Usually, the status of water pollution is assessed by measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters and comparing them with the standard values developed by the authorities. However, comparison of several parameters is not an easy task as the standard values are different for each parameter. The analysis become more complex if you want to observe temporal and/or spatial variations. Therefore, in this study, pollution indices were developed and compared to assess the status of water pollution in a surface water body. Water pollution index (WPI) and heavy metal pollution index (HPI) are developed by combining several water quality parameters which will provide a single value to compare. Depending on the nature of the pollutants, the authorities can decide whether to use WPI and or HPI to develop mitigatory measures for the polluted water body.

S.C.S.M. Hemachandra, B.G.N. Sewwandi

Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management

Abstract:- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enmm.2023.100790