Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN WATER QUALITY OF NATURAL LAKES OF NAINITAL, INDIA

A.P. Singh, P.C. Srivastava and S.K.Singh

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to analyze some water quality parameters and the cations and anions load in waters of seven natural lakes viz., Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Punatal, Sitatal, Ramtal, Hanurnantal and Nainital, Uttaranchal during 2003-04 and 2004-05. The water samples were collected during summer and autumn seasons and were analysed for various parameters. The values of pH were found to vary from neutral to slightly alkaline well within permissible limits. The values of EC varied from 0.08-0.62 mS cm and that of DO, BOD, COD and alkalinity varied from 3.12 to 9.66,0.43-2.96, 65.1-373.1 and 53.1-296.4 mg L4, respectively. The concentrations of NI-14+-N, IC*, Na', Ca2., Mg2+, SO42--S and Cl. in waters of different lakes varied from 0.14-2.07, 2.01-8.81, 10.04-44.03, 6.56-52.56, 4.33-11.08, 0.40-7.98, 0.05- 1.08, 1.50-48.35, 5.05-29.85, 38.6-172.8 mg L-1, respectively. The hardness, SAR and RSC in waters of different, lakes varied from 38.6-172.8 mg L.1, 0.58-1.70 and 0.07-1.47 me L-1' respectively. Among all lakes studied, in relative terms Nainital was found to be most polluted while Punatal suffered minimum pollution. The water quality of these lakes declined during summer season when maximum tourist activities occurred. For conservation of these lakes as glory and pristine beauty of this region, a regular monitoring and effective regulatory measure are urgently warranted.