Temporal and spatial variation in the hydrobiology and biodiversity of chithrapuzha river, Ernakulam district, Kerala, India

Abstract- The present investigation was carried out for determining the various physico-chemical parameters and biological characteristic of Chitrapuzha River, Ernakulam district. For the period of October 2014 to June 2015 covering seasons Post monsoon, Northeast monsoon, Pri monsoon and monsoon study has been carried out at 5 stations among that 1st, 2nd, considered to have low pollution load 3rd and 4th are moderately polluted are considered as moderately polluted and 5th station considered as free from pollution. The following physico-chemical parameters like DO, pH Temperature, Conductivity, Salinity nutrients and Chorophyll-a, were analysed. Study shows peak values of salinity conductivity and TDS were observed during April-May and the salinity was considerably decreased, in monsoon periods due to the influx of rainwater. All the measured parameters were found to be very high particularly in post monsoon as compared to limit prescribed by WHO, concentration of nutrients like phosphorus, nitrate, nitrate silicate found double than the normal acceptable limits by WHO, at station 3rd and 4th in case of 5th station shows half than the normal, all the stations shows maximum values of ch-a and covered with aquatic plants except statin 5th station. The Chitrapuzha River has been falling severe anthropogenic activities like industrial wastes and domestic waste which makes it unhealthy for humans use and hazardous to fishes.