A sewage and sludge treated lake and its impact on the environment, Mysore, India

Water, soil, suspended load and biomass samples were collected from a sewage and sludge treated lake (Lake Dalavayi) around Mysore, Karnataka, India. The polluted lake water is mainly used for irrigation and domestic purposes. The samples have been analysed for heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Co, Cd, Ni, Fe, Mn, V, Zn, Sr) and cations (Ca, Na, Mg) by Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometer (ICP) model Labtam 8500. With the exception of water, all the matrices suspended particulate matter, lake bed sediment and biomass of the lake show high concentrations of heavy metals and cations when compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) standard, indicating metal toxicity in this lake. Additional inputs of soaps and detergents carried by sewage water are causing the eutrophication of the lake. Elevated levels of heavy metal toxicity, especially Co and Cd, are indicated by the bioindicator Eichornia cressepes (water hyacinth), which, using these metals as micronutrients, has grown luxuriously over the lake water, further augmenting the death of lifeforms in the lake.