Physicochemical quality investigation and sustainable management of first biodiversity heritage site in India

Abstract Earth is empowered with an astounding variety of living organisms in only one part if whole earth’s mass is divided into 10 billion parts which means whole diversity restricted to just about a kilometer thick layer of soil, water and air. Biodiversity heritage sites are well defined areas known for their unique and complex ecosystems. Ameenpur lake situated in Sangareddy District near outskirts of Hyderabad, Telangana state is a first water body in India declared as Biodiversity heritage site in November 2016 by Ministry of Environment under section 37 of National Biodiversity Act 2002 known for its unique faunal biological diversity. Lake is being deteriorated by effluents discharged from industries, domestic sewage, and agricultural runoff from surrounding zones of Ameenpur. Haphazard urban development, Human encroachment and industrialization are the main causes for declining water quality of lake which making lake to lose its unique identity. Present study deals with determining physicochemical quality parameters which includes turbidity, Total Solids, Total Dissolved Solids, pH, Total Hardness, Alkalinity, chlorides, Nitrates, sulphates, Dissolved Oxygen, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand etc as per IS 3025(1987) and comparing with recommended surface water quality standards as per IS 2296, drinking water permissible limits adopted by BIS as per IS10500. Present research extends to study recommend sustainable management approaches and suggest few for enhancement of water quality in lake without posing harm to aquatic life by bringing quality parameters nearer their permissible limits.