness (TH)
the period of January to December 2011, the maximum
The hardness of water is generally due to the
value was 3.080.632 ds/m in the Authoorangal channel
presence of calcium and Magnesium in the water. The
during the month of October. The minimum value was
study recorded the maximum value of total hardness in
recorded as 0.20.032 ds/m in the months of September
the Authoorangal channel as 25.66.324 mg/l in the
and December. In the Srivaikuntam channel, the
month of October 2011. Similarly, the minimum value of
maximum value was recorded as 0.410.007 ds/m in the
hardness was 3.00.707 mg/l in the month of July 2011
months of February and May. The minimum value was
(Table 1). But in the Srivaikuntam channel, the
recorded as 0.20.031 ds/m in the month of November
maximum value of hardness was revealed as 13.90.707
(Table 3). This study reported that the electrical
mg/l in the month of November 2011. The minimum
conductivity was high due to the surface run off during
value of total hardness was noticed as 3.00.707 mg/l in
the rainy season in the Authoorangal channel. The study
the month of July 2011 (Table 3). The present
indicated that the EC was high during the months of May
investigation noticed the highest concentration of total
and February in the Srivaikuntam channel which may be
hardness reflected by the nature of the agricultural
due to the greater content of ions in the water and
fertilizers, manures, insecticides and pesticides. Saini et
dissolved solids. Dutta and Chowhan (2009) reported
al. (2010) reported that the hardness of water reflects the
that water of higher conductivity may be used with
nature of the geological formation with which it has been
suitable amendments and precautions, but under normal
contacted.
conditions, they are harmful to the soil structure and their

1561

1974). The values of calcium ions were given in Table 2
Total Alkalinity (TA)

The
present
highest
for Authoorangal channel which represented the highest
concentration of TA in the Authoorangal channel as
value of 10.01.702 mg/l in the month of October 2011.
50.11.140 mg/l in the month of November 2011,
Similarly, the lowest value was 0.90.086 mg/l in the
whereas the lowest concentration of TA was 22.20.677
month of July 2011. Considering the Srivaikuntam
mg/l in the month of January 2011. The analysis of
channel, the analysis of calcium ions was recorded as
Srivaikuntam channel showed the highest concentration
3.60.633 mg/l in the month of March 2011 as the
of TA as 45.10.317 mg/l in the month of November
highest value. The lowest value was recorded as
2011 and the lowest concentration of TA as 20.2
0.80.031mg/l in the month of May 2011. The
0.707mg/l in the month of January (Table 3). The present
precipitation of agricultural pesticides, fertilizers and
study showed the presence of the highest concentration
manures from the banana field represented the highest
of total alkalinity which was due to the surface run off
calcium concentration. Samson and Elangovan (2011)
from
highest
reported that water more or less in equilibrium with the
concentration of calcium, carbonates and bicarbonates
materials in the drainage basin is characterized by higher
ions during rainy season.
concentration of calcium.
banana
field
study
which
indicated
contains
Sahni and
the
the
Silotia (2011)
reported that the alkalinity values correlate positively
Magnesium
with the pattern of rainfall and this implies surface run
The magnesium ion in the Authoorangal channel
off from the Mansagar lake.
was recorded as 11.60.378mg/l in the months of
Calcium
February and October 2011 is the highest value.
Waters that emerge from the earth are highly
Similarly, the lowest value was 0.60.070mg/l in the
charged with calcium bicarbonate and flow away as
month of May 2011 (Table 2). In the Srivaikuntam
streams which may deposit calcium carbonate (Macan,
channel, the highest value of magnesium ion was
Table 3: Monthly variations of physical parameters of Srivaikuntam channel in the year of 2011
YEAR2011
PHYSICAL PARAMETERS
Month
Turbidity
(NTU)
Temperature 0C
pH
DO
(mg/l)
EC (ds/m)
TDS
(mg/l)
TH (mg/l)
TA (mg/l)
January
3.00.707
13.11.000
7.30.707
7.10.707
0.260.007
9.20.707
6.10.317
20.20.707
February
3.00.707
12.40.707
8.70.707
7.30.633
0.410.007
9.10.707
5.51.000
22.70.707
March
4.10.707
15.01.000
7.80.707
7.60.707
0.350.007
10.50.707
4.30.707
23.00.707
April
4.00.707
23.70.070
7.70.070
6.60.317
0.310.007
10.30.635
3.30.707
21.20.707
May
3.60.317
33.90.707
8.40.707
5.90.707
0.410.007
14.01.000
6.60.317
23.30.317
June
3.10.707
33.70.070
7.70.633
6.50.707
0.270.007
12.30.322
4.10.707
22.80.317
July
3.50.707
29.50.633
7.60.707
6.80.707
0.270.007
13.10.317
3.00.707
31.30.317
August
6.50.070
27.80.633
7.40.707
7.90.707
0.390.007
13.20.317
4.20.707
30.20.707
September
2.90.316
26.80.707
7.30.707
7.70.317
0.210.007
12.70.317
6.00.707
39.20.317
October
3.30.317
17.00.707
7.90.707
7.60.317
0.280.010
13.90.707
8.60.317
37.50.317
November
3.20.317
15.20.317
7.70.317
7.90.707
0.20.031
10.70.633
13.90.707
45.10.317
December
3.60.317
10.10.707
7.60.317
7.20.317
0.290.007
12.30.317
13.10.707
23.40.317
1562

1.60.317 mg/l in the month of October 2011. Similarly,
to the disposal of waste water.
the lowest value of magnesium ion was 0.050.007 mg/l
Chloride
in the month of December 2011. The present study
Chloride is one of the most widely used
revealed the highest magnesium concentration due to
disinfectants. The highest concentration of chloride in
leachates from the banana field during rainy season.
the Authoorangal channel was 16.12.607 mg/l during
Sonawane (2011) reported that the main source of
October 2011. Likewise, the lowest value was recorded
magnesium concentration is obtained from the leachates
as 100.070 mg/l in the month of July 2011 (Table 2).
of rocks in the catchments.
With reference to the Srivaikuntam channel, the highest
Sodium
concentration of chloride analyzed was 1.90.318 mg/l
The present analysis of sodium ion revealed the
in the month of March 2011. Similarly, the lowest
highest value as 8.482.828mg/l in the month of October
concentration of chloride was analyzed as 1.00.00 mg/l
2011. The lowest value of sodium ion 0.520.007mg/l in
in the months of July and December 2011. The present
the month of July 2011 was recorded in the
study depicted that the highest concentration of chloride
Authoorangal channel (Table 2). Similar results were
(16.12.607 mg/l) may be due to the water sources that
reported in the Srivaikutam channel (Table 4). The
come from organic wastes and refuse of leachates.
highest concentration of sodium ion in both channels
Prabakaran et al. (2013) reported that the high
represented the agricultural fertilizers, manures and the
concentration of chloride may be due to anthropogenic
detergents used by the humans for bathing and washing
activities, sewage contamination and decomposition of
clothes. Mary Kensa (2011) reported that the main
organic wastes.
source of sodium is obtained from soaps and detergents,
Sulphate
used by the local residents for bathing and washing
Sulphate occurs in certain igneous rock minerals
purposes.
of the field spathoid group, but the most extensive and
Potassium
important occurrences are in the evaporate sediments.
The present study recorded the highest value of

potassium
in
the
Authoorangal
channel
highest
concentration
of
sulphate
in
the
as
Authoorangal channel was found as 11.93.224 mg/l in
(0.230.012 mg/l) in the months of February and
the month of October 2011 (Table 2). While comparing
September 2011 (Table 2). Likewise, the lowest value of
with the Srivaikuntam channel, the highest concentration
potassium ion was (0.0250.0009 mg/l) in the months of
of sulphate was reported as 11.90.707 mg/l during
March and July 2011 (Table 1). In proportion to
October 2011 which is similar to the Authoorangal
Srivaikuntam channel, the highest value of potassium ion
channel. The highest concentration of sulphate in the
(0.23 0.007 mg/l) was recorded in the month of
present
September 2011. The lowest value of potassium ion was
agricultural fertilizers which are drained into the water
recorded as 0.022 0.007 mg/l in the month of April
body from the catchment area. Suresh et al. (2013)
2011. The present investigations reported that the highest
reported that sulphate enter into the water body from the
concentration of potassium may be due to wash out of
catchment area through surface run off. Since the study
slurry from the agriculture fields and sewage run off.
area is bordered by agricultural lands where sulphate
Gopalkrushna (2011) reported that the major source of
fertilizers
potassium in natural fresh water is due to weathering of
concentrations of sulphate observed could be attributed
rocks but the quantities increase in the polluted water due
to the run off from these agricultural lands.
1563
ion
The
investigation
are
used
revealed
in
plenty,
the
deposition
relatively
of
higher

Authoorangal channel was found as 2.80.050 mg/l in
Carbonate
The present study investigated the highest
the months of June and December 2011(Table 2) but the
concentration of carbonate in the Authoorangal channel
lowest concentration was 1.50.203 mg/l in the month of
as 0.20.050 mg/l (Table 2)
and was uniformly
May 2011. With reference to the Srivaikuntam channel,
distributed over the month of February, May, August,
the highest concentration of bicarbonate was recorded as
October and December 2011. The Srivaikuntam channel
2.20.633 mg/l in the months of January, April, August,
revealed the highest concentration of carbonate as
September, November and December 2011 whereas the
0.30.070 mg/l in the months of February and April
lowest concentration of bicarbonate recorded was
2011. The present investigation manifested the highest
1.50.317 mg/l in the month of May 2011. The present
concentration of carbonate which was due to the surface
findings
run off from the agricultural fertilizers, manures and
bicarbonate which may be due to the leachates from the
pesticides as precipitation to where it exits the watershed.
agricultural run off and human activities.
Vasanthy and Velmurugan (2009) reported the presence
(2011) reported that the highest concentration of
of temporary (carbonates and bicarbonates of Ca and
bicarbonates may be attributed to the rate of organic
Mg) and also permanent hardness (sulphates, phosphates,
decomposition during which Co2 is liberated, which
nitrates, chlorides of Ca and Mg). This may be attributed
reacts with water to form HCo 3.
to the geological reasons and surface run-off.
Total Coliform Bacteria
revealed
the
highest
concentration
of
Sonawane
The analysis of total coliform bacteria revealed
Bicarbonate
The highest concentration of bicarbonate in the
the highest count as 2771.140 (MPN / 100ml) in the
Table 4: Seasonal variations of chemical and coliform parameters of Srivaikuntam channel in the year of
YEAR2011
CHEMICAL PARAMETERS
COLIFORM
PARAMETERS
Total
Faecal
Col
Col
(MPN
(MPN/
/100ml)
100ml)
Ca
(mg/l)
Mg
(mg/l)
Na
(mg/l)
K (mg/l)
Cl
(mg/l)
SO4
(mg/l)
Co3
(mg/l)
Hco3
(mg/l)
January
2.20.31
1.50.31
6.450.31
0.10.00
1.50.31
4.20.63
0.0000.00
2.20.63
2590.70
210.70
February
2.90.70
0.700.07
8.100.70
0.100.00
1.60.31
0.0000.00
0.30.37
2.10.70
2551.00
201.00
March
3.60.63
0.000.00
0.690.00
0.020.00
1.90.31
0.0000.00
0.0000.00
2.10.70
2570.70
270.70
April
2.60.31
1.20.31
0.590.00
0.020.00
1.20.31
0.0000.00
0.30.07
2.20.07
2570.70
250.70
May
0.80.03
0.60.07
0.650.00
0.050.00
1.70.32
0.0000.00
0.0000.00
1.50.31
3000.70
230.70
June
2.90.70
1.50.31
0.660.00
0.050.00
1.30.31
3.00.70
0.0000.00
2.10.70
2591.14
291.14
July
1.30.31
1.30.07
0.520.00
0.070.00
1.00.00
0.0000.00
0.0000.00
1.70.07
2550.70
230.70
August
2.80.31
1.50.31
0.680.00
0.020.00
1.20.31
2.50.31
0.20.03
2.20.31
2530.70
270.70
September
2.80.31
1.30.31
0.560.00
0.230.00
1.30.31
2.60.31
0.0000.00
2.20.31
2551.00
251.00
October
3.00.70
1.60.31
8.480.31
0.210.00
1.10.31
11.90.70
0.20.03
2.10.31
3500.70
300.70
November
2.80.31
1.20.31
7.310.31
0.200.03
1.20.31
5.50.31
0.0000.00
2.20.31
3900.70
370.70
December
2.00.70
0.050.00
0.560.00
0.050.00
1.00.00
0.0000.00
0.0000.00
2.20.31
3000.70
291.14
Month
1564

month of August 2011 in the Authoorangal channel. The
showed the highest counts (500 to 700 MPN 100 mL-1)
lowest counts of total coliform bacteria was recorded as
of fecal coliforms during the rainy season in 2000. These
2203.535 (MPN/ 100ml) in the month of February 2011
sites receive large amounts of organic matter from non-
(Table 2). In the Srivaikuntam channel, the highest
treated effluents from the farms and small towns
counts of total coliform bacteria was recorded as
surrounding the region.
3900.707 (MPN/ 100ml) in the month of November

2011 (Table 4). Similarly, the lowest counts revealed as
CONCLUSION
2530.707 (MPN/100ml) in the month of August 2011.
From the above investigations, it may be
The present study revealed the highest counts of total
concluded that most of the physico-chemical parameters
coliform which may be due to physico-chemical
viz. turbidity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen,
parameters along with the agricultural decomposition of
electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total
organic matter from the catchment area. Sharma et al.
hardness, total alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, sodium,
(2013) reported that all physico-chemical parameters of
potassium, chloride, sulphate, carbonate, bicarbonate,
sediments showed significant relationship with bacterial
total coliform and faecal coliform were found within the
count. Dark brown color of sediments, organic carbon
World Health Organization limits in the Authoorangal
(1.62%) and high organic matter (2.79%) showed high
channel and Srivaikuntam channel. The findings clearly
content of organic waste in the bottom sediments. pH of
indicated that both the channel water bodies are slowly
the sediment sample showed alkaline nature (8.1) and
deteriorating due to discharge of agricultural fertilizers,
most of the isolated bacteria grow at slight pollution and
manures, pesticides and insecticides from the nearby
helped in the growth of pollution indicator bacteria such
banana field. The manifested results calls for the need to
as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp., Enterobacter sp.
conserve manage and restore the water bodies. Intensive
etc.
efforts such as regular monitoring, systematic assessment
Faecal Coliform Bacteria
can save the human health and provide sustainable
During the study, the highest counts of fecal
environment. There is a need for awareness among the
coliform bacteria was shown to be 293.114 (MPN/
people to maintain the significance of highest quality and
100ml) in the month of August 2011, in the station
purity levels of both Authoorangal and Srivaikuntam
namely Authoorangal channel (Table 2). The lowest
channel water bodies.
count of faecal coliform bacteria was found to be

200.678 (MPN/ 100ml) in the month of February 2011.
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A Comparative Hydrobiological Study On Authoorangal Channel and Srivaikuntam Channel and Their Role As Sustainable Water Resources

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A Comparative Hydrobiological Study On Authoorangal Channel and Srivaikuntam Channel and Their Role As Sustainable Water Resources

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Journal of Research in Biology

ISSN No: Print: 2231 6280; Online: 2231- 6299

An International Scientific Research Journal

Journal of Research in Biology

A comparative hydrobiological study on Authoorangal channel and

Journal of Research in Biology

Accepted: 4 Dec 2014

Published: 26 Dec 2014

This article is governed by the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/

1557-1567 | JRB | 2014 | Vol 4 | No 8

Eucharista and Ebenezer, 2014

of Authoorangal channel and Srivaikuntam channel for

necessary for the survival of all ecosystems. In India,

the welfare of surrounding human settlements. The

ponds, lakes, rivers and ground water are used for

present study is an attempt to assess the water quality

domestic and agricultural purposes (Hemant Pathak et

with the following objectives:

al., 2011). Agriculture is the chief source of livelihood

Collection of baseline data on the structure and

for the use of agriculture a great effect on the flow of

function of the Authoorangal channel and Srivaikuntam

fresh water is necessary. The potable water should be

free from infectious agents and chemical constituents,

Assessment of seasonal changes in physico-chemical

significant role in determining the distributional pattern

MATERIALS AND METHODS

(Sayeswara et al., 2011). The physical and chemical

Study area of Authoorangal Channel

properties of fresh water bodies are based upon the

The Authoorangal channel has thirteen channel

geomorphological and weathering processes (Sahni and

inlets. It has the width of about 6m broad and 1.5m depth

(Figure 1). The channel is getting water from

The presence of safe and reliable drinking water

Thamirabarani river. Further, it is passing through

is a significant prerequisite for a stable community (Sen

Authoor and Sethukavaithan villages.

et al., 2011). Due to the growth of population and man-

acres, the water is utilized for agricultural purposes. It

made activities, the quality of water is deteriorating

belongs to Tiruchendur taluk.

everywhere. For this purpose, it is important to know

Study area of North main channel (Srivaikuntam)

about different physico-chemical characteristics of water.

The North main channel (Srivaikuntam) is spread

over a distance of 87 sq.km and 82 acres (Figure 2). The

parameters assessment in the Authoorangal channel and

channel has the width of 30 feet and 6 feet depth. It

Srivaikuntam channel. Hence, a periodical assessment is

consists of two channel inlets namely Mukoot and

Figure 1: Sampling Site Authoorangal

Figure 2: Sampling Site Srivaikuntam

Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 4(8): 1557-1567

Eucharista and Ebenezer, 2014

villages. It belongs to Srivaikuntam taluk.

between 8 am to 10 am. The temperature was recorded on

Journal of Research in Biology (2014) 4(8): 1557-1567

Eucharista and Ebenezer, 2014

month of December (Table 3). In this investigation, the

analyzed in the laboratory as per the standard methods

temperature values were maximum during summer and

described by APHA (2005). Microbial studies were