Water Quality of the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers: An Impact Assessment on Socioeconomic Lives at Ganga–Brahmaputra River Basin

Abstract

The Ganga–Brahmaputra river basin, the second highest hydrologic area in the world, has substantial economic value which is mostly dependent on waters of these two rivers. The large number of people of the Ganga–Brahmaputra basin is depended on agriculture, fishery, livestock and fisheries. The river water not only plays an important role in economic development of the region but may also bring challenges through floods, pollution, water-borne diseases, etc. Moreover, the water quality of the Ganges and Brahmaputra has been progressively deteriorated because of the rising urbanization and industrialization practices over the years. The growing usage of agrochemicals, disposal of raw domestic sewage, improper sanitation facilities, boating for tourism purposes, washing utensils and clothes, religious ritual activities, etc., have worsened the quality of water in both the rivers. Several research studies had carried out to assess the water quality of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers over the years. In our study, we analyze the outcomes of previous research studies on water quality of the stretches of Brahmaputra river (in Assam) and the Ganges river (namely Hooghly in West Bengal), respectively, during 2016–17. This research study had used several common physico-chemical parameters such as hydrogen ion concentration (pH), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and dissolved oxygen (DO) to measure the water quality for selected locations. The results of previous investigations highlighted that Brahmaputra and the Ganges river water were contaminated and not fit for drinking purposes but might be utilized for agricultural activities. Therefore, the implementation of appropriate pollution control measurements can improve the water quality of the Ganga–Brahmaputra river basin. Simultaneously, the proper execution of efficient, rational and equitable river water management approaches may act as the engine for socioeconomic development in the region.