WATER QUALITY INDEX OF RANJIT SAGAR WETLAND SITUATED ON THE RAVI RIVER OF INDUS RIVER SYSTEM

Water quality index (WQI) is commonly used for the detection and evaluation of water pollution. Study of physico-chemical parameters of Ranjit Sagar Wetland was carried out from June, 2012 to May, 2014. The various physico-chemical parameters like air temperature, water temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, free CO2, turbidity, pH, alkalinity, salinity, chlorides, total hardness, calcium and magnesium hardness, phosphates, sulphates, nitrates, nitrites and silicates were analyzed on monthly basis. The mean, standard deviation, range, correlation and water quality index of measured parameters were calculated. The mean values were compared with WHO and ISI standards for drinking water quality. The Water Quality Index of Ranjit Sagar Wetland is 66.06. WQI indicated poor quality of water so water of this wetland is not suitable for drinking purposes without prior treatment.