Pollution Research Paper

STUDIES ON THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF THE STORM WATERS NEAR CHIPPALERU ESTUARY BY AQUACULTURE

J.S. KIRAN KUMAR, V. KOTESWARA RAO, M.V. BHASKAR REDDY AND C.V. NARASIMHA MURTHY

Abstract

Soil runoff through rains, floods and overflow not only erodes soil but also enriches the water with fertilizers and metals in storm waters. Storm Water quality impairment by nutrient and metal enrichment from agricultural activities has been a concern worldwide. Investigation on the physicochemical factors in the Chippaleru estuary, Kavali Mandal, Sri Potti Sriramulu Nelloredistrict, Andhra Pradesh (A.P.)., which is lying along the east coast of India showed variations in all the parameters recorded viz. higher values of temperature, salinity, pH, and nutrients (PO4, NO2, NO3 and SiO2) and low dissolved oxygen. This indicates high pollution load, mainly due to the aqua pollution and fertilizers that are used in the catchment area by the aquaculture. The degradation of lentic water body is mainly attributed to discharge of wastes generated by numerous anthropogenic activities. Environmental factors viz. temperature, pH, O2, CO2, nitrate, phosphate and chloride, influence plankton diversity. The physico-chemical characteristics of water play a significant role to assess the quality of water for its best usage. The present study is an attempt made to know physico-chemical characteristics of storm waters near Chippaleru creek in Nellore district.