Impact of water pollution on physio-chemical properties for fish habitat in the Surma River, Sylhet City, Bangladesh

Surma River, which flows through Sylhet, is an essential source of aquatic resources and water resources in the region. But expansion of urban region has also increased the pollutants in the river’s water which has immersed as a huge problem for Surma’s physiochemical properties. This study has been focused on evaluating the impact of water pollution on these physiochemical properties of Surma River’s water over six months in 2023 by concentrating on its advantages and cons on fish habitat. Using YSI Pro DSS Multi parameter, water samples were collected from four different stations along the river, including Lamakazi (Station 1), Kanishail Ghat (S-2), Sheikhpara (S-3), and Kazir Bazar (S-4) where every station contains 4 Collection points. Key parameters, such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), and nitrate levels, were analyzed. A statistical model was then applied to assess the importance of seasonal variations and their influence on these water quality parameters at the different stations. The results show seasonal variations, with higher temperatures and lower DO levels recorded during the monsoon season, particularly at Station 4, suggesting potential stress on fish populations. The study emphasizes the importance of simultaneous monitoring and pollution management to safeguard the aquatic ecosystem and ensure the sustainability of the river's resources. Future research may focus on the long-term effects of pollution on fish populations and the implementation of effective conservation strategies.