ASSESSMENT OF SURFACE WATER QUALITY IN SELECTED DAMS OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study was conducted on the eight selected dams of Pakistan (Rawal, Simly, Khanpur, Shahpur, Tarbela, Mangla, Tanaza and Naryab dam). To determine, the presences of heavy metal concentration in the water of selected dams and to estimate the other physiochemical properties as well. The selected heavy metals for the study were: Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn and Mn and physiochemical parameters which were estimated : pH, TDS, Cl, NO3, SO4 and Hardness. Fifty samples were collected from each dam and analyzed according to standard protocols. The concentration of all heavy metals was found within the standard limits provided by NEQS except the concentration of manganese in Mangla dam which were high where it is twice according to standard. Results indicated that the selected dams are not contaminated with the heavy metals except Mangla for manganese. All heavy metals and physiochemical parameters were within limits of NEQS. The water needs proper filtration. Proper check is required to keep the water within standard limits and good for usage.