Water quality status of Lake Pichhola, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Abstract

The study has been carried out to investigate the impact of organic loadings on water quality in relation to fish and fisheries of Lake Pichhola. The physico-chemical parameters of water have been studied at two locations for a period of four months from February, 2010 to May, 2010. On the basis of physico-chemical characteristics, Lake Pichhola is nutrient rich, alkaline and hard water body. The water quality indicated the suitability of Lake Pichhola for fishery purpose. The orthophosphate is recorded in very high amount (0.05-1.25 mg/l) which already crossed the critical level. The lake Pichhola with high EC and TDS could be considered eutrophic. The water quality of Lake Pichhola is highly polluted. Attempt has been made to relate water quality with the observed waste water discharge in this lake. The overall results from the present investigation indicate that this water body is rapidly under going through process of eutrophication advancement. Therefore, suitable restoration programme should be initiated for the sustained use of this lake, as the lake attracts thousands of tourists from domestic and international level every year.