Evaluation of surface water quality using correlation matrix in Lower Lake, Bhopal, India

Abstract

The most affordable supply of drinkable water for rural, semi-urban, and metropolitan communities in India is lake water. The ecosystem and lake water supplies are polluted by the numerous sources. The current study attempts to determine the level of surface water pollution in close proximity to Lower Lake in Bhopal, India. For the purpose of collecting samples around Lower Lake's edge, three sampling locations were chosen for the study. Twelve physico-chemical parameters, including air and water temperatures, pH, transparency, electrical conductivity, free CO2, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, nitrate, chloride, total hardness, and total alkalinity, were examined seasonally for a period of one year (Nov 2020–Oct 2021) in order to evaluate the surface water quality of Lower Lake. Following statistical analysis, it became evident that there were both positive and negative co-relationships between the attributes. It was discovered that the Lower Lake`s surface water is tainted and unfit for direct consumption.