Study of water quality of three major rivers of Bhutan
Science and Humanities, College of Science and Technology, Royal University of Bhutan, Phuentsholing-21102, Chhukha, Bhutan E-mail : basant@cst.edu.bt Environmental and Analytical Chemistry Division, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology University, Vellore-632 014, Tamilnadu, India The Punatshang Chu, Thimphu Chu and Pa Chu are rivers located in three different districts of Punakha, Thimphu, and Paro respectively and drain the region of Western Bhutan. These rivers ultimately drain their water in Brahmaputra, which is one of the major rivers that flow through the North East region of India towards Bay of Bengal. These rivers are of great economic importance since they have been extensively utilized for the generation of hydropower, agriculture and domestic purposes. This study is based upon short-term data collected consisting of parameters such as pH, conductivity, TDS, turbidity, alkalinity, hardness, DO, BOD, COD, chloride, sulphate, phosphate, sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, lead, chromium from 15 different sampling spots that were selected along the course of these three rivers. Based on the analysis report the quality of the river water in these rivers is affected by the anthropogenic activities such as unsanitary condition along the banks, improper disposal of solid wastes and the untreated domestic wastewaters discharged directly into them. Addressing this issue, the quality of water can be improved and further deterioration can be curbed by taking appropriate measures involving the government authority and active community participation
