A Study on Comparative Assessment of Water Quality of Dal and Nigeen Lakes of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Abstract

The lakes of the Kashmir valley, India are under continuous pressure due to increasing anthropogenic activities. In the present study, an attempt has been made to monitor the quality of two important lakes (Dal and Nigeen) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), India. These lakes hold significant ecological, cultural, and economic value, attracting many tourists and serving as vital sources of fresh water for local communities. Five sampling sites were selected in the study area, out of which three are in Dal Lake and two in Nigeen Lake. A comparison of the water quality of both lakes was made in the present investigation based on selected physicochemical parameters like water pH, conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), chloride (Cl-), sulfate (SO42-), nitrate (NO3-) and phosphate (PO43-). The results revealed that the value of most of the parameters was higher in Dal Lake (BOD, EC, COD, and PO43-) while some parameters were found higher in Nigeen Lake (NO3-, DO, Cl- and SO42-). The student t-test showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the means of most of the studied parameters of both the lake except EC and NO3-. Although all the parameters were within the limits if the trend of pollution continues, then the water quality of both lakes will become unfit for aquatic plants, animals, and tourist activities also. This study highlights the urgent need for effective water management strategies and conservation efforts to preserve the water quality of Dal and Nigeen Lakes.