Assessment of water quality parameters and their impact on distribution of fish fauna in river Neelum, Azad Jammu &Kashmir, Pakistan

Abstract

Present study deals with the fish distribution in River Neelum and measures the effect of physicochemical parameters on fish distribution. Temperature, pH, DO, hardness, alkalinity, and electric conductivity, total dissolved solids, chloride, nitrite, nitrate and sulphate were analyzed from different tributaries and their mixing point with River Neelum. All the parameters were in the range of guideline values set for surface water by WHO. A total 8 fish species including Oncorhynchus mykiss, Salmo trutta fario, Glyptothorax kashmirensis, Triplophysa stoliczkai, Diptychs maculatus, Schizothorax plagiostomus, Triplophysa kashmirensis and Glyptosternum reticulatum were recorded in the six river sites during study period. Maximum (8) fish species were recorded at Saonar followed by Sharda and Taobutt (7 each), Yamgar (6) and Sangli (5), whereas the minimum fish diversity was noted at Shonter (4). Temperature showed a highly significant (p<0.01) correlation with fish distribution in the River Neelum. Sharda and Janawai tributaries identified the most suitable waters for fish farming. Results showed that AJ&K is least polluted area. However circumstances may be changed in future due to the construction of dams on River Neelum in occupied Kashmir. At the completion of these dams, water flow will be decreased and pollutants will be concentrated in rest of the water. The level of pollution thence may exceed the WHO guidelines set for surface water. This baseline study can be used as a reference for future exploration.