Analysing Water Quality and Aquatic Vegetation Dynamics in a Proposed Bird Sanctuary: A Case Study of Satajaan Beel, North Lakhimpur, Assam

Water quality assessment is crucial for understanding the environmental status of wetlands, which are among the most significant ecosystems on the planet. Satajaan Beel, a small yet vital wetland located in the Lakhimpur district of Assam on the floodplains of the Ranganadi River, serves as the focus of this study. This research evaluates various water quality parameters from samples collected at ten stations within the study area. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was determined using the weighted arithmetic method. The results revealed WQI values indicating very poor water quality for most samples: Sample 1 (77.93), Sample 2 (92.60), Sample 5 (75.47), Sample 6 (78.27), and Sample 8 (98.275). Samples 3 (117.38), 4 (113.47), 7 (131.79), and 10 (119.23) were deemed unsuitable for use without proper treatment, while Sample 9 (46.02) was the only one indicating good water quality. Additionally, the study assessed the biodiversity status of the area. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) calculation revealed a significant degradation of aquatic vegetation, with a calculated degradation rate of 2.84 acres or 7.84%. A survey conducted from 2018 to 2019 recorded 262 species of vascular plants within this wetland. The study also identified 42 species of fish belonging to 19 families, highlighting the ecological diversity and the need for conservation efforts in Satajaan Beel.