IJEP 45(3): 266-275 : Vol. 45 Issue. 3 (March 2025)
Neha Badyal and Arti Sharma*
University of Jammu, Department of Zoology, Jammu – 180 006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Abstract
Freshwater springs in mountainous regions are the lifeline of rural households. Thus, investigation of drinking water sources becomes necessary to ensure the security and quality of water supply to the population residing in the mountains. The present study was carried out in a few frequently used freshwater springs located in Nagseni tehsil, of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir. Water samples were collected and examined for physico-chemical parameters to explore their quality for domestic and irrigation purposes. The results indicated that most of the physical and chemical parameters were within the permissible limits. However, the levels of bicarbonates, calcium and magnesium exceeded standard limits, but the overall water quality, on the basis of the water quality index (WQI), was good. Moreover, the values deciphered from irrigation indices depicted that the water is suitable for irrigation use except for Kelly’s ratio, which exhibited an excess concentration of sodium. Based on the findings, it can be recommended that water be treated before consumption and strict monitoring should be implemented for the sustainable use of these freshwater springs.
Keywords
Spring, Water quality index, Irrigation, Physico-chemical parameters, Correlation
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