Abstract :
Wetlands are receiving much international attention during past few decades with the better understanding of their values and functions. Wetland science is emerging as a unique discipline encompassing the terrestrial and aquatic ecology i.e. hydrology, limnology and engineering. The quality of surface water of Chilika lagoon with respect to physico-chemical parameters was investigated. The present investigation on evaluation of water quality such as chloride and phosphate contents of Chilika Lagoon will primarily address the changing
characteristics and will be a step for formulating an action plan for integrating ecological, social and economical dimensions to promote sustainable development of the lagoon. The variables that are related to pollution sources showed differences. For the study of physico-chemical properties of water, the samples were collected monthly for a period of 2 years from July 2011 to June 2013 from six different sampling stations which spread over all the ecological sectors. Collection of samples was made from the predetermined stations of the water body by holding the polythene bottle (5 L.capacity). The samples were brought to the laboratory for analysis. At the spot of the sampling sites, the temperature of water was recorded. The water samples were analyzed in the laboratory by standard methods. The water samples were then filtered and were used for the measurement. Among the stations, Rambha shows the highest chloride content i.e. 10579.3±483.3 mg/L in summer season and Rambha shows the lowest chloride value i.e. 1008.00±266.8 mg/L in summer
season. Among the stations, Kalupada ghat shows the highest value of phosphate content i.e 0.534±0.22 mg/L in the winter and Barakul shows the lowest value i.e. 0.013 ±0.002 mg/L in winter season.
Keyword :
Chilika Lagoon; Brackish water; Physico-chemical properties; Chloride.