Limnological Characterization and Ecological Assessment of Selected Freshwater Wetlands in Fatehabad District, Haryana, India
Abstract
Freshwater wetlands are unique and fragile ecosystems where the physico-chemical properties of water govern its biodiversity and ecological status. The present investigation was carried out in three freshwater wetlands Daulatpuria Pond (DP), Chilli Lake (CL) and Bhodia Khera Temple Pond (BP) of Fatehabad district, Haryana, India. The study was conducted through two sampling campaigns: first consisted of monthly sampling from December 2023 to November 2024, while the second comprised of quarterly sampling from December 2024 to November 2025. Physicochemical parameters viz. temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total dissolved salts (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (EC), total hardness and alkalinity in water of the selected wetlands were analyzed. Water quality was also assessed by using the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WQI). A significant spatial and temporal variation was recorded in physicochemical parameters among the study sites. The water of the wetlands was slightly alkaline in nature and its DO was found to be lower during summer season and was significantly correlated with BOD level. The TDS and EC values were comparatively higher at CL depicting the higher amount of dissolved ions present in this wetland. WQI was ranged from 191.86 to 195.53, 193.29-194.72, 231.21-236.67 in DP, BP and CL, respectively, which implied that the water of the studied wetlands was highly polluted and unfit for domestic and drinking purposes, of which the CL was more polluted in comparison to the rest two. The results highlight the degree of anthropogenic activities taking place in these wetlands and the necessity of their regular monitoring.
How to Cite
Kavita Devi, Dr. Naveen Kumar Tholia, "Limnological Characterization and Ecological Assessment of Selected Freshwater Wetlands in Fatehabad District, Haryana, India", Vol. 4, Issue 4, 24-07-2026, pp. 18-37. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22040364
