Physico-Chemical Analysis of Wetland Water Around Ahmedabad, India for Ecological Conservation Perspective

Wetlands are considered as unique ecosystems and need to be conserved for their hydrological, socio-economic, biodiversity and recreation values. Management of any such wetland ecosystem needs proper scientific data. This has lead to carry out the research work on highly potential but neglected wetlands of Adhana, Lavarpur and Goblaj villages around Ahmedabad city of Gujarat state, India. These wetlands are shallow water reservoirs and popular habited of birds around Ahmedabad. Many globally threatened bird species have been recorded here in the recent past including the Sarus Crane (Grus antigone). The study area is situated at 23o06’35.3”N72o23’45.1”E Adhana village, 23°10'46.5"N 72°41'54.3"E Lavarpur village and 22°48'1"N72°36'38"E Goblej village. It falls in the international migration route of birds. Seasonal field visits were conducted to collect the water samples from all the research sites. Physico-chemical parameters covered for analysis namely: Water depth, Vertical transparency, Color test, Temperature, pH, Total suspended solids, Total dissolved solids, Alkalinity, Dissolved oxygen, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Nitrate, Chloride, Sodium, Potassium, Phosphate and Pesticide presence. Research methods followed based on Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Waste water by American Public Health Association (APHA) 22nd edition 2013, American Water Works Association (AWWA) and Bureau of Indian Standards. Analyses were made for all the sample sites and tabular data is prepared for their interpretation. Result is discussed based on data analysis. It is concluded with comparisons of all research sample sites; whether are they satisfy the requirement for the use of various purposes like domestic, agricultural, industrial etc. The paper discusses on seasonal environmental parameters for water analysis. The findings would be useful to construct conservation strategy and create better management practice for these wetlands.