Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment of Kodai Lake, Palni Hills of South India

Kodai Lake is an important water body with a wide range of values spanning social, economical and environmental consideration for the human populations of Palani. Currently, the lake water level is low due to the present drought conditions and limited natural catchments. The present investigation was to identify and quantify the key ecological and human health risks to Kodai Lake. Based on physico-chemical parameters the lake water is potable whereas the results of microbial analysis reveal that the water is not potable and need to be processed prior to domestic consumption. Both phytoplankton and zooplankton studies indicated that the different ecological factors influenced the plankton diversity and abundance. Eight aquatic macroinvertebrate taxa were identified. Source of contamination is driven by the Vendors around the lake, Tourist and near by residents. Regular monitoring of this lake and proper awareness program to the vendors and the people living around the lake may prevent contaminations. Another important remark is the distance between the bank of the lake and buildings around has been violated by the land owners. As per the court order the constructions should be made beyond 200 ft from the banks of the lake and it has been violated. The study revealled that the impact on the quality of water is transitory as compared to closed water body. Among five different sites of lake, Carlton hotel locations of lake showed high pollution, probably due to organic load deposition near lake. However, it must be prevented and regular monitoring of this lake may prevent such contaminations. Efforts are currently underway to improve the region–s water. Several organizations are working to reduce erosion and silt in the Kodai Lake, build wetlands to reduce nutrient loading, perform environmental monitoring, and promote public awareness about this important watershed.