COMPARATIVE STUDY OF WATER QUALITY OF DIFFERENT LAKES IN CHENNAI

Water quality in lakes is subjected to the natural degradation process of eutrophication and has adverse impact on societal development. Most of the lakes in Chennai shrunk considerably due to the aggressive rapid urbanization process and uncontrollable encroachment. Urban push of expansion and pollution decreased the potability of water. By consuming the contaminated water, people living in the neighborhood prone to contact water-borne diseases. It is therefore essential to monitor the lake water quality at regular intervals of time. This study aims at assessing the water quality of various lakes in and around Chennai city. A detailed survey was conducted to study some physicochemical, biological parameters of the six major lakes of Chennai. Water samples from the lakes were collected and analysis was carried out on the parameters such as pH, Total Hardness, Biological Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, and E coli. The ranges of various parameters obtained are pH (6-8.7), BOD (9-34mg/l), COD (13-102 mg/l), and TP (0.02-0.162 mg/l), TN (0.42.4 mg/l), TDS(386-2280), and E coli (34-900, N/100 ml) for the various lakes under study. An assessment of lake water quality was done for domestic use by water quality index (WQI) also. The studies reveal that some analytical aspects are higher than the prescribed limit by the WHO and BIS standard. This analytical study would enhance the socio eco features of these water bodies by implementing utility based restoration and development programmes. Systematic and periodical awareness camps may be organized to induce and encourage the local public to maintain the ecology and hydrology of the lakes.