TITLE:
Physico-Chemical Parameters of High-Altitude Rivers in the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, Nepal
AUTHORS:
Narayan Prasad Ghimire, Pramod Kumar Jha, Gianumberto Caravello
KEYWORDS:
Physico-Chemical Characteristics; High Altitude; Water Quality
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Water Resource and Protection,
Vol.5 No.8,
August
14,
2013
ABSTRACT: The aim of this research was to analyse physical and chemical
characteristics of high altitude rivers of the Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu
region. The study was conducted for three years from 2008 to 2010 in the
elevation 1900 m to 5300 m of the
park. The study develops a database for monitoring high land rivers of Nepal.
The river water quality in general still stands good in terms of standards for
drinking water (WHO, Nepal standard) but degradation process has started.
Certain changes in water quality parameters in water bodies on the major
tourist treks have been recorded, mainly due to anthropogenic activities,
particularly tourists and waste disposal. Total nitrogen in water samples is lower
than the WHO standard but an increase in the nitrate nitrogen has been recorded
comparison between 2008, 2009 and 2010 as well
as when compared with earlier reports. Similarly total phosphorous value was
also found increased annually as well as earlier reports. It is urgent need to
check further degradation of river water quality. The outcomes of this research
work would be a useful tool to manage the river water ecosystem in Sagarmatha
National Park and Buffer Zone.