Assessment of Trophic State of Lakes: A Case of Mansi Ganga Lake in India

Abstract

Due to rapid growth of population coupled with urbanization, the water bodies, especially, rivers, lakes, ponds, reservoirs etc are deteriorating due to heavy pollutational stresses resulting in the scarcity of drinking water resources. The present paper attempts to review the work done on the development of TSI for assessment of trophic state of lakes and applicability of most important TSI methods for Indian lakes. The paper also deals with the revival of Mansi Ganga Lake in Mathura, especially, assessment of its trophic state based on the data collected for 2006-09. The results indicated that the lake was oligotrophic during 2006 which has become mesotrophic in the year 2008 showing increase in pollution. After the chemical treatment for the removal of algae, the lake water was drained and results of sampling done in 2009 (pre-monsoon) indicated it to be eutrophic. These calls for its immediate revival and accordingly, the conservation measure are suggested.

Key words: Eutrophication; Trophic State Index (TSI); Total Phosphorus (TP); Secchi depth (SD); Chlorophyll ‘a’ (Chl’a’)

DOI: 10.3126/hn.v6i0.4198

Hydro Nepal

Journal of Water, Energy and Environment

Vol. 6, January 2010

Page: 65-72

Uploaded Date: 24 January, 2011