Physico-Chemical and Microbiological Assessment of Surface Water Quality of a Himalayan Wetland Deoria Tal, India

Abstract

The Water Quality Index (WQI) is considered as an important method to assess the water quality of a water body for its users. This study was carried out to assess the water quality of a Himalayan wetland Deoria Tal. Deoria Tal is one of the most important wetlands of the Garhwal Himalaya, India. It is the major destination for tourists, trekkers and local inhabitants. The water samples were collected for a period of one year during April, 2014 to March, 2015. In order to develop the water quality index samples were subjected to a comprehensive physico-chemical analysis of 20 parameters which include air temperature, water temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, free CO₂, biochemical oxygen demand, total dissolved solids, transparency, total alkalinity, hardness, chlorides, sulphates, phosphates, nitrates, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium. The WQI was calculated and the value was obtained as 76.15. Most of the values of physico-chemical parameters are within the prescribed limits of WHO/BIS for drinking water. Water Quality Index (WQI) calculated based on the weight values of these parameters also revealed the ‘good’ quality of lake water. The α-diversity of microbes was found to be 18 in the water of Deoria Tal. The water of the lake is fit for human consumption. Keeping in view the importance of the lake and to provide the sustainable water quality for users its conservation and management is priority in the Himalayan region.

Keywords: Himalayan wetland; Deoria Tal; Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand; water quality index; physico-chemical parameters