Assessment of water quality in terms of physico-chemical parameters of Bhitarkanika mangrove system, Odisha, India

The present study is aimed at assessing the physico chemical characteristics of water samples collected from the mangrove forest in Bhitarkanika. Mangrove forest is a component of wetlands that has been recognized as one of the most productive ecosystems. Physico-chemical analysis of water samples of Bhitarkanika mangrove forest, Odisha, India, was studied for a period of one year during January 2013 to December-2013. Atmospheric and surface water temperatures (◦C) varied from 19◦C to 33◦C and 22◦C to 29◦C respectively. Seasonal variations of different physico-chemical parameters investigated were as follows: pH (6.70 to 8.40), dissolved oxygen (3.25 to 8.58mg/l), biological oxygen demand (0 to 20.0 mg/l), electrical conductivity (56 to 290 μmho/cm), potassium (0.18 to 6.32 mg/l), calcium (2.32 to 48.24 mg/l), magnesium (0.82 to 119.5mg/l), sodium (4.32 to 342.06mg/l), bicarbonate (7.32 to 60.24mg/l), carbonate (BDL), chloride (4.64 to 362.40mg/l), sodium absorption ratio (0.62 to 842mg/l). A seasonal variation of these parameters was observed throughout the  study period  and  monthly comparisons were  made  as  monsoon, pre-monsoon and  post- monsoon.