INTRODUCTION:

Despite the fact that water is essential for ecosystems and development, people only use 0.3% of the water in the Earth's outermost layer, with the other 99.7% being found in soil, glaciers, seas, and the atmosphere.¹ In order to meet human demand for crops, animals, aquatic goods, and forest resources, as well as for social and economic development and environmental conscience, more water must be allocated to non-farming sectors.²

Because ecosystems provide food, energy, and water—all of which are necessary resources for sustaining the food-water-energy triad—they are vital to human welfare. Achieving these advantages requires an understanding of their role.³ For millions of people around the world, water is becoming a scarce and degraded natural resource, especially as a result of population growth and climate change. Approximately 1.1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitary facilities. Physical water shortages occur in areas with 1.2 billion people as a result of the rapid growth in water demand, which exacerbates a developing drought.⁴ For millions of people around the world, water is becoming a scarce and degraded natural resource, especially as a result of population growth and climate change. Approximately 1.1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitary facilities. Physical water shortages occur in areas with 1.2 billion people as a result of the rapid growth in water demand, which exacerbates a developing drought.⁵. For humans to have access to industrial resources, energy, food, drinking water, transportation, and sanitation, water security is essential. Water is essential to the UN Millennium Development Goals, yet the globe does not meet the cleaning aim. Freshwater reserves on Earth comprise 2.5 percent of the planet's total water resources, of which 68.7% are inaccessible because of snow and glaciers. 0.26% of the world's freshwater resources are found in freshwater lakes and rivers.⁶

SOURCES OF WATER:

a) Tributary:

A groundwater reserve that is geographically linked to a surface water body is known as a tributary subsurface. Furthermore, those referred to "river effects" offer the tributary aquifer model its hydrological foundation.⁷ The Great Lakes' tributaries act as a direct link between the land and nearshore areas and are the main sources of pollution with a terrestrial origin.⁸ Understanding the sediment input from tributaries is critical for minimizing pollution sources in lakes. The majority of pollution originates from diffuse sources within catchments, with no one point source actively releasing toxins. Water and sediment dynamics can be better understood using monitoring methods and numerical models. Sediment yield, which includes operational activities and stream characteristics, is frequently quantified using water flow and sediment monitoring.⁹

b) Bay:

The east coast of the United States is home to coastal bays and back-barrier estuaries, which are separated from the ocean by massive barrier islands. Flood threat and offshore sea level impact tidal exchanges, resulting in fluctuations in water levels in semi-enclosed bays. Long-term maintenance might enhance water levels in bays by removing frictional obstacles.¹⁰

c) Pond:

A mass of water that is limited down to eight meters in depth, permitting water plants to cover practically the whole surface of the pond¹¹. Ponds are among of the world's most ecologically significant and bio diverse freshwater environments, and they may provide a big chance to counteract human pressures and stop the loss of aquatic biodiversity.¹² A pond's total production is determined by inanimate elements including sunshine, nutrients, and dissolved temperature, turbidity, pH, and oxygen. Additionally, biotic factors—plants and animals—interact with one another and impact output.¹³

d) Lake:

Lakes are bodies of water that are located within but do not actively interact with the ocean. The physical, chemical, and biological characteristics found in these reservoirs of water make up lake ecosystems. Freshwater and saltwater can be found in lakes.¹⁴ Lakes may be classified into three zones depending on light penetration, which is affected by water clarity. The pelagic zone, which is outside the littoral zone, is intensively investigated. The open water zone, encompassed by the atmosphere, pro fundal zone or littoral seas, receives less than 1% of total surface radiation.¹⁵ To understand the COVID-19 pandemic's influence on ecosystems, researchers must evaluate pollution levels during the lockdown period. While atmospheric NO2 levels have declined, little study has been conducted on hydrosphere contamination. During the lockdown, industrial sources such as plastics, heavy metals, crude oil, and wastewater dumping were reduced or stopped, showing a decrease in pollution.¹⁶

e) River:

Any untamed torrent of water that travels through a canal with clearly defined boundaries.¹⁷ The breathing of aquatic life is reflected in the amount of dissolved oxygen (DO) in streams and rivers.¹⁸

USES OF WATER AND THEIR POLLUTANTS:

Water quality standards differ depending on the source, which might be appropriate for recreational purposes but unfit for human consumption. These standards are classified into four categories: irrigation, fish propagation, potable sources with or without treatment, and industrial applications.¹⁹ Water is essential for environmental and social health, since it is utilized for economic, municipal, and drinking reasons, with agriculture accounting for 85% of human water use.²⁰ Water is vital for all living things because it transports vitamins and minerals, regulates body temperature, supports organ function, moisturizes skin, converts nutrients, and aids circulation, excretion, and reproduction.²¹ there are different types of water pollutants such as Thermal pollutants, Microbial pollutants, Oxygen depletion, Ground water along with chemicals are the pollutants responsible for water pollution.(figure 1)

Figure 1. Various types of water pollution

History of Neelon Canal:

Canals, often known as artificial waterways, are engineered pathways constructed for the purpose of water-transporting vehicles (such as water carriages) or drainage regulation (such as flood control and irrigation). They function as artificial rivers and carry free, smooth surface flow under air pressure.²² The Sirhind Canal road, connecting Ropar and Doraha, is facing distress due to its constant slope construction, causing a lower embankment than the canal's Full Supply Level.²³ The Sidhwan and Neelon-Ropar Canals are tributaries of the River Sutlej, which flows across the Ludhiana district of Punjab.²⁴

History of Govind Sagar Lake:

Gobind sagar reservoir, located between 30°22'22" and 33°12'20" north latitude and 75°45'55" to 79°04'20" east latitude in the Himalayan foothills, was established in 1963. Construction of a dam the Sutlej River for the building of the Bhakra Dam, which originates from Maansarovar Lake on the Tibetan plateau. Sutlej runs south-west and meets its major tributary, the Spiti River, at Pooh, India. The 16,867-ha reservoir at FRL has a capacity of 7771 million m3 and decreases to 5063 ha at dead storage. This reservoir, with a mean depth of 55m, has a subtropical climate and receives both monsoon runoff and winter snowfall. (Source: Department of Fisheries, Himachal Pradesh, India).²⁵

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Materials:

Govind Sagar sample along with Neelon Canal R4X5+H4M, Ludhiana-Chandigarh, Ropar, Punjab 141113, water samples has been collected. The water samples are stored in bottles with a capacity of 1000 liters. The bottles were rinsed three times with the appropriate sample water after being pre-cleaned with distilled water to remove any contaminants. After passing through Whatman filter paper, the water samples were stored in a lab. Prior to being allocated through limit testing, the water was filtered in the laboratory. For subsequent element testing, the leftover water sample was thereafter stored in a closed vessel.

Limit Tests:

A tiny amount of impurity that is likely to be present in the material is identified and controlled via the use of both quantitative and qualitative test design. To find inorganic impurities in a chemical, this is done.²⁶ The stability test procedure specifies test parameters for sample analysis, ensuring identity, performance, purity, and capacity, while meeting requirements like residual solvents, heavy metals, and combustion traces.²⁷ We performed various tyopes of limit test such as Chlorides, Sulphates and Iron.

Requirements:

In the experiments measurements and preparations done by employing measuring cylinders, volumetric flasks, beakers, pipettes, glass rods, Nessler cylinders, and a digital weighing balance, and chemicals such as Sodium Chloride (NaCl), 0.1M Silver Nitrate (AgNO3), diluted Nitric Acid (HNO3), distilled Water, Barium Chloride (BaCl2), diluted Hydrochloric Acid (HCl), Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4), 20% (w/v) iron-free Citric Acid, Ferric Ammonium Sulfate, Ammonia (iron-free), and Thioglycolic Acid are used.

Limit Test for Chlorides:

Procedure:

To prepare a 0.1M solution of silver nitrate (AgNO3), dissolve 4.2g of AgNO3 in 250mL of distilled water. Similarly, preparing a diluted nitric acid (HNO3) solution entails diluting concentrated 5M/5 N HNO3 with distilled water. 31.2mL of pure HNO3 is combined with filtered water to make a total volume of 100mL. Both techniques guarantee the precise fabrication of the appropriate molar concentrations for use in future chemical operations. Procedure for test and standard preparation are showed in Table 1.

Limit Test for Sulphates:

To attain the correct concentrations, accurate measurements are used while preparing various chemical solutions. To make a 15% barium chloride (BaCl2) solution, dissolve 15 g of BaCl2 in distilled water and dilute to 100mL in a volumetric flask. Similarly, to make a diluted hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution, put 10mL of concentrated HCl to a volumetric flask and fill with distilled water to a final volume of 100mL, creating a 10% (10:1) HCl solution. In addition, a 0.189% (w/v) sulfate solution is made by dissolving 0.2g of potassium sulfate (K2SO4) in 100mL of distilled water in a volumetric flask. These preparations provide precise concentrations for further experimental applications. Procedure for test and standard preparation are showed in Table 2.

Table 2. Standard and test solution preparation for Sulphate limit test

Standard Solution	Test 1 Solution	Test 2 Solution
Put 1 milliliter of 0.18%/0.2% w/v K2SO4 in a Nessler cylinder.	Fill a Nessler cylinder with 10 milliliters of the test sample.	Fill a Nessler cylinder with 1 milliliter of the test sample.
Now mix it with 2 milliliters of diluted HCl. Use distilled water to fill the remaining 45ml.	Now fill it with 2 milliliters of diluted HCl. Use pure water to fill the remaining 45 milliliters.	Now fill it with 2 milliliters of diluted HCl. Use pure water to fill the remaining 45 milliliters.
After adding 2ml of 15% BaCl2 solution, let it stand for five minutes.	Add 2 milliliters of a 15% BaCl2 solution now. After stirring, let it stand for five minutes.	Add 2 milliliters of a 15% BaCl2 solution now. After stirring, let it stand for five minutes.

Table 3. Standard and test solution preparation for Iron limit test

Standard Compound	Standard Solution	Test Solution
In a Nessler cylinder, dilute 2 milliliters of standard iron solution and add 40 milliliters of purified water.	40ml of distilled water is added to 2ml of a 20ppm ferric ammonium sulphate solution in a Nessler cylinder.	Fill a Nessler cylinder with 40 milliliters of distilled water and 2 milliliters of the test sample.
Add 2 milliliters of 20%w/v iron-free citric acid now. Now add 0.1ml thioglycolic acid.	Pour in 2 milliliters of 20% w/v iron-free citric acid. Thioglycolic acid (0.1 ml) is now added.	Add 2 milliliters of 20% w/v iron-free citric acid now. Add 0.1 milliliters of thioglycolic acid now.
To make it alkaline, stir with a glass rod and add ammonia solution. Now use distilled water to dilute to 50ml. Give it a 5-minute rest.	To make it alkaline, stir with a glass rod and add ammonia solution. Now use distilled water to dilute to 50ml. Give it a 5-minute rest.	To make it alkaline, stir with a glass rod and add ammonia solution. Now use distilled water to dilute to 50ml. Give it a 5-minute rest.

Limit Test for Iron:

The creation of diverse solutions necessitates careful measurements to guarantee proper concentrations. To prepare a 20% w/v iron-free citric acid solution, dissolve 20g of citric acid in 100 mL of distilled water. To generate a standard iron solution, 0.18g of ferric ammonium sulfate is properly weighed and dissolved in 10mL of 0.1N H2SO4 solution, followed by the addition of distilled water to make a final volume of 1000mL, yielding a solution containing 0.02mg of Fe per milliliter. Two 50mL Nessler's cylinders are used for further analysis, one as the Standard and the other as the Test cylinder, to allow for comparison during studies. Procedure for test and standard preparation are showed in Table 3. ^26-32

RESULT:

Chloride test

When the Govind Sagar Lake, Neelon Canal, and standard water specimens are scrutinized, the chloride content of each sample is lower than usual but still within acceptable bounds. Compared to the standard, the Neelon sample has less chloride, while the govind sagar has the least quantity. (Figure 2)

Figure .2Comparison of limit test of Chloride between Neelon and Govind Sagar sample

Sulphate test

The sulfate content of the Govind Sagar Lake and Neelon Canal typical collections is lower than that of the standard, but still within the permitted limits. While the neelon has the least amount of sulfate of any sample, the Govind sagar sample has less than the standard value. (Figure 3)

Figure .3 Comparison of limit test of Sulphate between Neelon and Govind Sagar sample

Iron test:

When investigating the neelon canal water sample, the Govind sagar lake sample, and the standard sample, both samples contain less iron than the standard yet are within acceptable levels. Govind sagar sample contains an equivalent volume of iron as the neelon canal. (Figure 4).

Figure .4 Comparison of limit test of Iron between Neelon and Govind Sagar sample

DISCUSSION:

The study examines the presence of pollutants in the Neelon Canal and Govind Sagar Lake using analytical chemistry methods, including heavy metal limit tests. The results show that both water bodies contain heavy metals like iron, sulfur, and chloride, although within acceptable limits. The study suggests that environmental changes and external pollutants, such as industrial wastes and air pollution, have a significant impact on the Neelon Canal's water quality, making it unsuitable for safe consumption. The study also found that both water bodies contained less iron than the standard, with Govind Sagar Lake having equivalent levels. Both samples showed lower sulfate and chloride levels, with Govind Sagar Lake having the lowest overall. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring for impurities in water, highlighting the need for regular monitoring and effective pollution control measures. Govind Sagar Lake showed reduced sulfate and chloride levels, suggesting no significant agricultural or industrial pollution. In contrast, Neelon Canal's elevated levels suggest runoff from agricultural and industrial activities along its route. These findings underscore the need for regular water quality monitoring and effective pollution control measures to ensure the sustainability and safety of water resources for future use.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the water quality in the Neelon Canal, comparing it to that of Govind Sagar Lake, through the application of Analytical Chemistry techniques, including Heavy Metal Limit Tests. The findings revealed the presence of heavy metals such as iron, sulfate, and chloride in both water bodies, though their concentrations remained within acceptable limits. The Neelon Canal exhibited elevated sulfate and chloride levels, likely due to agricultural runoff and industrial discharges along its path. In contrast, Govind Sagar Lake showed reduced sulfate and chloride levels, suggesting minimal impact from agricultural or industrial pollution. However, the iron content in both water bodies was comparable, and while it was below the standard limit, it was still noteworthy. The study highlights the significant influence of environmental conditions, industrial activities, and agricultural practices on water quality, particularly in the Neelon Canal. Despite the contaminants being within permissible levels, the presence of pollutants such as iron, sulfate, and chloride underscores the importance of regular water quality monitoring to ensure safe usage. This research emphasizes the necessity for continued surveillance of water bodies to prevent potential health risks and the implementation of effective pollution control measures to safeguard water resources. Moreover, the findings contribute to a broader understanding of the environmental and human impacts on water quality, reinforcing the need for sustainable water management practices to maintain the health of aquatic ecosystems and ensure the safety of water for human consumption.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

The authors have no conflicts of interest regarding this investigation.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

The authors are extremely thankful to Instrumentation Laboratories in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at CT University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.

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Received on 12.02.2025 Revised on 19.03.2025

Accepted on 18.04.2025 Published on 12.07.2025

Available online from July 21, 2025

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis. 2025; 15(3):185-190.

DOI: 10.52711/2231-5675.2025.00029

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Creative Commons License.

Standard Solution	Test 1 Solution	Test 2 Solution
Mix a 25 ppm NaCl solution with 10 milliliters of purified water. Move inside a Nessler cylinder.	Take 10ml test sample in Nessler cylinder	Fill a Nessler cylinder with 1 ml of the test sample and 9 ml of distilled water.
Proceed to add 10 ml of diluted HNO3 solution and top it up with 50 ml of distilled water.	Now add 10ml dil. HNO3 solution. And make up to 50ml with distilled water.	Now add 10ml dil. HNO3 solution. And make up to 50ml with distilled water.
Pour in 1 ml of 0.1M AgNO3 solution. Using a glass rod, stir. Put aside for five minutes.	Now fill it with 1 milliliter of 0.1M AgNO3 solution. Use a glass rod to stir, then leave for five minutes.	Now fill it with 1 milliliter of 0.1M AgNO3 solution. Use a glass rod to stir, then leave for five minutes.