Physicochemical and Bacteriological Assessment of Water Quality in Kole Wetlands of Elthuruth, Kerala, India

The Kole wetlands of Kerala represent a unique Ramsar site of international ecological importance, serving critical agricultural and biodiversity conservation functions. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of water quality in the Kole wetlands of Elthuruth, Thrissur District, focusing on physicochemical and bacteriological parameters. Water samples were collected from three distinct sites — Kole Wetland (main site), Pullu Field, and Elthuruth Field — following Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) methods. A total of 20 parameters were analyzed including pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), alkalinity, hardness, major ions (Ca, Mg, Cl, Fe, F, NO3, SO4), and microbial indicators (coliforms and E. coli). Results revealed significant contamination: turbidity reached 12.3 NTU (12-fold above BIS limits), iron concentration was 2.6 mg/L (8.7-fold above permissible limits), and bacterial contamination was confirmed with 28 coliforms per 100 mL and presence of E. coli. While most physicochemical parameters including pH (6.8), TDS (177.87 mg/L), and hardness (74 mg/L) remained within acceptable BIS standards, the elevated turbidity, iron, and microbial contamination render the water unsuitable for direct consumption without treatment. These findings highlight the urgent need for water treatment interventions, regular monitoring programs, and community awareness initiatives to protect public health and ensure sustainable agricultural practices in this ecologically sensitive wetland ecosystem.