Spatio-Temporal Variation in Physico-Chemical Water Quality Parameters of Jaitpura Dam, Mandalgarh District, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

This study examines bimonthly variability in selected physico-chemical water quality parameters at three monitoring stations (Station-1, Station-2, Station-3) in Jaitpura (Jetpura) Dam, Mandalgarh tehsil, Bhilwara District, Rajasthan, from June–July 2023 through April–May 2025. Parameters measured bimonthly included temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), transparency, chloride, nitrate, phosphate, alkalinity, carbonate and bicarbonate (derived), and results were interpreted against Indian drinking-water standards and regional limnological studies. Overall, water temperature and transparency showed strong seasonal cycles (highest in pre-monsoon/summer and lowest in winter), pH was mildly alkaline across sites (7.3–8.3), DO ranged from ~5.6 to 6.9 mg•L?¹, and nutrients (phosphate, nitrate) remained low, indicating oligotrophic to mesotrophic conditions in the reservoir. Carbonates were generally negligible (<1 mg•L?¹) and bicarbonates tracked total alkalinity, indicating bicarbonate-dominated buffering typical of neutral to mildly alkaline freshwater systems. The bimonthly patterns conform with other reservoir studies from Rajasthan and indicate that Jaitpura Dam maintains acceptable physico-chemical status for many uses, though seasonal decreases in DO and spikes in transparency and phosphate during specific bimesters warrant continued monitoring. Methods follow APHA standard procedures (APHA, 2017).

Introduction

The study evaluates the spatio-temporal variation in water quality of Jaitpura (Jetpura) Dam, a semi-arid irrigation reservoir in Bhilwara district, Rajasthan, using bimonthly physico-chemical data collected from three in-lake stations between June–July 2023 and April–May 2025. Monitoring focused on key parameters including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), transparency, chloride, nutrients, alkalinity, carbonates, and bicarbonates to assess seasonal dynamics, buffering capacity, and compliance with Indian water quality standards (IS 10500).

Results show strong seasonal variability driven by monsoon rainfall and summer evaporation. Water temperature followed a typical tropical pattern, peaking in summer (up to ~32 °C) and declining in winter (~17–19 °C). pH remained mildly alkaline (7.3–8.3) across all stations, with alkalinity largely dominated by bicarbonates, indicating a stable bicarbonate buffering system characteristic of Indian freshwater reservoirs. Carbonates were generally negligible, appearing only occasionally during higher pH conditions.

Dissolved oxygen levels (≈5.6–6.9 mg/L) were suitable for aquatic life but showed seasonal dips during warmer months. Transparency was highest in pre-monsoon and summer periods due to reduced inflow and lowest during monsoon because of increased turbidity. Nitrate concentrations remained below detection limits, while phosphate levels were low to moderate, suggesting oligotrophic to mesotrophic conditions with limited eutrophication risk at present. Chloride concentrations were stable and well within permissible limits, indicating minimal anthropogenic or saline influence.

Statistical analysis revealed minimal spatial variation among the three stations, suggesting generally homogeneous water quality throughout the reservoir. Overall, the dam exhibits good water quality status, suitable for irrigation and supporting aquatic life, though direct drinking use would require treatment.

The study highlights the need for continued regular monitoring, especially for nutrients and dissolved oxygen, and recommends catchment management practices to control nutrient runoff during monsoon periods to prevent future eutrophication and maintain reservoir health.

Conclusion

Bimonthly monitoring of Station-1, Station-2 and Station-3 of Jaitpura Dam from June–July 2023 to April–May 2025 shows pronounced seasonal variations typical of semi-arid reservoirs: higher temperatures and transparency in summer, reduced transparency during monsoon, and mild alkalinity with bicarbonate dominance. Nutrient status (low nitrate; moderate phosphate) suggests predominantly oligotrophic to mesotrophic conditions. Carbonate concentrations were generally negligible except for a transient value at Station-1 (Jun–Jul 2024), which coincided with slightly higher pH. Overall water-quality parameters are within ranges encountered in regional reservoirs; nevertheless, seasonal DO minima and phosphate peaks recommend continued monitoring and catchment measures to prevent eutrophication. Results provide a baseline for future long-term assessments and local water resource management.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Ridhima Shaktawat, Prof. Sangeeta Rathore. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.