Water Quality Index of lentic and lotic Water Bodies of Mathura Block, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
Praveen Ojha *
Department of Zoology, K.R. (P.G.) College, Mathura, (Affiliated to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University Agra), Uttar Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study employs the Water Quality Index (WQI) approach to assess the health of lotic and lentic water bodies within the Mathura block, Mathura (U.P.). A range of physico-chemical parameters, including pH, Electrical Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, Free Carbon Dioxide, Nitrates, Chlorides, Sodium, Potassium, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Hardness, and Total Alkalinity, were analysed in water samples collected from multiple sites representing both hydrological systems. In addition, microbiological parameters such as Total Coliform and Feacal Coliform were evaluated, which revealed considerable microbial contamination, indicating potential public health risks. WQI values computed from the collected data categorized the water quality into classes ranging from good to unsuitable for use. The results revealed that both lotic and lentic systems exhibited elevated levels of nutrient enrichment and organic pollutants, primarily attributed to anthropogenic inputs. Overall, the findings emphasise the need for ecosystem-specific water quality management strategies and demonstrate the effectiveness of WQI as a comprehensive tool for evaluating and comparing aquatic ecosystem health across diverse hydrological environments.
Keywords: WQI, physico-chemical parameter, total coliform and faecal coliform, lotic and lentic water bodes