Physico -chemical assessment of surface water quality in Gangasandra tank of Tumkur district, Karnataka
Bhavani Patil* and Mididoddi Venkateshwarlu**
*Research scholar, Department of Applied Zoology, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta – 577451 (India) **Vice Chancellor, Tumkur University, B.H Road, Tumkur-572103, Karnataka / Professor, Department of Applied Zoology, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta – 577451 (India)
ABSTRACT
Water plays a vital role in life and better quality of water is described by its physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. The present study deals with the surface water qualityof Gangasandra tank of Tumkur district, Karnataka. pH values were found to be 6.9 to 7.87. The turbidity level fluctuated from 5 NTU to 8 NTU. The values of electrical conductivityranged from 475 ìmhos/cm to 710 ìmhos/cm. TDS values varied from 285 mg/L to 460 mg/LTotal hardness fluctuated from 110 mg/L to 190 mg/L. While calcium values ranged from 76.5 mg/L to 96.4mg/L)andmagnesium values from 69.8 mg/L to 88.6 mg/LChloride values fluctuated from 69.7 mg/Lto 91.4 mg/L. Total alkalinity values deviated from 95 mg/L to 150 mg/L. Fluoride values varied between 0.3 mg/Land 0.8mg/L. BOD values ranged from 6 mg/L to 21 mg/LHowever, nitrate and sulfate values ranged from 0.12- 0.84 mg/L and 25.8-39.5 mg/L respectively. CO2 levels ranged from 33.8 to 42 mg/l. Dissolved oxygen was found to be within the permissiblelimit of 6.5 mg/L to 8.5 mg/L. COD value fluctuated from 6 mg/L to 24 mg/L. The water of Gangasandra tank of Tumkur district, Karnataka had little threats such as anthropogenic activities, agricultural activities, and over-exploitation. Water quality is influenced by environmental factors, which cause variations in nutrients. Seasonal variations in water quality are due to extrinsic and intrinsic factors of the water body. The physico-chemical analysis of water in this tank showed that the water is within the safe limits of irrigation and fisheries. Hence, it is recommended that suitable water quality management is essential to avoid anycontamination.