Assessing influence of anthropogenic and environmental factors on surface water quality for sustainable management of urban lakes: A case study from Udaipur, India

Abstract

Abstract The influence of natural and anthropogenic factors has caused significant impacts on surface water quality worldwide, particularly where monitoring mechanisms are weak or non-existent. Weathering and soil erosion from the lake catchment areas, the inflow of large number of tourists, drainage outlets, etc. pose a serious threat to two urban lakes, namely, Pichola and Fateh Sagar in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. Subsequently, stringent water quality monitoring programmes are required to assess the water quality of these two lakes in two distinct seasons, i.e., pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. In this research study, the measured physicochemical parameters were computed for the water quality index (WQI), organic pollution index (OPI), and eutrophication index (EI) to evaluate the health of these lakes. The Pichola Lake had shown elevated concentrations for EC, TDS, DO, BOD, COD, TH, Cl−, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42− as compared to Fateh Sagar. The mean nutrient concentrations were recorded to be higher in Pichola Lake (TN 3.99 mg/L; TP 0.15 mg/L) as compared to Fateh Sagar (TN 2.50 mg/L; TP 0.003 mg/L). The lower values registered in the post-monsoon period were due to the dilution effect caused by the rainfall and influx of runoff water. These two lakes contribute significant ecological and economic value to the area, helping to meet the water requirements for the surrounding population, agricultural practices, and tourists. Therefore, the present study can provide essential information about taking up appropriate measures to protect the water quality of urban lakes and the need to implement better management policies and initiatives for the same.