EVALUATION OF SEASONAL VARIABILITY IN WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS OF DIFFERENT FRESHWATER SOURCES

Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems are increasingly threatened by rapid urbanization, industrialization, agricultural intensification, and climate variability. Surface water bodies serve as primary sources for drinking, irrigation, fisheries, and domestic use. However, anthropogenic inputs significantly alter physicochemical characteristics, affecting ecosystem stability and public health (UN-Water, 2021; WWAP, 2023). The present study evaluates seasonal variability in physicochemical parameters of selected freshwater sources and assesses their suitability based on World Health Organization (WHO, 2017) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS, 2012) guidelines. Nine sampling sites were analysed during pre-monsoon and winter seasons using APHA (2017) standard methods. Parameters studied included pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total dissolved solids (TDS), and electrical conductivity (EC). The findings indicate moderate pollution stress and highlight the need for integrated watershed management strategies aligned with SDG 6 objectives.