Seasonal variation in physicochemical parameters and suitability for various uses of Bouli pond water, Jharkhand

ABSTRACT Ponds are known to have greater biodiversity of species. They are the habitats of many aquatic animals and plants. The purpose of the study is to compare the water quality of the Temple Pond to give a reference for conservation management for this aquatic species and help improve water quality and aquatic biodiversity. Temple Pond is located opposite Bara Talab near Main Road of Lohardaga town of Jharkhand. It is a habitat of fishes – mostly carp. For the study of physicochemical parameters of the pond, water samples were collected for three periods of the year, i.e. pre-monsoon (May), monsoon (August), and post-monsoon (November) for two consecutive years (2015–2016). Samples were stored according to the preservation procedure followed by AS/NZS 5667.1:1998, and analysis was done using standard procedure. Major water parameters such as pH (7.20–7.40), Total Hardness (35.60–61.20), Nitrate (mg/L) (1.10–2.40), Chloride (mg/L) (22.00–33.00), Fluoride (mg/L) (0.02–0.04) were recorded low value; however, Dissolved oxygen (D.O) (mg/L) (4.10–6.90) and Biochemical oxygen demand (B.O.D) (mg/L) (2.50–4.20) were little higher than Standard Tolerance limit per classified use of water class depending on various uses of water (ISI-IS: 2296–1982), revealed that the pond is suitable for outdoor bathing (Class-B) and D – Fish culture and aquatic life propagation.