PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FIVE HIMALAYAN LAKES FROM KUMAUN REGION IN UTTARAKHAND, INDIA.

The present study was undertaken to assess the physico-chemical parameters of five Himalayan lakes from Kumaun region of Uttarakhand state of India. The study becomes important as all these lakes are natural and located on the high altitude in Nainital District (29.38°N 79.45°E). The water samples collected from different lakes were analyzed for its physico-chemical parameters. Study concluded that the overall temperature of lakes under study varies from (22 to 25°C), pH (7.7 to 8.8), DO (7.2 to 7.9 mg/l), COD (30 to 100 mg/l), BOD (18 to 40 mg/l), alkalinity (60 to 224 mg/l), total hardness (60 to 300 mg/l), Ca (12 to 52 mg/l), Mg (7.2 to 40 mg/l), chloride (8.5 to 17.0 mg/l), phosphate (0.1 to 0 mg/l) and sodium (2.2 to 10.3 mg/l). The variation in these parameters indicates that the lakes with high human activities in the catchment are affecting the surface runoff to the lake. Now it has become a challenge, to preserve these natural sources, and same time look for the immediate sustainable options for the growing population, as these lakes have been moderately polluted due to increasing human interference.