Abstract

The study was undertaken to find out the possible pollution of Karachi coastline as it’s under the grip of multifarious pollution. Water quality was assessed using the parameters Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Dissolve Oxygen (DO), Oil and Grease, Phosphate, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKJ), pH, salinity and Heavy metal (Lead, Arsani, Nikal). pH and salinity were recorded in the range of 7.2- 7.8 and 33-38% in all the targeted samples. Significant high value of COD and BOD5 recorded in all the samples especially Ghizri creek (306±0.8mg/l) and Hawskbey (1216±7.3mg/l). The concentration of heavy metals found in order of following Ni > pb > As. Showing that creek area has high amount of metal concentration that open sea. Permisible amount of Dissolved oxygen (DO) were recorded in all the samping area (4.1-5.3mg/l). The lowest amount were recorded in sea view (4.1±0.1mg/l). In cumulative results of water quality, the level of pH ranged between (7.8-7.2mg/l), highest value have been found in Paradise point (7.8±0.05). Concentration of oil and grease were detected in the range of (8.1 -10.6mg/l), with high value measured at Sandspit (10.6±0.02mg/l). The study showed the concentration of Phosphorus and Total Kjedal nitrogen (TKN) focus on the available nitrogen were in the range of (1.1-2.7mg/l) and (71-75mg/l) respectively. Highest amount of phosphus detected in the sample of Hawskbey (2.7±0.13mg/l) and TKN recorded in Ghizri creek site (75±0.7mg/l). The results justified the current situation of Karachi coastline responsible for the ecological imbalances and loss of biodiversity in that areas. To stop these imbalances administration should pass anti-pollution law for beaches. Installation of treatment plant to stop hazardous waste pollution will also be effective in this regard

Keywords: Coastline; Pollution; Creeks; COD and BOD5