Assessment of nutrient status and water quality index of Rambiara stream, Kashmir Himalaya, India

The present study was conducted with an aim to assess the nutrient status and water quality index (WQI) of a Himalayan freshwater stream Rambiara which is one of the principal tributary of River Jhelum. The stream serves the citizens of south Kashmir as the main source of water. WQI values varied from a minimum of 43.47 to 48.74. Among the study sites, Site III (Hirpora village) revealed higher values of WQI while as lowest values was obtained at Site I (Sokh Sarai). Standard methodology (APHA 1998) was employed to examine physico-chemical parameters involving water temperature, pH, CO2, total alkalinity, DO, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, PO43-, total phosphorus, NH4+, NO2, NO3, dissolved silica and SO42-. Pearson matrix revealed that significant positive correlation existed between total alkalinity and DO (r = 0.958, p < 0.05), total hardness and DO (r= 0.775, p < 0.05), PO43- and water temperature (r= 0.991, p < 0.05), NH4+ and water temperature (r= 0.973, p < 0.05) dissolved silica and sulphate (r= 0.947, p < 0.05). While inverse relationship existed between water temperature and DO (r = -980, p < 0.05). Our results support that all the hydrological parameters are desirable and the water quality of the Rambiara stream falls under excellent category based on water quality index values. It is concluded that immediate attention is needed to limit anthropogenic activities in its riparian zone from where sediments and nutrients are brought into the stream. Riparian tree planting should be encouraged to prevent soil erosion. In addition, public awareness programs should be raised about these precious natural resources.