Hydro-biological assessment of sustainable desert Rain-Fed ponds of Western Rajasthan using Physico-chemical characteristics and Phyto-planktonic indices

Abstract

The present study reports the water quality of small rain-fed water reservoirs of Nagaur district, Rajasthan, India. These surface water bodies are called Talab and Nadis in the local language and play a significant role in fulfilling rural domestic water demands throughout the year from July2020-June 2021. The microfloral investigations of these ponds were neglected in the past. So, investigation is needed for water quality checks to improve the use of storage water strategy. The water samples were collected from July 2020 to June 2021 from selected four sampling ponds located in and around Nagaur city in nearby villages for Physico-chemical and phytoplankton analysis once in a month. Physical and chemical parameter were determined such as odour, pH, Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), Total Hardness, carbonate and bi-carbonate hardness and Total Alkalinity with organic parameter BOD, COD and organic matter by following the standard method of A.P.H.A., The Bureau of Indian Standards' IS:10500 drinking water standard was used to compare the outcomes (B.I.S. 2012). Palmer Pollution Index for genera was also employed by using algal and phytoplankton identification. It was concluded from the physicochemical and phytoplanktonic analysis results that among all sampling sites one of the urban sampling Talab (Jada Talab) located in Nagaur city showed deteriorated water quality but, all village ponds satisfactory water quality was recorded in rainy and winter but in summer phytoplankton analysis indicated poor water quality. The present study will be helpful in the future framework for the improved understanding of hydro-biological research and improvement in sustainable water management strategies in old water conservation rain-fed ponds of Western Rajasthan.