Contamination of Kallar Kahar Lake by Inorganic Elements and Heavy Metals and their Temporal Variations

Abstract

The present study was conducted to find out the contamination of Kallar Kahar Lake by inorganic elements and heavy metals and the temporal variation of these chemicals in the lake water. Water samples were collected on monthly basis during December 2001 to November 2002. Concentration of 10 inorganic elements and heavy metals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, nickel, cobalt, copper, cadmium, lead and zinc) was analyzed in the lake water by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Mean monthly concentration of the inorganic elements and heavy metals in the lake water was: nickel 0.117 mg. L-1, iron 1.456 mg. L-1, cobalt 0.061 mg. L-1, copper 0.258 mg. L-1 , cadmium 0.024 mg. L-1, lead 0.118 mg. L-1 sodium 397.970 mg. L-1, magnesium 115.710 mg. L-1, potassium 28.290 mg. L-1 and zinc 1.412 mg. L-1. Analysis of variance showed temporal variations (P < 0.001) in concentration of inorganic elements and heavy metals in Kallar Kahar Lake water. The present study indicates that the concentrations of inorganic elements and heavy metals were not within the safe limit at the sampling site throughout the period of study and water of Kallar Kahar Lake is not suitable for drinking, farming and aquaculture. @JASEM