ISSN: 2578-4994
Authors: Mendonsa L and Vishnuprasad V*
Quality of water is described by its Physical, Chemical and Biological Characteristics. Various anthropogenic activities like disposal of sewage and industrial water, recreational activities, excess fertilization of lands and use of pesticides have polluted the water bodies. Water quality index is one of the most effective tools to communicate information on the quality of water to the concerned citizens and policymakers. Since lakes form a small yet complex and fragile ecosystem, they readily accumulate all types of pollutants. In a metropolitan city like Mumbai, such freshwater lakes are mostly surrounded by residential areas or industries due to which they constantly face disposal of all types of waste. At the same time, the lakes form a constant source of drinking water for many residents. Five lakes in and around the metropolis were selected in this study and ecological analysis revealed the dangerous threshold values of pollutants in them, which requires timely intervention for the safety and health of the inhabitants who are dependent upon them. The lakes were selected on the basis of their location, the use, amount of apparent pollution and the aesthetics. The ecological health of these lakes has been comparatively studied and analyzed for nine ecological and eco-physiological parameters giving interesting findings.
Keywords: Anthropogenic Activities; Water Quality Index; Freshwater Lakes; Ecological health
