Spatio-Temporal Variability in Water Quality Parameters of Wular Lake in North Kashmir

Asma Shakeel

Division of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, FoA, Wadura SKUAST-K, India.

M. Auyoub Bhat

Division of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, FoA, Wadura SKUAST-K, India.

Inayat M. Khan *

Division of Soil Science, FoH, SKUAST-K, India.

Faheem Jeelani

Division of Agricultural Statistics FoA, Wadura SKUAST-K, India.

Raihana Habib Kant

Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-K, India.

Syed Andleeba Jan

Division of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, FoA, Wadura SKUAST-K, India.

Mehnaz Shakeel

Division of Plant Pathology, FoA, Wadura SKUAST-K, India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

Freshwater lakes are influenced by seasonal hydrology, local climatic conditions and anthropogenic inputs, which can alter their physicochemical quality over space and time. The present study assessed the spatio-temporal variability of selected water quality parameters in Wular Lake, North Kashmir, during 2024. Surface water samples were collected monthly from eleven locations representing different lake zones: Saderkot, Banwari, Nadihal, Zalwan, Ashtingoo, Kanibath, Watlab, Ningli, Garoora, Hathlangoo and Tulbagh. Observations were grouped into spring, summer, autumn and winter. The parameters examined included air and water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, phosphate, ammoniacal nitrogen, total alkalinity and hardness. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel 2019 and expressed as mean ± standard deviation. The results showed marked seasonal and spatial variation in water quality. Dissolved oxygen was comparatively higher during spring and winter, with the highest seasonal mean recorded in winter. Chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand were higher during summer, indicating increased organic pollution pressure during warmer conditions. The lake water remained alkaline, with pH values ranging from 7.2 to 8.8. Total dissolved solids and hardness were higher during winter, whereas alkalinity increased during summer. Phosphate and ammoniacal nitrogen varied across locations, with higher values at selected inflow or relatively stagnant zones. The findings indicate the need for regular monitoring and location-specific management of Wular Lake water quality.

Keywords: Wular Lake, water quality, spatio-temporal variability, physicochemical parameters, seasonal variation, dissolved oxygen, nutrient enrichment, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, freshwater wetland


How to Cite

Shakeel, Asma, M. Auyoub Bhat, Inayat M. Khan, Faheem Jeelani, Raihana Habib Kant, Syed Andleeba Jan, and Mehnaz Shakeel. 2026. “Spatio-Temporal Variability in Water Quality Parameters of Wular Lake in North Kashmir”. Archives of Current Research International 26 (7):187-96. https://doi.org/10.9734/acri/2026/v26i71999.

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