Mapping the spatial distribution of air and water pollutants in Kolleru Lake, India using geographical information systems (GIS)

Abstract

Kolleru Lake, a wetland located in India, is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes and is an important sanctuary for indigenous and migratory birds, particularly in winter seasons. The lake is located between latitudes 16°32′ and 16°47′N and longitudes 81°05′ and 81°27′E. The lake is connected to the sea through the Upputeru River, at a distance of 60 km. The lake water is mainly used for drinking water, agriculture, fishing and aquaculture purposes. The lake ecosystem is deteriorating due to the industrial, agricultural and aquacultural activities. High volume sampler was used for the collection of air pollutants, namely suspended particulate matter, nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide from the lake at four locations over a period of one year. Water samples were collected from the lake in three seasons in a year over a period of three years and analyzed for water quality parameter, namely total suspended solids, hardness, chloride, sodium, chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand. The aim of this study is to create the air and water pollution maps of Kolleru Lake using geographic information systems (GIS) for the better management of Kolleru Lake to control the pollution and also to avoid the risk of air and water pollutants on humans, aquatic organisms, birds and plants.