To evaluate the water quality status and responsible factors for variation in Anchar Lake, Kashmir

Abstract

The present study was carried out to evaluate the water quality status of Anchar lake Kashmir whole year from January 2013 to December 2013. Anchar lake, an urban shallow basin lake with a maximum depth of 2.6 meters was getting modified as a result of cultural eutrophication due to anthropogenic pressure, siltation and the effluent released from Sheri-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS). The physico-chemical characteristics assessed at seven selected sites for pH, conductivity, temperature, depth, dissolved oxygen (DO), Total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, free CO2, sulphate, phosphate, iron, ammonical nitrogen, sodium and potassium. Result shows positive correlation among all the physico-chemical parameters except DO. The study reveals that site 7 near SKIMS was highly nutrient rich with respect to other sites. I. Introduction Water is the Universal solvent, abundant and useful component, without it life is impossible. These water bodies are not only important for water, but also for their ecological importance as they provide habitat to aquatic flora and fauna including different species of birds. They may also comprise an important component for sustainable tourism and recreation. At present water resources are in a serious problem due to encroachment, unplanned urbanization and industrialization (Singh, et. al., 2002). Environmental status of lakes all over the World is in varying degrees of degradation. The Kashmir valley, in India is famous for its high mountain reaching to a height of 6000 meters, their elevations and depressions have created numerous, high altitude, fresh water lakes- The urban lakes of Kashmir including Anchar Lake are facing a serious threat of encroachment due to anthropogenic pressures resulting in their gradual eutrophication and degradation. The Anchar Lake is situated at an altitude of 1583 m above sea level and lies between 34°-20 ' to 34°-36 ' N and 74°-82 ' to 74°-85 ' E and is situated in semi urban conditions. The lake is located near Soura at a distance of 14kms north-west of Srinagar and is shallow with single basin. The lake is fed by Sindh Nallah and numerous small channels. Anchar Lake receives water also from Dal Lake through a Nallah named Amir Khan via Khushalsar Lake. Large areas surrounding the lake have been reclaimed for agricultural and habitational purposes. Paddy fields are present on its North- Western side. The lake is undergoing considerable shrinkage mainly due to human activities. The objectives of the present study were to assess water quality status, factors responsible for variation and effect of effluents of SKIMS on water quality of the lake. II. Materials and methods