Assessment Of Physico-Chemical Characteristics Of Water Of Kanwar Lake In Begusarai District, Bihar

Abstract

This study investigates the physico-chemical characteristics of Kanwar Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lakes, located in Begusarai District, Bihar. Declared a Ramsar site in 2020, the lake faces increasing pollution due to surrounding human settlements and agricultural runoff. Water samples were collected monthly from April 2022 to March 2023 across three sites: inlet, mid-lake, and outlet. Key parameters analyzed included water depth, temperature, turbidity, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, free carbon dioxide, total alkalinity, and total hardness. Results showed seasonal variations in water quality, with higher turbidity and conductivity during the monsoon and increased alkalinity and hardness post-monsoon. The study highlights the significant impact of anthropogenic activities on the lake’s water quality, with a decline in dissolved oxygen and pH. The study concludes by recommending storm water management, wetland restoration, and pollution control to safeguard the ecological health of Kanwar Lake.