Assessment of Anionic Surfactant concentration in the Najafgarh Drain: Comparative analysis

Abstract

Anionic surfactants in the Yamuna River, particularly downstream in Delhi region, have created massive form-like conditions which may be harmful to aquatic life and humans that come in contact. The present study focused on the quantification of anionic surfactants in the Najafgarh Drain because it is discharging into Yamuna River at Wazirabad and contributes in the surfactants concentration in Yamuna. The average concentrations of anionic surfactants were observed to be an above permissible limit (WHO 1mg/l, BIS 0.2mg/l) at four out of five monitored locations, Onkar Nagar (1.076±0.093 ppm), Shakti Nagar (1.391±0.441 ppm), Mukherjee Nagar (1.279±0.282 ppm), and Signature Bridge (1.302±0.552 ppm). The Bharat Nagar (0.980±0.432 ppm) site was showing concentration below WHO permissible limit but above BIS desirable limit. The experimental work done based on the EPA standard method (5540 A, 5540 B, 5540 C) and analysis of samples done by UV-Spectroscopy at 652 nm wavelength. Also include comparative analysis of similar work between Najafgarh drain and Okhla barrage, ITO, Wazirabad barrage from the literature review on Delhi water bodies. Based on the results obtained in the study, it was inferred that the water quality of Yamuna River at Najafgarh drain was poor and thus requires regular monitoring and call for immediate effective strategies.