Evaluation of water quality of Mundeswari River in eastern India: a water quality index (WQI) based approach

The Mundeswari River is the western distributary of Damodar system in eastern India. water this river extensively used for domestic purposes and agricultural irrigation. This study aimed to evaluate spatial temporal quality variation assess status using Canadian Council Ministers Environment Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI). was monitored monthly at four selected sampling stations (M1, M2, M3, M4) during 2020-2022, considering twelve indicators. obtained data were analysed different statistical techniques. monitoring appraised through use CCME-WQI. results revealed that overall most based on CCME-WQI values “marginal.” highest WQI value (82.01) observed M1, lowest (41.24) recorded M3. One-way ANOVA indicated a statistically significant difference between sites (P <0.05). M3 station found be degraded condition throughout period. Cluster analysis from perspective two distinct clusters stations. Substantial seasonal also observed. had putrid pre-monsoon period, relatively better evident after monsoon. utterly unsafe human consumption it requires treatments before can safely like cooking, washing etc.