Water quality assessment of Kusheshwar Asthan wetlands: recognizing its hydrogeochemical variability and suitability for agriculture use. Issue 12 (1st November 2022) - Singh, Rachana
Abstract: Wetlands deliver many ecosystem services but are under continuous threat due to various anthropogenic activities. The present study has been carried out to examine the suitability of Kusheshwar-Asthan wetland's water for agriculture. A total of 57 water samples were analyzed for various water quality parameters like electrical conductivity, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), major cations (Ca 2+, Mg 2+, Na +, K + ), and major anions (PO4 3–, SO4 2−, N-NO3 −, Cl −, HCO3 − ). Overall, the water of the wetland was found to be alkaline. The pre-monsoon samples had a relatively higher concentration in most of analyzed parameters except for pH, DO, NO3 −, PO4 3− and Cl − . The concentration of cations follows the order of Na + > Ca 2+ > Mg 2+ > K + in both seasons and for anions it is HCO3 − > SO4 2− > Cl − > NO3 − > PO4 3− for pre-monsoon and HCO3 − > Cl − > SO4 2− > NO3 − > PO4 3− for post-monsoon. According to Piper diagram and Durov plot, Na-K-HCO3 was the major hydro chemical facies of the surface water. The various irrigation quality parameters showed that wetland water can be categorized as good to excellent quality. As a result, this finding can aid in the long-term sustainable use of the wetland water with regulated anthropogenic interventions. The study will be beneficial in designing long-term extensive management plans for the conservation of the wetland. HIGHLIGHTS: Major cation was Na + and major anion was HCO3 − in Kusheshwar Asthan Wetland water. The surface water was alkaline in nature. Hydrochemistry of water is influenced by silicate weathering. Salinity hazard, SAR, RSC, Mg/Ca and chloride hazard indicates the agriculture suitability of the water. Novel work for wetlands protection and conservation. Graphical Abstract