UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Water plays a crucial role in sustaining human life but the ramifications of urbanization and industrialization result in the contamination of water sources, rendering them unsuitable for drinking and agricultural purpose. Ponds are classified as lentic water bodies, which get adversely affected by anthropogenic activities. The current investigation endeavours to assess the physico-chemical properties of the water of Mahil pond, a freshwater pond situated in the middle of the city (Orai). The present work was conducted over the period of 12 months, specifically from January 2022 to December 2022. Monthly data have been gathered and subsequently organized by season, accompanied by its specific standard deviation. The study encompassed various parameters, including water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Total alkalinity, Total Hardness, Nitrate-Nitrogen, and Phosphate. The findings of the current investigation revealed that the alkalinity level of the pond water exceeds the acceptable threshold established by the World Health Organisation. However, some of measured variables fall within the permissible range but many of them fall beyond the permissible limit. It is evident from the present study that, the water present in the Mahil pond is located at a position that falls slightly below the pollution threshold, rendering it unsuitable for both drinking purposes and the sustenance of resident organisms. Enhancing the quality of pond water can be achieved through the mitigation of anthropogenic activities and the prompt implementation of municipal treatment.