Physico-Chemical and Biological Assessment of Surface Water Quality in Mahendergarh District, Haryana: A Seasonal Study of JLN Canal, Chalak Nala, and Khatoti Khurd Pond

Abstract

This study investigates the seasonal variations in the physicochemical and biological parameters of surface water at three significant sites in Mahendergarh District, Haryana: JLN Canal, Chalak Nala, and Khatoti Khurd Pond. Water samples were collected from these sites during the premonsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons over a two-year period (April 2022 to March 2024). The study analyzes key water quality parameters, including temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and other essential ionic and nutrient content. Results show that Chalak Nala is highly polluted, with significantly higher concentrations of BOD, COD, and nitrates compared to JLN Canal, which had the least pollution. The study also evaluates the biodiversity of plankton populations as bioindicators of water quality. The results highlight the need for improved waste management and water treatment strategies in the region to prevent further degradation of these vital water resources.