Assessment Trends and Correlation Coefficient of the Physicochemical Parameters of Kaneri Lake, Kolhapur District, Maharashtra, India
Shetfalkar P. S.
Department of Zoology, Vivekanand College, Kolhapur (An Empowered Autonomous Institute) C.S. No 2130 “E” ward, Tarabai Park, Kolhapur – 416 003, India.
Sontakke G. K *
Department of Zoology, Vivekanand College, Kolhapur (An Empowered Autonomous Institute) C.S. No 2130 “E” ward, Tarabai Park, Kolhapur – 416 003, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The present study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics of Kaneri lake, Kolhapur District, Maharashtra, over the study period from February 2023 to January 2025, to assess its quality and suitability of water for different uses. Water samples were collected from four designated sites around the lake. The sampling was conducted between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., with samples taken every 15 days over two years. Key parameters, including pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, total alkalinity, total dissolved solids, calcium, chloride, nitrate, phosphate, and sulphate, were analysed and compared with WHO and BIS standards. Correlation analysis revealed that dissolved oxygen was negatively correlated with all major parameters, indicating that increases in ionic and nutrient concentrations were associated with oxygen depletion, likely due to enhanced microbial respiration. Despite this, all recorded values remained within permissible limits, with standard deviation and coefficient of variation values indicating low temporal variability and stable water quality. The quality of water remains adequate for irrigation and domestic purposes. The findings highlight the importance of continuous monitoring of water bodies to ensure sustainability and safe utilisation.
Keywords: Kaneri Lake, physicochemical parameters, seasonal variation, Coefficient of variance, standard deviation, correlation analysis