Temporal-scale spectral variability analysis of water quality parameters to realize seasonal behaviour of a tropical river system - River cauvery, India.

ABSTRACT

This paper describes the Time series analysis of river water quality with emphasis on variation in parameters as evidenced by statistical approach and mathematical models. The extensive study enabled to differentiate and realize the behaviour of river and catchment’s changes induced by human activities. The Time series analysis evaluation indicated trivial variation and movement in the water quality as reflected by the changes in the catchment characteristics. Although the observed trends showed an insignificant human contribution to basin hydrology and river water chemistry, noticeable human activities and unsustainable practices steadily contributed to change in water quality from the existing long term spectral signatures to short term spectral signatures. It is inferred that short term spectral signature exhibited on temporal scale by a monitoring program of this kind reflects an insalubrious river system and long term gradual changes in spectrum is an indication of healthy system. Monitoring and analyses of these decisive changes in water quality parameters over a period could be a powerful tool for assessing general river water quality and management plan.