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Spatio-Temporal assessment of water quality and metal pollution in the Chathe and Intanki Tributaries of the Dhansiri River, Nagaland, India

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Physics, Kohima Science College, Kohima, Nagaland, India
  • 2Department of Physics, Kohima Science College, Kohima, Nagaland, India
  • 3Department of Physics, Kohima Science College, Kohima, Nagaland, India

Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 14, Issue (4), Pages 12-19, October,22 (2025)

Abstract

This study evaluates the spatio-temporal variations in water quality and metal pollution in the Chathe and Intanki tributaries of the Dhansiri River, Nagaland. Six sampling sites were selected along a gradient from upstream forested zones within Intanki National Park to downstream urban and semi-urban areas near Chümoukedima. Water samples were collected during winter (January) and summer (June) and analyzed for physicochemical parameters and trace metals. The Water Quality Index (WQI) and Metal Pollution Index (MPI) were applied to assess overall water quality and heavy metal contamination. Results revealed that WQI values (37.95–42.66) indicated poor to very poor water quality across all sites, with significant spatial variation but no statistically significant seasonal differences. MPI values ranged from 0.693 to 0.928, reflecting the presence of metal pollutants at all sites, with Site 6 consistently showing the highest contamination. Spatial variation was more pronounced than seasonal variation, underscoring the influence of local anthropogenic pressures such as agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and land use changes. As the first systematic study on these tributaries, which have remained largely unexplored in previous research, the findings provide critical baseline data for future monitoring. The study emphasizes the need for site-specific management strategies, stricter pollution control, and continuous monitoring to safeguard the ecological and socio-economic importance of these rivers.

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