INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Volume 7, No 2, Copyright by the authors - Licensee IPA- Under Creative Commons license 3.

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1 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Volume 7, No 2, 2016 Copyright by the authors - Licensee IPA- Under Creative Commons license 3.0 Research article ISSN and Pradeep Shrivastava Dept. of Environmental Sciences and Limnology, Barkatullah University, Bhopal (M.P). Singhdrpk404@gmail.com doi: /ijes.xxxxxxxxx ABSTRACT The present study was carried out to determine the water quality status of Upper Lake Bhopal. Monthly changes in physico-chemical parameters were analyzed for the period of March 2007 to May Variables analyzed from surface water of the lake were Temperature, Transparency, Conductivity, ph, Total dissolved solids, Total suspended solids, Total solids, Total alkalinity, Free carbon dioxide, Chloride, Total hardness, Calcium hardness, Dissolved oxygen, Orthophosphate, Nitrate, Sodium and Potassium. The fluctuations in physicochemical parameters are throughout the study period. The studies reveal that the water of this lake is suitable for domestic as well as drinking purpose. Keywords: Water quality, Physico-chemical parameters, monthly variation, Upper lake. 1. Introduction Water is a prerequisite for the existence of life. Next to air, the other important requirement for the human life to exist is water. It is the nature gift to the human race. It is available in various forms such as rivers, lakes, streams, etc. The importance of water in human life is so much that the development of any city of the world has practically taken place near some source of water supply. It may also further be noted that the water is available in solid, liquid and gaseous forms. The occurrence of water in all these three forms is basically important for human beings for comfort, luxury and various other necessities of life. Water quality parameters provides the current information about the concentration of various solutes at a given place and time. It gives the basis for judging the suitability of water for its best designated uses and to improve existing conditions. For optimum development, management and beneficial uses, current information is needed which is provided by water quality programmes. The present investigation has been undertaken to assess the water quality status of Upper Lake, Bhopal. 2. Material and methods 2.1 Study area Bhopal is the glorious capital of Madhya Pradesh. It is a splendid city with large number of lakes and reservoir whose presence has given another popular name the lake city. Out of these water bodies two lakes are more important which are located in the centre of the city. Upper lake is bigger in size as compared to lower lake. They are also known as Bhoj wetlands. This lake is so beautiful and important that without it Bhopal city cannot described completely. Four sampling stations were selected for the present study. They are follows: Received on June 2016 Published on September

2 1. Sheetal Das ki Bagia: It is located at 23 15'22"N and 77 23'44.2"E. Human interference was maximum at this site. People use this place for bathing, swimming fishing immersing pooja material which includes huge colourful idols of Ganesh and Devi durga. 2. Garam gada: This sampling site receives biomedical wastes from Gandhi Medical College. It is located at 23 15'34.8"N and 77 23'11.2"E. 3. Karballa: It is located at 23 15'37.3"N and 77 22'49.2"E. This sampling site receives domestic wastes. 4. Bairagarh: This station consists of agricultural waste and cattle grazing problems. It was a shallow and has a very rich growth of macrophytes. Aquatic birds were dominant in this region. It is located at 23 15'38.5"N and 77 21'28.1"E. Table 1: Morphometric Features of Upper Lake, Bhopal S.N. Features Upper Lake 1. Location Bhopal 2. Constructed 11 th century 3. Type of Dam Earthen dam 4. Longitude 77 18'77 24' E 5. Latitude 23º13'23 16' N 6. Climatic region Warmer humid 7. Drainage basin type Open 8. Catchment area sq.km 9. Surface area 36 km Drainage basin area 361 km Maximum water area 3105 ha 12. Minimum water area 1360 ha 13. Full tank level m 14. Storage capacity (m 3 x 10 6 ) cm 15. Volume km Maximum depth 11.7m 17. Average depth 6 m 18. Maximum width 3.75km 19. Maximum length 10.6 km 20. Inflow points Source of water Rain water 22. Main use of water Potable water Climate Bhoj wetland experiences dry climate expect during the south west monsoon. There are four recognizable seasons viz., Summer- March to mid June. Monsoon- June to September. Post monsoon- September to November. Winter- November to February. 165

3 2.2 Laboratory methods The samples of water (Surface) were collected from four different sites in the month of March, April and May Before collection of the samples the clean, dried and well labeled samples bottles and high quality of plastic canes with 1 litre capacity were kept ready. Water samples for physico-chemical parameters were analyzed for urgent parameters i.e Temperature, ph, conductivity, Dissolve oxygen, Free carbon dioxide and Total alkalinity in the field only and then kept in the icebox to the transported to the laboratory. In laboratory the samples were stored in a refrigerator at 4 ºC. For analysis of physico-chemical parameters the book follows as Adoni (1985), APHA, (1998) and Trivedy and Goel (1984). 3. Results and discussion Abiotic environment of freshwater ecosystem affects the biotic component of ecosystem. If any change occurs in physico-chemical characteristics of water, it causes a direct impact upon the biotic data. Therefore, the knowledge of physico-chemical characteristics of water is essential for proper exploitation of aquatic environment (Kumar et al., 2004). The monthly variation of physico-chemical factors at all four sampling sites during different months under observation have been shown in Table 2-4: Table 2: Variation of physico-chemical parameters at different sampling sites in the month of March. S.N. Parameters Unit Site-I Site-II Site-III Site-IV 1. Air Temperature ºC Water Temperature ºC Transparency cm Conductivity µs/cm ph Total Dissolved Solids ppm Total Suspended Solids ppm Total Solids ppm Total Alkalinity mg/l Free CO2 mg/l Chloride mg/l Total Hardness mg/l Ca as CaCO3 mg/l Dissolved Oxygen mg/l Orthophosphate mg/l Nitrate mg/l Sodium ppm Potassium ppm

4 Table 3: Variation of physico-chemical parameters at different sampling sites in the month of April. S.N. Parameters Unit Site-I Site-II Site-III Site-IV 1. Air Temperature ºC Water Temperature ºC Transparency cm Conductivity µs/cm ph Total Dissolved Solids ppm Total Suspended Solids ppm Total Solids ppm Total Alkalinity mg/l Free CO2 mg/l Chloride mg/l Total Hardness mg/l Ca as CaCO3 mg/l Dissolved Oxygen mg/l Orthophosphate mg/l Nitrate mg/l Sodium ppm Potassium ppm Table 4: Variation of physico-chemical parameters at different sampling sites in the month of May. S.N. Parameters Unit Site-I Site-II Site-III Site-IV 1. Air Temperature ºC Water Temperature ºC Transparency cm Conductivity µs/cm ph Total Dissolved Solids ppm Total Suspended Solids ppm Total Solids ppm Total Alkalinity mg/l Free CO2 mg/l Chloride mg/l Total Hardness mg/l Ca as CaCO3 mg/l Dissolved Oxygen mg/l Orthophosphate mg/l Nitrate mg/l Sodium ppm Potassium ppm

5 3.1&2 Temperature In the present investigation the air temperature ranged between ºC while water temperature ranged from 20.8 to 31.2 ºC. This variation is mainly related with the temperature of atmosphere and weather conditions. Atmospheric and water temperature both play an important role in the physico-chemical and physiological behavior of the aquatic system. It also exerts profound direct or indirect influence on metabolic and physiological behavior of aquatic ecosystem (Welch, 1952). Water temperature exerts a major influence on the biological activity and growth of aquatic organisms. Higher the water temperature, the greater is the biological activity. Mosely (1983) reported that the variation water temperature at different times were probably due to surface heating during the day and cooling during night, a phenomenon commonly met within tropical water bodies. 3.3 Transparency Solar radiation is the major source of light energy in an aquatic system, governing the primary productivity. Transparency is a characteristic of water that varies with the combined effect of colour and turbidity. The transparency values as interpreted Secchi s discranged from 37.6 to 53.2 cm. According to Boyd (1981) the apparent colour of water is caused by suspended matter, which interferes with light penetration. The lower values of transparency at site-2 and site-3 were possibly due to more turbidity of water, which was further confirmed from the higher values of suspended matters. These results were in line with the findings of Mahboob (1992). 3.4 Conductivity Conductivity is a measurement of the ability of an aqueous solution to carry an electric current. The conductivity value was ranged between µs/cm. Highest value of conductivity observed at site-3 may be attributed to increased concentration of salts at the bottom by siltation and sedimentation. This finding is in agreement with that in Vellayani lake (Radhika et al., 2004). The conductivity value found all the sampling sites are within the permissible limit indicating water is not polluted with respect to conductivity. 3.5 ph ph is a measure of acidity or alkalinity of water which is expressed in terms of hydrogen ion concentration. Small variations in ph do not have any effect on aquatic life. The desirable limit of ph for drinking water is between (BIS, 1992). In the present study ph values ranged from 6.72 and 8.32 (acidic to alkaline). The lowest ph was recorded at site-3 while site-4 recorded the highest ph. The low value of ph at site-3 could be due to accumulated organic matters due to decay and decomposition of vegetation which on biological oxidation given off CO2 which ultimately reduces the ph (Shobha et al., 1996.) Carre et al., (1983) reported that the lower ph values may affect distribution of organism in the system. 3.6 Total dissolved solids TDS is a common indicator of polluted waters (Tay, 2007). It is the term used to describe the inorganic salts and small amounts of organic matter present in solution of water. There is no serious effect of high TDS on aquatic life. However TDS cause toxicity through increase in salinity, changes in ionic composition of water that become a cause of shift in biotic 168

6 communities, limit biodiversity and cause acute or chronic effect at specific life stages. In the present study TDS ranges between ppm. According to Phiri et al., (2005) increased total dissolved solids may suggest increased organic matter within the water body from wastewater discharge and effluents and ability of self-purification. The high contents of total dissolved solids elevate the density of water, influences osmoregulation in fresh water organisms. 3.7 Total Suspended solids Its include a wide variety of material, such as silt, decaying, animal and plant matter, industrial wastes and sewage. Its decrease the water clarity. Suspended sediments can clog fish gills, reduce the growth rates. Higher value of TSS in water can often mean higher concentration of bacteria, nutrients, pesticides, and metals in water. High TSS can cause problems for industrial use, because the solids may clog or scour pipes and machinery. During the present study total suspended solids ranged from 36 ppm to 62.2 ppm as result of silt suspension. The Lowest value of TSS 36 ppm was recorded at site-4 in the month of March and highest 62.2 ppm was noted at site-3 in the month of May. Ramama et al., (2008) reported highest suspended solids is unsatisfactory for bathing, industrial and other purposes. 3.8 Total solids Total solids are considered to be the sum of dissolved and suspended solids. The amount of total solids upto 500 mg/l in water generally makes it suitable for domestic use. In the present investigation total solids varied from ppm. The increased total solids were attributed to site-3 due to contribution of suspended solids from domestic effluents or local sewage. 3.9 Total Alkalinity Alkalinity in natural water is due to the presence of salts of weak acids. There are normal forms of alkalinity viz hydroxyl (OH), carbonate (CO3), and bicarbonate (HCO3). Carbonates in limestone or chalk form are abundantly found in nature so that while in contact with CO2 and on hydrolysis, bicarbonates are formed. Total alkalinity values in our observations fluctuated between 57.6 to 104 mg/l, indicating that the water is hard. Higher values of Total alkalinity at site-2 due to the presence of excess of free CO2 product as a result of decomposition process coupled with mixing of sewage and domestic waste Free CO2 The amount of free CO2 in stagnant water is generally maintained by diffusion from atmosphere, respiration by animals along with plants and bacterial decomposition of organic matter (Misra et al., 1993). The excessive amount of carbon dioxide exerts certain specific effects on aquatic biota. In the present investigation, value of CO2 varied between 4 to 18.2 mg/l. The higher value of the free carbon dioxide content is an indication of high degree of pollution. Cole (1975) viewed that free CO2 supply rarely limits the growth of phytoplankton. Alternately, the bicarbonates are utilized as a source of carbon by the photosynthetic activity of phytoplankton. Higher value of free CO2 is site-3 due to the decomposition of organic matter at the bottom as compared to other sites, it is utilized by algae and other aquatic flora during photosynthesis activities. Similar observations were made by Koushik and Saksena (1999). 169

7 3.11 Chloride The presence of Chlorides in natural waters can mainly be attributed to dissolution of salt deposits in the form of ions (Cl - ). Higher concentrations may indicate pollution by sewage, industrial wastes, intrusion of seawater or other saline water. It is the major form of inorganic anions in water for aquatic life. High chloride content has a deleterious effect on metallic pipes and structures, as well as agricultural plants. In the present observation Chloride value ranged between mg/l respectively. The highest values show at site-3 due to the direct impact of domestic sewage inflow from Karballa nalla. Similar observation was made by Vass and Zutshi (1983) in Kashmir Himalayan Lake who reported that higher the Chloride value may be due to organic wastes of animal origin and domestic wastes Total hardness It is the characteristics of water which prevents the lathering of soap. This is due to the presence in water of certain salts of calcium and magnesium dissolve in it. If carbonates and bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium are present, then the hardness is called carbonate hardness, but if sulphates and chloride of calcium and magnesium are present, then it is called non-carbonates hardness. Total hardness is thus sum of carbonate hardness and the noncarbonate hardness. During the present study the total hardness varies from 72.8 to 132 mg/l. Higher values of total hardness at site-3 can be attributed to low water level, higher rate of evaporation of water and addition of calcium and magnesium salts. Mohanta and Patra (2000) stated that addition of sewage, detergents and large scale human use might be the cause of elevation of hardness. Normally water hardness does not pose any direct health problem but may cause economic problems Calcium Hardness (as CaCO3) During the present study period lowest value of Calcium Hardness mg/l was recorded at site-1 in the month of April while highest value mg/l was found at site-3 in May month. Calcium is essential for all organisms and regulates various physiological functions. It is direct effect on ph and carbonate system. Calcium has been implicated in numerous ways in growth and population dynamics of flora and fauna. Calcium plays an important role in antagonizing the toxic effects of various ions in neutralizing excess acid produced (Munawar, 1970) Dissolved oxygen Dissolved Oxygen is a very important parameter in water analysis as it serves as an indicator of the physical, chemical and biological activities of the water body. Higher concentration of dissolved oxygen was observed at the site-4 (March), which is subjected to minimum discharge of effluent while the lowest value of dissolved oxygen was recorded at site-3 (May) where maximum discharge of sewage effluents was observed. Dissolved oxygen is essential and in some cases even limiting factor for maintaining aquatic life; its depletion in water is probably the most frequent result of certain forms of water pollution (Srivastava et al., 2009). The lower values of dissolved oxygen (4.8 mg/l) at site-3 can be attributed to the oxygen utilization in the decomposition of organic materials both of allochthonous and autochthonous origin within the wetland (Joo and Francko, 1995). 170

8 3.15 Orthophosphate Phosphate is the most important nutrient to produce phytoplankton in freshwater which is the primary food for many of the commercial fishes. It is the most significant component among the nutrients responsible for eutrophication of a water body. During the study period higher values of orthophosphate were recorded at the sampling site-3 (0.122 mg/l) in the month of May. Boyd (1981) viewed that higher value of phosphate support algal growth and hence good plankton bloom. The higher concentration of phosphate was site-3 due to inflow of domestic waste Nitrate Nitrate represents the product of oxidation of nitrogenous matters and its concentration may depend on the nitrification and denitrification activities of micro-organisms. The presence of little higher value in water is an indication of pollution in the water body and will cause eutrophication as a nutrient, hence reducing water quality. The Nitrate content at the sampling sites fluctuated between mg/l. The higher concentration of nitrate (0.432 mg/l) which was obtained from site-3 in May month. This is may be because much of their input resulted from land drainage and urban runoff. High level of nitrate in drinking water was due to excessive use of fertilizers in agriculture, decayed vegetable, animal matter, domestic effluents, sewage or sludge disposal, industrial discharges, leachable from refuse dumps, atmospheric washout and precipitation has become serious problem (Makhijani and Manoharan, 1999) Sodium Sodium is one of the most abundant elements and is a common constituent of natural waters. The sodium concentration of water is of concern primarily when considering their solubility for agricultural uses. In the present investigation minimum amount of sodium (2.42 ppm) was observed at site-4 in the month of March and the highest amount (3.98 ppm) was found at site-3 in April month. The addition of waste water containing soap solution and detergent from the surrounding slummy area are also responsible for the increase in sodium level in the water bodies (Mishra and Saxena, 1991). Mohanta and Patra (2000) reported the addition of sewage waste and organic pollutant is also responsible for the increase in the value of sodium in water bodies Potassium Potassium is an important element and found in low concentrations (<10 mg/l) in natural waters. Its play a vital role in the metabolism of freshwater environments. During the present study period potassium varied from ppm. The maximum concentration of potassium 2.32 ppm was found in March month at site-3 and minimum 1.19 ppm at site-1 in May month. Potassium was found to have lower values than sodium throughout the study. 4. Conclusion The present study elucidated that the analysis of various physico-chemical parameters of Upper Lake, Bhopal. It was noticed to some of the parameters like TDS, free carbondioxide, total alkalinity, total hardness, orthophosphate and nitrate were surprisingly higher levels at site-2 and site-3 due to mixing of domestic wastes. However overall of these parameters 171

9 were found to be within the permissible limits. To improve the quality of water there should be continuous monitoring of pollution level and maintain the favorable conditions essential for domestic purposes; fish survival, growth and reproduction in Upper Lake, Bhopal. 5. References 1. Adoni, A.D. (1985), Work book of Limnology, Pratibha Publishers, Sagar. 2. APHA, (1998), Standard methods for the examination of water and waste water 20 th Ed., New York. 3. BIS (1992), Bureau of Indian Standards. 4. Boyd, C.E. (1981), Water quality in warm water fish ponds, 2nd Ed., Craft master Printers, Opelika and Albama, pp Boyd, C.E. and Musig, Y. (1981), Orthophosphate uptake by phytoplankton and sediment, Aquaculture, 22, pp Carre, M. C., Vulliermet, A., and Vulliermet, B. (1983), Environment and tannery, centre technique du cuir France: Lyon., pp Chaturvedi, S., Jain, P. and Chaturvedi, R. (1996), Evaluation of drinking water quality of Kolar dam water, near Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Pollution Research, 15(3), pp Cole, G.A. (1975), Text book of Limnology, C.V. Mosby Company, St. Louis, San Francisco. 9. Joo, G. and Francko (1995), Limnological characteristics of the Tristate Oxbow wetland, Ohio, Indiana, Ohio Journal of science, 95(5), pp Kumar, A., Mandal, K. K. and Kumar, A. (2004), Water pollution scenario in some lentic and lotic freshwater ecosystems of Jharkhand, India. Water Pollution, A.P.H. publishing corporation, New Delhi, pp Koushik, S. and Saksena, D.N. (1999), Physico-chemical limnology of certain water bodies of central India, In: fresh water Ecosystems of India (K.Vijay Kumar), Daya publishing House, New Delhi, pp Mahboob, S. (1992), Influence of fertilizer and artificial feed on the growth performance in composite culture of major, common and some Chinese carps. Ph.D. Thesis, Agriculture University, Faisalabad. 13. Makhijani, S.D. and Manoharn, A. (1999), Nitrate pollution problem in drinking water sources: Monitoring and surveillance, Paper presented in the workshop water quality field test kits for arsenic, fluoride and nitrate held from 8-9 September at Industrial toxicology research centre, Lucknow. 172

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