Spatio-temporal Distribution of Heavy Metals in the Surface Water of Ameenpur Lake, Hyderabad, India by Using Water Pollution Index Approach

Abstract

Heavy metals pose serious health hazards to aquatic organisms because of their ability for bioaccumulation and bio-magnification, that affect human health through coming in direct or indirect contact. In the present study, the water samples were collected during Pre-Monsoon (PRM) (May-2019), Monsoon (MON) (June-2019) and Post-Monsoon (POM) (January-2021) seasons. The heavy metal such as Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg) and Iron (Fe) were assessed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results were then compared with the BIS Standard (2012). The lake water quality in terms of heavy metal pollution was assessed using the heavy metal pollution index (HPI). The results indicated that the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe and Hg were high in all the three seasons. The results of the Heavy metal pollution index (HPI) of the all three seasons indicate that the HPI was high during the monsoon season. Using the ArcGIS 10.8.1 software, the spatial distribution maps were prepared for the HPI for all the three seasons. The maps showed that the HPI values were high along the Trans boundary and also the inlets point from which the effluents reach the water body. The deteriorating quality of water may be due to the urbanization around the lake, surface and agricultural runoff and discharge of untreated sewage and industrial effluent which can directly and indirectly affect the biodiversity too. Therefore, it is important to protect and manage the Ameenpur Lake.