Geochemical Studies of Sediments and Waters of Musi River in Parts of Hyderabad City, Telangana, India

This article presents geochemical characteristics of sediment and water samples of Musi River in part of Hyderabad city. The Musi River was once upon a time known as the ‘lifeline of twin cities’ as a primary drinking water source, now turned to a sewerage channel. Earlier workers have focussed on water quality, chemistry of soils in the proximal crop fields and groundwater quality on the banks of the river. Therefore, an attempt is made in this investigation to study chemistry of sediments along with that of the water. The sediment samples were analysed for granulometry (n = 9) as well as major oxides and trace element concentrations (n = 14). The water samples (n = 22) were analysed for physico-chemical characteristics. It is observed that the sediments as well as waters are heavily contaminated with objectionable odour overloaded with domestic waste. The sediments are very lepto kurtic (1.99–21.11) and very finely skewed (0.78–3.8) indicating high energy or agitative environment. The sediments are black in colour due to excessive content of organic matter. High concentrations of SiO2 (50–60 wt%), Al2O3 (8–13wt%) and P2O5 (1745–20,167 wt%) indicate heavy industrial and agricultural contamination. The sediments are enriched in trace elements such as Li, Cu, Cr, V, Ni, Zr, Zn, and Pb, which are harmful for biota. The heavily contaminated waters of Musi within the city limits are of mixed type with unpleasant odour and are unsuitable for irrigation. The domestic sewerage occupies 5.3% of total influx while the major part comes out from industrial effluents. As a whole, the Musi River, within Hyderabad city limits, already reached a stage where its water quality cannot be repaired and restored.