Figure depicts the conceptual framework of SWQAT.

The Overall Index of Pollution (OIP) simplifies water quality assessment by combining 14 physicochemical, toxicological, and bacteriological parameters into a single value ranging from 0 to 16. This index classifies water quality as 'Excellent' to 'Heavily Polluted.' High OIP values indicate poor water quality. The user-friendly, standalone Surface Water Quality Assessment Tool (SWQAT) computes OIP values and displays them on Google Maps, providing a convenient method for water quality assessment and visualization.

Real-time generation of OIP occurs by entering component parameter values into the respective database for multiple rivers and sampling stations. Assessment of overall water quality status is based on 14 different water quality parameters. Mapping of sampling stations, water quality classification, and OIP values is done on Google Maps.

Water quality assessment often varies due to subjective WQIs, index weights, and classification schemes. Hence, to address this, a user-friendly tool called the Surface Water Quality Assessment Tool (SWQAT) was developed for routine and strategic water quality monitoring in India. SWQAT calculates OIP values with dynamic parameter weights and offers water quality classification tailored to the Indian context, aiding regular water quality assessments with more accuracy and ease of understanding.

The software application is exemplified through the water quality assessment of two rivers in India: the Cauvery and Tungabhadra. OIP values were estimated at 10 sampling stations along the Cauvery River and at eight sampling stations along the Tungabhadra River.

Copyright granted on Jul 10, 2011.

Under Process

Viable

Tool for water quality assessment

CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur

Er Asheesh Sharma, Principal Scientist, CSIR-NEERI & Dr Aabha Sargaonkar, Chief Scientist (retired), CSIR-NEERI

Er Asheesh Sharma

Develop SWQAT for accurate, user-friendly water quality monitoring in India, addressing subjective variations and enhancing assessment precision.

The software is developed solely to showcase the proof of concept through a case study with two rivers in India. For large-scale implementation, necessary customization needs to be coordinated with the developer.

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