Physico-Chemical Parameters of High-Altitude Rivers in the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, Nepal

Narayan Prasad Ghimire, Pramod Kumar Jha, Gianumberto Caravello

Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Department of Environment Health and Hygiene, Padova University, Padova, Italy.

DOI: 10.4236/jwarp.2013.58077                

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.

Keywords

Physico-Chemical Characteristics; High Altitude; Water Quality

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	L. S. Hamilton, “Conserving Mountain Biodiversity in Protected Areas,” In: C. Korner and E. M. Spehn, Eds., Mountain Biodiversity: A Global Assessment, New York and London, 2002.
[2]	CBS, “Statistical Year Book of Nepal,” CBS, Kathmandu, 1995.
[3]	G. U. Carovello, A.M. Boselli, P. Bertollo and A. Baroni, “Assessing Ecosystem Health: An Analysis of Tourism Related Change and Impact in Khumbu Valley, Nepal,” Ecoprint, Vol. 14, 2007, pp. 45-64.
[4]	R. K. Trivedy and P. K. Goel, “Chemical and Biological Methods for Water Pollution Studies,” Environment Publication, Karad, 1986.
[5]	C. M. Sharma, S. Sharma, S. Gurung, I. Juttner, R. M. Bajracharya and N. Shrestha Pradhan, “Ecological Studies within the Gokyo Wetlands, Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal,” In: P. K. Jha and I. Khanal, Eds., Contemporary Research in Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) Region, Nepal: An Anthology, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, Kathmandu, 2010, pp. 139-154.
[6]	J. Ren, D. Qin, S. Kang, S. Hou, J. Pu and Z. Jing, “Glacier Variations and Climate Warming and Drying in the Central Himalayas,” Chinese Science Bulletin, Vol. 49, 2004, pp. 65-69.
[7]	J. D. Ives, “Global Warming: A Threat to Mount Everest?” Mountain Research and Development, Vol. 25, No. 4, 2005, pp. 391-394. doi:10.1659/0276-4741(2005)025[0391:GWTTME]2.0.CO;2
[8]	WHO, “Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality [Electronic Resource]: Third Edition, Incorporating the First and Second Addenda, Volume 1, Recommendations,” World Health Organization, Geneva, 2008, p. 668.
[9]	B. Reynolds, A. Jenkins, P. J. Chapman and J. Wilkinson, “Stream Hydrochemistry of the Khumbu, Annapurna and Lantang Regions of Nepal,” In: Top of the World Enviromental Research: Mount Everest-Himalayan-Ecosystem, Backhuys Publishers, Leinden, 1998, pp.123-140.
[10]	A. Lami, G. A. Tartari, S. Musazzi, P. Guilizzoni, A. Marchetto, M. Manca, A. Boggero, A. M. Nocentini, G. Morbito, G. Tartari, L. Luzzella, R. Bertoni and C. Callieri, “High Altitude Lakes: Limnology and Paleolimnology,” In: Mountains Witnesses of Global Changes, Elsevier Publication, 2007, pp. 155-170.
[11]	M. Antoninetti, M. Pepe, G. Iabichino, C. De Vito and G. Tartari, “Environmental Information System of KhumbuHimal Areas. In: R. Baudo, G. Tartari and M. Munawar, Eds., Top of the World Environmental Research: Mount Everest-Himalayan Ecosystem, Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, 1998, pp. 263-284.
[12]	G. A. Tartari, G. Tartari and R. Mosello, “Water Chemistry of High Altitude Lakes in the Khumbu and Imja Kola Valleys (Nepalese Himalayas),” In: A. Lami and G. Giussani, Eds., Limnology of High Altitude Lakes in the Mt Everest Region (Nepal),” Memorie dell'lstituto Italiano di Idroln'olog'ia, Vol. 57, 1998, pp. 51-76.