Assessment of Physiochemical and Heavy Metal Pollution Load in Shahpur Dam Reservoir, Fateh Jang, Pakistan (T-1314) (MFN 6250)

Abstract

This study was conducted in Shahpur Dam, at Fateh Jang, Attock District Punjab, Pakistan. This research was aimed to access a concentration of physio-chemical and heavy metals in surface water of Shahpur dam and its nearby areas and to find out the seasonal variation impacts on Shahpur dam water. For this purpose water samples were collected from adjacent areas like communal zone of Gari Hasu Khan, an Industrial region of Glasscow industry located near the dam and from Shahpur dam reservoir, Water samples from nearby hotels, fish point, industrial area, and villages and natural streams of the Shahpur dam. Physiochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations were measured by using standard protocols. Physiochemical parameter shows that with the exception of few, most of the results were within the permissible limits of Pak-EPA for pH, TDS, Cl- and F-. In the same, water samples, heavy metals concentration was also evaluated. After analysis, it was noticed that some of the metals such as Cd, Fe, Cr, Ni were having elevated concentrations in few samples while other falls within the permissible limit. The heavy metals like As and Mn was found to be within the prescribed limit. Mn showed some variations but a measure of As indicates exciting convergence of 0.01 mg/L. Water resources collected from industrial zones showed high contamination of heavy metals while resource gathered from communal zones show less contamination. Water used to cultivated fishes has high levels of contaminant especially F, Ni, Cr and Cd. From this research, it is found out that physiochemical parameters except F falls within in prescribed limit and fit for use in this regard. Heavy metals like Cr, Cd, Fe and Ni has few exceptions in term of falling within the limit and need proper treatment before usage while As and Mn are in the safe limit for its industrial and communal use. The pollution load index (PLI) of the heavy metals is found to be less than one, making it not polluted in terms of heavy metal concentration. It is also observed that concentrations in post-monsoon samples are higher as compare to pre-monsoon samples hence effecting the quality of water. Through proper filtration and check and balance it is found that water is acceptable for its usage.