Assessing the water quality of Vatadahosahalli Lake in Chikkaballapura district, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Freshwater lakes, crucial for the country's economy, play diverse roles in supporting industrial, agricultural, and ecological processes. Despite their significance, rising human activities globally, including in India, are degrading water quality, posing threats to biodiversity and human health. In this study, water quality parameters such as temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrate (NO₃⁻), phosphate (PO₄³⁻), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) were investigated at Vatadahosahalli Lake in 2022. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Parsons's correlation matrix, and drinking suitability was accessed by the Water Quality Index (WQI). Parameters like turbidity, BOD, COD, and metals exhibited significant seasonal fluctuations, impacting overall water quality and analysis of these water quality parameters revealed that the water is polluted by various anthropogenic activities. The Water Quality Index was used to condense these parameters into a single interpretable value. Results indicated significant seasonal fluctuations, with the winter season presenting ‘poor’ water conditions and the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons presenting ‘good’ water conditions, while the summer season presents the most concerning water quality. At site ‘A', the water was categorized as ‘unsuitable’, with the reaming sites ‘B' and ‘C', being classified as ‘poor’ and ‘good’, respectively. The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring and implementing strategic measures for the preservation and sustainable management of Vatadahosahalli Lake. This research also provides valuable insights for policymakers and local communities, enabling them to take informed actions to protect this vital freshwater resource.