Human induced changes on certain physico-chemical and biological properties of water in a certain pond of Godda district (Jharkhand)

Abstract

Investigation on Physico-chemical and Biological characteristics of water of a Rajkachari Pond of Godda district (Jharkhand) was conducted to evaluate the impact of human activities on benthic fauna of the pond ecosystem. Analysis of water indicated the acidic to alkaline (pH 6.2-8.4mg/l) medium, high dissolved oxygen (5.2-8.1mg/l), free Co2 (3.1-4.3mg/l) low hardness (290-378mg/l) along with chloride, silicate, phosphate and nitrate. Overall analysis revealed a remarkable seasonal variation in physico-chemical characteristics of water probably due to human induced allochthonous input mainly due to encroachment, eutrophication and loads from domestic wastes, deposition of silt, town garbage and cleaning of vehicles. Certain effective measures were recommended to restore the productivity and perennial nature of the pond.