The nutrient input from catchment area has been found to be the main culprit in changing the trophic status of the water body at a rapid scale. In order to reduce the nutrient impact on the water body, Treatment compartments have been found to help in maintaining the present utility of the water body over a longer span of time.
The Treatment compartments constructed in the catchment area of a lake have several advantages compared to secondary and advanced wastewater treatment systems. In such Treatment compartments aquatic macrophytes play a key function in relation to the cleaning of wastewater. The capability of macrophytes to remove pollutants by directly assimilating them into their tissues has been exploited in the present investigation.
Constructed wetlands for the treatment of wastewater have been studied throughout the world. In the Indian sub-continent only a beginning has been made with a few studies on nutrient uptake by constructed wetlands.
Present work has been conducted on Dal Lake with a view to reduce the input of nutrients from its highly exposed catchment area, experiencing maximum anthropogenic pressure.
In order to reduce the input of wastewaters from point and non-point sources the present work was envisaged to asses the role of macrophytes in improving the water quality of the receiving waterway especially the Dal Lake.
The treatment compartments used in reducing the nutrient levels into the Dal Lake are eco-friendly in nature and are having many other advantages as well.
The present work has been conducted on Dal Lake which lies between the geographical co-ordinates of 34o 64’ N and 74o 45’ E and at an altitude of 1500m.a.s.l. It is one of the most beautiful natural heritages of India.