Ecological imbalances in the rivers of Andhra Pradesh (India): effect of paper mill effluents on the rivers Tungabhadra and Godavari

Abstract

The chemical and biological characteristics of paper mill effluents and their impact on the rivers Tungabhadra and Godavari have been investigated. Chlorides, sulphates, total hardness, total and dissolved solids, organic matter are present in large quantities in the effluents which are highly contaminating the river waters. Heavy metals like Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn are also entering into the river through the effluents. The effluents harbour more Cyanophyceae and are tolerant to toxic effects. In river waters diatoms are the dominant algae but there is remarkable change in the species composition at different stations, specially before and after the entry of the effluents. Further dilution and treatment of the effluents is very much needed before they are let out into the rivers.

Key words:

• Ecological imbalances
• mill effluents
• rivers
• remedies