Pollution status of Rammakkal lake with special reference to dissolved Oxygen, Ammonia, Nitrite, Bod and Cod

The Ramakkal Lake is situated at Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu, India, this Lake is extensively been used for the purpose of irrigation, fishing and also for the animal requirements. The fresh water pollution has long been an issue of concern for the life scientists. This work is intended to determine the overall water quality of the Lake. Lakes are the most fertile, diverse, productive and interactive ecosystem in the world. For the present research work four sampling sites were identified and lake water quality was analysed for pollution status on a monthly basis over a period of 13 months. Every water sample was analysed for temperature, pH, salinity, conductivity, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, hardness, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, chloride, nitrate, phosphate, ammonia, biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand. The study revealed that the lake water was alkaline. The chloride, Ammonia, Nitrite and conductivity concentrations were high in all the four sites chosen. The sites which showed greater pollution had lower levels of dissolved oxygen. High levels of pollutants in lake water causes an increase in biological oxygen demand (BOD), Chemical oxygen demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen, Nitrites, Ammonia and hence make such water unsuitable for drinking. The remedial measures suggested for the restoration of this lake include increasing the water levels in the lake, increasing the ground water level and improving the lake water quality. Checking of soil erosion, desilting the lake, establishing a water treatment plant and creating public awareness can be some of the constructive efforts to revive this ancient lake.