Water Pollution In Three Barrages Across The Ajay River Due To Coal Mining Activities: A Seasonal Study

Abstract

The impact of coal mining on water quality in the Ajay River is a growing concern, particularly in barrages located downstream of mining areas. This study investigates water pollution in three different barrages across the Ajay River by analyzing water samples collected during the rainy, winter, and summer seasons. The study focuses on evaluating the physicochemical characteristics of water and the concentration of heavy metals, including arsenic, iron, zinc, chromium, and others. The seasonal variations in parameters such as pH, turbidity, conductivity, hardness, and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) indicate that water quality deteriorates, particularly during the rainy and summer seasons, due to coal mining activities. This research highlights the urgent need for monitoring and management strategies to mitigate the impact of coal mining on water quality in the Ajay River.