Long-Term Assessment Of Eutrophication And Its Impact On Local Fish In Sherpur Pond, Muzaffarpur

Abstract

This study investigates seasonal changes in water quality and early signs of eutrophication in Sherpur Pond, a rural freshwater body located in Muzaffarpur, Bihar. The research was conducted over a two-year period, from January 2023 to October 2024, with water samples collected in four key seasons each year—winter, pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon.

Physico-chemical and microbiological parameters including pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), nitrate, ammonia, sulphate, dissolved oxygen (DO), and microbial counts were measured. The results indicated rising concentrations of nutrients and organic load over time, with increasing TDS, nitrate, and ammonia values, along with a gradual decline in DO levels. Though most parameters remained within national standards, their combined effects suggest a transition toward nutrient-enriched conditions favorable for eutrophication.

Local observations supported these findings, reporting algal blooms, unpleasant odors, and declining fish populations, especially during warmer months. The study concludes that Sherpur Pond is showing signs of early eutrophication, likely due to agricultural runoff and domestic waste discharge.

Preventive actions such as limiting nutrient inflows, restoring vegetation, and community engagement are recommended to preserve the ecological health and biodiversity of the pond. This research offers a model for managing similar rural water bodies in India.