HYDROCHEMISTRY AND POLLUTION ASSESSMENT OF FRESH WATER LAKES

This study investigates spatial and temporal change in lake water quality, relationships between quality parameters, and sources of contamination. For this purpose, samples were collected from 12 different sampling sites chosen according to their hydrogeological properties and location relative to anthropogenic interface between March 2007 and Feb. 2008. Various physical (temperature, depth, water transparency)  and water chemistry parameters (pH, EC, DO, TDS, calcium, Iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride, total alkalinity, nitrate, ammonia, sulphate, Orthophosphate and Total Phosphorous) were monitored. It was observed that the lake water has bicarbonate alkalinity. Agricultural contamination was determined in the region, especially during the summer.  Organic matter contamination was also investigated in the study area during monitoring period. The long-term hydrochemical data of the studied water bodies have been also evaluated; general trend of increase of the analyzed ion was observed. The positive correlation values between various parameters indicate that most of ions come from same lithological sources & the studied lakes face similar anthropogenic stress