Water Quality Studies of Saralasagar Reservoir with Reference to Physico–Chemical Parameters

Objectives: Present study aims at the assessment of various organoleptic, physical and chemical parameters of Saralasagar reservoir water to check its status pertaining to the water quality and to measure the correlation among these parameters so that to generate the record of data of its water quality and suggest mitigating measures for its conservation. Methods/ Statistical Analysis: Sampling was carried out from two sampling sites. The samples were analysed in the laboratory as per the standard protocols. The original Winkler’s iodometric method for dissolved oxygen was modified by adding sodium azide in order to avoid the interference due to organic matter and chlorides present in the sample. The annual mean values of each parameter from the two sampling sites were compared with W.H.O. and I.S. permissible limits by using one-sample t-test [2-tailed] and Pearson’s correlation coefficient [r] at 0.05 and 0.01 significance levels. Findings: The physico-chemical parameters showed very few fluctuations and most of them were within the permissible limits of standards indicating better quality of reservoir water. The lake water was oligotrophic. However, certain parameters like pH and BOD were significant in limnological point of view. The higher pH values suggest that carbonate and bicarbonate equilibrium is affected. The high BOD values indicate the presence of plenty of organic matter, microbial richness and non-biodegradable oxygen demanding pollutants in the lake water which may lead to eutrophication. There was a strong negative correlation between pH and E.C., DO and BOD and was a positive correlation between EC and TDS, TH and chloride, water temperature and BOD, Ca – TH and Mg. Most of the parameters were minimum in monsoon and maximum in pre-monsoon periods. Applications: These results conclude the suitability of Saralasagar water for various human needs. However, regular monitoring for its water quality maintenance is need of the hour to prevent its further deterioration.