Seasonal Variations in Physico-Chemical Parameters of Ground and Surface Water in the Hisua Block, Nawada, Bihar

Pinku Kumar, Dr. Bhrigu Nath

Abstract: Access to safe water is vital for public health, yet large sections of rural India rely on untreated sources such as ponds, dug wells, and hand pumps. These sources are highly vulnerable to seasonal fluctuations in quality due to climatic factors and anthropogenic pressures. This study examined the seasonal variation of selected physico-chemical parameters in surface and groundwater sources of Hisua block, Nawada district, Bihar. Samples were collected during pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons (2021?2023) and analyzed for pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), phosphate, nitrate, chloride, and iron using standard methods. Results indicated significant seasonal differences. Surface water (ponds) showed extreme turbidity during monsoon (up to 134 NTU), phosphate enrichment (>0.5 mg/L), and elevated BOD and COD, exceeding safe limits recommended by BIS (2012) and WHO (2017). Groundwater sources (wells and hand pumps) were comparatively stable but exhibited consistently low DO (<2.5 mg/L) and occasional iron concentrations near the upper permissible limit (0.3 mg/L). Seasonal rainfall was found to dilute dissolved solids while increasing suspended matter and nutrient concentrations. The findings emphasize the need for routine monitoring, protective measures for surface waters, and community-level treatment of drinking water. These results have direct implications for water management and public health in semi-rural Bihar.

Keywords: Water quality, Seasonal variation, Ponds, Wells, Hand pumps, Physico-chemical parameters, Bihar

How to Cite?: Pinku Kumar, Dr. Bhrigu Nath, "Seasonal Variations in Physico-Chemical Parameters of Ground and Surface Water in the Hisua Block, Nawada, Bihar", Volume 14 Issue 7, July 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1926-1929, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25706181342, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25706181342