Authors: Meenal Maan, Ritika Saharawat, Dr. Rishabh Bhardwaj
Abstract: The Kali River, originating from Antwada village in Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most polluted river systems in northern India. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and intensive agricultural practices have significantly increased the discharge of organic pollutants into the river. The present study reviews the occurrence, sources, environmental impacts, and remediation strategies associated with organic pollutants in the Kali River of the Muzaffarnagar region. Major pollution sources include untreated industrial effluents from sugar mills, paper mills, distilleries, textile units, domestic sewage, and agricultural runoff. Elevated levels of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), pesticides, phenolic compounds, surfactants, and other organic contaminants have severely degraded water quality. The study highlights ecological consequences such as dissolved oxygen depletion, biodiversity loss, eutrophication, and contamination of agricultural soils and groundwater. Advanced remediation approaches including wastewater treatment technologies, bioremediation, phytoremediation, constructed wetlands, and integrated river basin management are discussed. Sustainable implementation of these measures is essential for restoring the ecological integrity of the Kali River and safeguarding public health.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20572306
