Assessment of Physicochemical Parameters of Water Samples from the Ganga River at Patna

The Ganga River is central to India’s cultural, spiritual, and socioeconomic life but faces increasing pollution pressures in urban stretches like Patna. This study assesses physicochemical water quality at four Patna ghats—Kadam, Krishna, Gandhi, and Patna Law College—based on water samples collected on March 4, 2025. Samples were analyzed for dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), temperature, and alkalinity using standard laboratory methods. Spatial differences were evident: reduced DO at some sites indicates oxygen stress linked to organic loadings, while elevated BOD supports the likelihood of sewage inflow, industrial effluents, and decomposing organic matter. pH values were generally neutral to slightly alkaline, reflecting buffering capacity with minor anthropogenic influence. Notably higher TDS at Krishna Ghat suggests increased dissolved pollutant loads from urban runoff. Alkalinity levels were moderate, providing some resistance to acidification but potentially vulnerable under continued pollution pressure. These findings highlight localized degradation that could threaten aquatic ecosystems, public health, and the river’s ecological services. Strengthened monitoring, pollution control, community engagement, and coordinated policy action are urgently needed to sustain the Ganga’s environmental integrity and cultural legacy.