Water Quality and Environmental Health of Lakes in Coimbatore, India: A Comprehensive Study of the Physicochemical Characteristics

The deterioration of lake water quality is a major national issue, particularly in regions with industrial activity. This study assesses the water quality of five lakes in Coimbatore, India: Krishnampathi, Ukkadam, Kurichi, Sulur, and Singanallur, between December 2016 and April 2017. Twenty physicochemical parameters were analysed following standard procedures outlined by the American Public Health Association. Twelve heavy metal elements concentration in the lakes was analysed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. The results of this study revealed that the values of 17 physicochemical parameters fell beyond the WHO recommended pollution levels in all the study sites, except Sodium, Nitrate, and Sulphate. While, the concentration of 10 heavy metal elements determined were within acceptable limits of WHO-recommended standards for drinking water across all lakes, except Fe and Pb. F-test revealed that the concentration of all the physicochemical parameters varied significantly across all the study sites, except for pH (P = .749). Statistical analysis such as principal component analysis was adopted, and the results were discussed on the multivariate relationships of the physiochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations of the five study sites. Overall, the findings highlight the urgent need for continuous monitoring and comprehensive management strategies to mitigate the deteriorating water quality in the lakes of Coimbatore district, emphasizing the critical importance of addressing the multitude of factors contributing to this environmental challenge.