Dissolved trace element biogeochemistry of a tropical river, Southwestern India

Abstract

River Swarna, a small tropical river originating in Western Ghats (at an altitude of 1,160 m above mean sea level) and flowing in the southwest coast of India discharges an average of 54 m(3)s(-1) of water into the Arabian Sea, of which significant part is being discharged during the monsoon. No studies have been made yet on the water chemistry of the Swarna River basin, even as half a million people of Udupi district use it for domestic and irrigational purposes. As large community in this region depends on the freshwater of Swarna River, there is an urgent need to study the trace element geochemistry of this west flowing river for better water management and sustainable development. The paper presents the results on the biogeochemistry of dissolved trace elements in the Swarna River for a period of 1 year. The results obtained on the trace elements show seasonal effect on the concentrations as well as behavior and thus forming two groups, discharge driven (Li, Be, Al, V, Cr, Ni, Zr, In, Pb, Bi and U) and base flow driven (groundwater input; Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Ga, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, Cs, Ba and Tl) trace elements in Swarna River. The biogeochemical processes explained through Hierarchical Cluster Analysis show complexation of Fe, Ga and Ba with dissolved organic carbon, redox control over Mn and Tl and biological control over V and Ni. Also, the water quality of Swarna River remains within the permissible limits of drinking water standards.

First assessment of water and carbon cycles in two tropical coastal rivers of south‐west India: an isotopic approach

“…[16] This effect was certainly linked with the very low DOC values, and the potential oxidation of DOC, which was more labile as observed from the SUVA values. This observation also supports the higher trace metal concentrations reported for the Swarna basin during the low-flow period, [33] as the labile DOC could hold them in dissolved mode for a longer time, and hence support biogeochemical cycling of trace elements in this river water. However, the mean values of both rivers present a positive correlation between pCO 2 and DOC, with the Nethravati River showing low pCO 2 and low DOC, while the Swarna River has higher pCO 2 values and DOC concentrations.…”

Distribution and Flux of Dissolved Iron of the Rajang and Blackwater Rivers at Sarawak, Borneo

“…The dFe yield was comparable with the Rajang River. As for some small tropical rivers, like the Swarna River (Tripti et al, 2013), the Nyong River (Olivié -Lauquet et al, 1999), the Periyar River (Maya et al, 2007) and the Chalakudy River (Maya et al, 2007), the dFe concentration was similar to the Rajang River, but with higher dFe yields and DOC concentrations. In these small tropical rivers, the drainage basins were covered with organic matter enriched sediments, which may be a great source of dFe.…”

First report of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in two tropical rivers of southwestern India

“…River (R.) Swarna is perennial, originating in the Western Ghats and flows along the southwest coast in India with an average discharge of 54 m 3 s −1 (Tripti et al 2013 ). The river forms a major source of drinking water for the town of Udupi.…”