Assessment of Water Quality and Eutrophication of Lakes

In this study, water quality and eutrophication aspects of Mansar, Surinsar, Tsokar, Tsomoriri and Renuka lakes have been discussed. The water quality parameters were compared with BIS standards for drinking purposes. The values of physico-chemical water quality parameters for Mansar and Surinsar lakes (Jammu Division) were found within the desirable limits except low DO in hypolimnion. Whereas, the values of physico-chemical parameters for Tsomoriri and Tsokar lakes (Ladakh region) were found beyond limits having much higher concentration of pH, total dissolved solids, total hardness, chloride, calcium, magnesium. The water quality of Renuka lake shown higher concentration of magnesium, iron, manganese, lead, total coliform, faecal coliform and low DO in hypolimnion. The eutrophication status assessed on the basis of phosphate concentration show eutrophic condition of Mansar, Surinsar, Tsomoriri and hyper-eutrophic condition of Tsokar and Renuka lake. The results indicate that efforts are required to lower the existing eutrophication levels by adopting conservation measures for the lakes.