Mapping water quality parameters in Baner and Gaj rivulets: Insights into the potential impact on river Beas in Himachal Pradesh using ArcGIS

Abstract Several natural and anthropogenic activities, as well as rapid urbanization and industrialization, have caused freshwater bodies and their water quality to deteriorate rapidly over the past two decades. This study utilizes ArcGIS to map water quality parameters in the Baner and Gaj rivulets, tributaries of the river Beas in Himachal Pradesh, with the objective of gaining insights into their potential impact on the main river. So, the main aim of the present research was to assess the impact of anthropogenic actions on the ecology and the fitness of the rivulets basin to perpetuate freshwater diversity. A total of six sampling zones were selected; three sampling zones on Baner and three sampling zones on Gaj rivulets, in order to assess the water quality during the period of one year, from January 2022 to December 2022. During the present study, the Water Quality Index (WQI) was used to assess the status of water quality in both rivulets. Fourteen physicochemical parameters were examined using appropriate techniques and then compared to international standards. A slight upsurge was observed in some physicochemical parameters, such as pH, hardness, TDS, nitrate, and phosphate, at sampling zone 3 (S3) of the Baner rivulet. The results of WQI ranged from 45.5 at S1 to 50.2 at S3 in Gaj and 48.5 at S1 to 55.2 at S3 in Baner, which reflected a slight impact of natural and anthropogenic activities. The status of the water quality in both rivulets confirmed the abundance of aquatic species. Human activities, such as riverbed mining, also negatively impacted the water quality at some sample zones. There is, however, a need to monitor and evaluate these types of activities. However, further research and monitoring are necessary to validate the study's findings and extend its scope to other regions.