The Innovative Water Quality Index (IWQI) for Lakes of Mysore, Karnataka, India Murthy G. Panduranga1,*, Puttaramaiah G.2, Hosmani Shankar P.3, Mokshith M.C.2, Leelaja B.C.2, Shivalingaiah B2, Kalachari C.2 1Bhoomigeetha Institute of Research and Development (Bird), B.H. Road, Tumkur-572 102, Karnataka, India 2Mandavya Research & Development Centre (MRDC) and Department of Applied Sciences, Mandavya First Grade College, M.C.Road, Mandya-571404 3Dept. of Biotechnology, Mahajana First Grade College, Jayalakshmipuram, Mysore, Karnataka, India *Corresponding author: E-mail: pandu_murthy@rediffmial.com
Online published on 21 March, 2015. Abstract A new ‘Innovative water quality Index’ (IWQI) was applied to 4 lakes of Mysore City, India. Unlike many other indexes, this index requires the analysis of only 5 water chemistry parameters. Dissolved oxygen, Total phosphorous, Turbidity, Specific conductance and fecal coli forms were analyzed. The involvement of only a few parameters has the advantage of using the data in calculating the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) of the undesired variables. Lingambudhi Lake had an index value between 1.9 and 2.2 and is rated between marginal and acceptable. Dalvoi Lake had values less than 2 and is raied as marginal, values in Kukkarahalli lake range between 1.7 and 2.3 which is also rated between marginal and acceptable. Yennehole Lake has values of 2.4 and can be rated as acceptable quality. Poor water quality in lakes imparts the lives of many species including fish and plants. This is often due to the nutrient loads from agricultural fertilizer run off, chemical pollutants, faces and urine of fish and animals. These excess nutrients over power the natural bacterial population that normally would keep the aquatic environment in balance. Due to such processes sludge develops and become overabundant. Oxygen saturation reduces and fish mortality rates increases. Permanent blooms of cyanobacteria were recorded in Kukkarahalli Lake (Microcystis aeruginosa) and Yennehole Lake (Spirulina platensis and Raphidiopsis medetereana). These two lakes have experienced massive fish kill during the past years. The IWQI involves only 5 parameters, is simple and can be applied to lake ecosystems also. Smaller number of parameters is advantageous in lake restoration activities. Top Keywords Innovative water quality Index, TMDL, DO saturation, Microcystis aeruginosa, Spirulina platensis, Raphidiopsis medetereana, Restoration. Top |