Hydrology and nutrient dynamics of spring of almora-binsar area, indian central himalaya: Landscapes, practices, and management

Abstract

The study aims to measure the hydrological behavior and nutrients dynamics of the springs located in different landscapes of Kosi basin, Indian central Himalaya. A total number of eight springs were considered for the present investigation, each landscape represented by one spring. The monitoring for hydrological measurement was conducted in January 1998 to December 1999, the interval between two successive measurements was 10 days, i.e., 240 hr (total 72 observations were made). Water quality measurement was done in three main seasons, i.e., winter (Jan.), summer (June) and monsoon (Aug.) of 1998 and 1999, and the average value for measured parameters were calculated. These samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolve oxygen, Ca2−, Mg2−, Na−, Cl−, F−, NO3−, and SO42−. Hydrology of spring’s water showed that the reserve forest has a higher water retention capacity than the other landscapes, and the spring recharge capacity highly influenced by the settlements, open grazing, mismanaged agricultural and deforestation activities. The spring water chemistry shows that the springs located in forest and sparsely populated areas have lower EC, TDS, cationic and anionic concentration and are safe for drinking purposes, but those in irrigated land and densely populated areas feature higher EC, low dissolved oxygen concentration and higher NO3−, which makes the water of these springs unsuitable for drinking. F concentration was higher in the springs located in the settlement area. In brief, the study indicates that the unmanaged drains, very poor and old pattern of sewage disposing system result in an increase in Na−, Cl−, F−, NO3−, and SO42− concentration as compared to the springs in agricultural and forested areas. All of the studied springs are badly managed which a is great threat for the longevity and quality of the water bodies, in particular, in Indian Central Himalayan region. This study suggests the ways of the constructional works, grazing. Forest resource extraction and agricultural activities in water bodies catchments area should also be controlled.