Pollution Overwhelms Monsoon's Impact on Mula-Mutha River

Pollution's impact on the Mula-Mutha river in Pune is more profound than the effects of the monsoon, according to a study by the Agharkar Research Institute. Researchers observed that microscopic algae, known as diatoms, exhibited greater shifts in species composition along different river sections compared to seasonal variations. The study identified that pollution-tolerant diatom species are becoming dominant in the midstream and downstream areas heavily influenced by urban sewage and human activities. These findings suggest a significant loss of ecological uniqueness in the river's ecosystem. The research highlighted that dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity are key factors influencing these diatom communities. While monsoon flows increase organism dispersal, the persistent chronic pollution, particularly urban sewage loading, overrides natural seasonal dynamics. The study emphasizes that maintaining river flows is insufficient to preserve native biodiversity without addressing water quality issues. Without adequate water quality, the river's native and endemic biodiversity cannot be sustained, even with substantial hydrological flow.