4.5-Study of chemical characteristics of the water of Naukuchia Tal - A central Himalayan lake

Abstract

Lakes are the potential source of fresh water at high altitude areas of Himalayan region. Rapid growth of human activities in the catchment areas of these water bodies are responsible for deterioration of its water quality.This study was conducted in Naukuchiatal, a lake located in the Himalayan region of Uttar Pradesh at an altitude of about 1300m above mean sea level. Chemical parameters such as dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, chlorides and sulphates were tested in the lake water during critical winter season. Oxygen (dissolved) level was found quite low at both the boat parking due to organic pollution contributed by human activities. The study indicated that DO was the most critical parameter for assessment of lake water quality. Other characteristics were found within the the acceptable limits when compared with Class-B of irrigation water quality. Suggestions are made for putting certain restrictions on human activities at both the boat parking to reduce the pollution load on the lake.