Ecotoxicological Assessment of Heavy Metals in Lower Lake of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

The evaluation of contamination by heavy metals in the Lower Lake of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh India, is the primary topic of the current investigation. A two-year assessment of the lake's water quality was conducted for this study. The area under study receives domestic raw sewage from surrounding populations; and also the activities such as cattle washing, cloth washing, bathing, and religious activities (like idol immersion etc.) paves the way for high concentration of harmful chemicals in the lake water. The investigation was focused on heavy elements including Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), and were determined by using AAS according to the Standard Methods (APHA, 2010). The water quality of the Lower Lake Bhopal reveals that although the situation is not too bad, however in future if the inflow of untreated domestic sewage and dumping of solid wastes continues, the quality of the lake's water may further deteriorate to an alarming level. The conclusions of this study emphasize that appropriate conservation and management plans and strategies should be formulated and implemented, at the governmental and public levels, for the restoration, conservation, and management of this body of water.