DETERMINATION OF WATER QUALITY INDEX OF BIJAVARA LAKE, TUMKUR DISTRICT, KARNATAKA

Water is a crucial, abundant and most essential natural resource for the survival of all living organisms. Freshwater ecosystems provide essential resources for drinking, agriculture, manufacturing energy, and transportation. In recent years, due to continuous population growth, rapid industrialization, and the technologies associated with waste disposal, the rate of discharge of pollutants into the environment has significantly increased. Water quality used to measure the health of a water body, reflecting its capacity to support aquatic life, human activities, and other environmental functions and it is determined by the physico-chemical parameters of water. Physico-chemical parameters are essential indicators for evaluating water quality. These factors are essential for evaluating the health of water bodies, as they influence aquatic life and determine the waters suitability for human use. The present study was conducted in Bijavara lake to assess the water quality and the water samples were collected on monthly basis from February 2023 to January 2024. Surface water samples were collected in 2-liter polythene containers, and various physico-chemical parameters including pH, turbidity, total suspended solids, electrical conductivity, chloride, sulphate, magnesium, dissolved oxygen, and biochemical oxygen demand were determined. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was calculated using the Weighted Arithmetic Index Method. The results indicated that during all the seasons, Water Quality Index of water of Bijavara lake was showing good water quality. The water can be used for agriculture and domestic purposes but direct consumption of water is not recommended. Regular monitoring of the lake ensures the supply of safe and sustainable water for domestic use, agriculture, and industry, while also preserving environmental health.