Analysis of Water Quality Parameters of Wetland: A Review

Abstract

The wetland is one of the main water resources, which mainly gets contaminated from sewage or wastewater disposal, encroachment, commercial and industrial activity. Water is one of the most important compounds that majorly influence life. It is the most important aspect in land shaping and climate control. The quality of water usually described according to its physicochemical and biological parameters. Rapid industrialization and excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture are causing tremendous pollution which reduces water quality and depletion of aquatic flora and fauna. This is the one of the serious problems now a day. As ground water is more valuable than surface water it is necessary to check the water quality parameters at regular interval of time viz. pH, TDS, alkalinity, turbidity, nitrates, chlorides phosphates, BOD, COD, DO, minerals, salts. The study suggests that immediate effort is required to improve water quality and support any future initiatives for restoring wetlands.

Introduction

Wetlands are among Earth’s most valuable ecosystems, providing crucial environmental, ecological, and economic benefits. They perform key functions such as flood control, climate stabilization, nutrient retention, groundwater recharge, and biodiversity support. Wetlands also supply essential ecosystem services including food, fiber, fuel, and carbon sequestration, helping mitigate global warming by acting as carbon sinks due to their high productivity and slow decomposition.

Despite their importance, wetlands face degradation from human activities like industrialization, agriculture, and urbanization, which threaten water quality and ecosystem health. Monitoring physical, chemical, and biological parameters of wetlands is vital for their conservation and sustainable management.

The literature review highlights studies on wetlands in India and elsewhere, focusing on their ecological roles, water quality, biodiversity (such as aquatic insects and bird species), and threats from pollution and human pressures. Research methods include remote sensing, GIS, physicochemical water analysis (pH, dissolved oxygen, heavy metals, etc.), and biodiversity surveys. These studies emphasize the need for regular monitoring to understand changes in wetland health and to develop strategies for protection.

Various wetlands, including Ramsar sites like Harike and Bordoibam Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary, demonstrate the ecological richness and the pressures they face. Water quality assessments reveal pollution issues related to industrial and agricultural activities, underscoring risks to aquatic life and human health.

The methodology section outlines the use of the Water Quality Index (WQI) as a reliable tool to evaluate water suitability for domestic and drinking purposes by analyzing multiple water parameters.

Overall, the reviewed research underscores wetlands' vital ecological and socioeconomic roles, highlights threats from anthropogenic activities, and calls for integrated conservation efforts and ongoing scientific monitoring to preserve these ecosystems.

Conclusion

Wetlands are integral components of the global ecosystem, offering numerous ecological, hydrological, and socio-economic benefits. However, increasing anthropogenic pressures such as rapid urbanization, industrialization, agricultural runoff, and indiscriminate waste disposal have significantly deteriorated wetland water quality. This review synthesizes findings from numerous research studies focused on the physicochemical analysis of wetland water, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring to evaluate the status and trends in water quality. Across the reviewed literature, the commonly studied water quality parameters include pH, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), chlorides, nitrates, phosphates, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and dissolved oxygen (DO). These parameters are critical indicators of pollution levels, aquatic health, and the potential usability of water for drinking, irrigation, and aquatic biodiversity conservation. In particular, high BOD and COD levels, combined with low DO content, are clear indicators of organic pollution and poor water quality In conclusion, immediate and sustained efforts are needed to safeguard wetland ecosystems. Regular water quality assessments, combined with pollution mitigation strategies, community involvement, and strict enforcement of environmental regulations, are crucial for preserving the ecological integrity of wetlands. These findings should inform future wetland restoration projects, guide policy interventions, and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to clean water, ecosystem health, and climate action. A. Preventive Measures 1) Periodic removal and disposal of weeds from the lake. 2) De-silting of the lake in the selected areas in regular intervals. 3) Construction of silt traps and constructed wetlands at the entry of incoming drains and sewage. 4) Strengthening/ formation of bund. 5) Providing chain link fencing for protection of lake. 6) Prevention of pollution from point sources by intercepting, diverting and treating the pollution loads entering the lake. 7) Catchment area treatment and lake front Eco- development which may include bunding, fencing, and shore line development, creation of facilities for public recreation and entertainment (Children Park, boating etc.) and public area. 8) Public awareness and public participation through formation of committees with local people. 9) Other activities depending upon location specific conditions including the interface with human population.

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Copyright © 2025 Deepak Shrivastava, Dr. Atul Sharma. 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.