Author : T. S. Mamatha, M. R.Nandini, T. N. Parinitha, S. Umesha, Rizbin Mehra, Pushpa Tuppad, B. Manoj Kumar and B. M. Krishna

Large and growing population and rapid pace of development have led to the degradation of natural water system. Lakes are inland bodies of water that lack any directexchange with an ocean. Lakes may contain fresh or saltwater (in arid regions), shallow or deep, permanent or temporary lakes of all types share manyecological and biogeochemical processes.Lake ecosystems are influenced by their watersheds i.e., thegeological, chemical and biological processes that occuronthe land and streams upstream. Lakes play multiple roles in an urban setting. It is essential to restore and maintain the physical, chemical and biological integrity of water bodies to achieve the required water quality, which ensure protection and propagation of fish, wildlife, plants and also recreation in and on water. The overall goal of this study is to monitor the water quality and assess the trophic status ofKaranjiLake in Mysore city, Karnataka. The trophic status was assessed by using multivariate indices including Carlson trophic status index, Sakamoto, Academy and Dobson index and USEPA-NES which primarily used total phosphorus, chlorophyll-a andsecchi depth parameters. This study showed that the Karanji Lake is in moderate Eutrophic condition during the study period (Feb, 2013 to May, 2013).

Keywords: Water quality, Lake ecosystem, Trophic status index, Phosphorus, Chlorophyll-a and Secchi depth, Eutrophication

Article published in the Proceedings of National Conference on ‘Women in Science & Engineering’ (NCWSE 2013), SDMCET Dharwad