J. Mahadev, G. Sugeetha, N.S. Pankaja and B.S. Sowmyalatha
Abstract
Calcium carbonate saturation index is commonly used to evaluate scale forming, scale dissolving tendency of water. The present study aimed to compare the account of pollution strength in six lakes viz., Guthalulake, Konanahalli lake, Hulivana lake, Sathanur lake, Thonnur lake and Hirode lake of Mandya District. The calcium carbonate and physico - chemical properties of water influence the growth and distribution of phytoplanktons and these parameters were interrelated either directly or indirectly. The results obtained for water temperature, total solids, total alkalinity, total hardness, pH is used to calculate calcium carbonate saturation index. Out of six lakes, three lakes like Hulivana lake, Sathnur lake and Thonnur lake had significant scale deposition or corrosion and supported the growth of individual number of phytoplanktons. Konahalli Lake showed high scale deposition with low phytoplankton diversity and high density of a tolerant species whereas Guthulu Lake and Hirode lake showed low scale deposition with high diversity of phytoplanktons. The water utilized from the Konanahalli lake damaged the domestic appliances such as utensils and water pipes. Therefore, presence of phytoplanktons reduces the corrosive property of the water. Diatoms and species of Chlorococcales showed high tolerance capacity to various changes in water quality. By understanding and assessing these tendencies, helps in the management of corrosion and prevention of calcium carbonate scaling in pipes and equipments meant for domestic purposes without the application of synthetic chemicals. Phytoplanktons growth in such water has the tendency to reduce scale formation or corrosion.