Seasonal patterns and behaviour of water quality parameters of Achenkovil River

Abstract

The Achenkovil River, a freshwater perennial lotic system of the southern Western Ghats. As a part of the investigation, three stations were selected for the study for water quality analysis of the river. pH in all stations was recorded as acidic and also parameters such as turbidity, free carbon dioxide, salinity, dissolved oxygen, primary productivity, biological oxygen demand and total dissolved solids showed variations with seasons. Station 2 exhibited a highly acidic state compared to others. Station 1 has low concentration of dissolved oxygen in pre-monsoon with a range of 1.84mg/l. Gross productivity was high in station 3 and Station 1 has high net productivity. Turbidity has a maximum range in station 1 on pre-monsoon season of 698 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) and a minimum range of 560 NTU in station 2. Maximum salinity was observed in the pre-monsoon in station 2 of nearly 102.40mg/l. This study gives an idea on the degrading water quality of Achenkovil River and immediate protection of the water body is necessary.