Variations in Hydrochemical Characteristics of Two Distinct Wetlands of Central Gujarat, India

An assessment of hydrochemical parameters was carried out in two distinguishing wetlands of central Gujarat, India for the period of one year from June 2007 to May 2008. Water quality parameters like temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, Secchi depth, total solids and total dissolved and suspended solids, free carbon dioxide, phenolphthalein alkalinity, total alkalinity, carbonates, bicarbonates, total hardness, calcium and magnesium hardness, chloride, phosphate, sulphate and nitrate were investigated during the study period. Chloride, phosphate, sulphate and nitrate of water were greater in Khodiyar than Malwar wetland because of high wastes and sewage inflow. Moreover, monthly variation of hydrochemical characters was found higher during summer and lower during monsoon months in both the wetlands. Correlation coefficients were calculated among the various physico-chemical variables. Sulphate and nitrate showed a positive correlation with phosphate at Khodiyar, whereas sulphate and chloride correlated positively with nitrate at Malwar wetland. Dissolved oxygen showed a negative correlation with temperature, phosphate and other parameters in both the wetlands.