Water quality assessment of Hebbal lake in Bangalore city

Abstract

Bangalore city consists of many artificial lakes which was constructed for domestic water supply, industrial, agricultural and also for recreational purposes. Due to huge population growth, pollution and urbanization the lakes of Bangalore is depleting day by day. Hebbal lake is one among the oldest lake in Bangalore, with its source being rainwater. Hence there is a need to study, restore and protect this lake. The present study deals with studying and analyzing the physicochemical parameters of Hebbal Lake at its different sampling points. The following parameters were analyzed in laboratory using different analytical methods i.e Temperature, Dissolved oxygen, Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), Chemical oxygen demand (COD), Electrical conductivity, Total hardness, Total dissolved solids (TDS), and chloride. All other parameters were well within the permissible limits. The BOD exceeded the maximum limit as per the standards 6mg/lit prescribed by BIS. Water quality index was plotted to know its water quality fluctuations at different sampling points. The obtained results revealed the importance of lake restoration and management of the hebbal lake. It was concluded that the lake water could be used for domestic purpose, irrigation, and also for drinking purpose with proper filtration. This paper presents the qualitative assessment of hebbal lake and its remedial measures for water crisis in Bangalore city.