Ecological Assessment and Management of Contaminated Ponds in Ratanpur, Chhattisgarh: Implications for Aquatic Ecosystems and Sustainable Restoration

This study evaluates the ecological health of 15 ponds in Ratanpur, Chhattisgarh, India, focusing on physico-chemical parameters (dissolved oxygen [DO], biological oxygen demand [BOD], chemical oxygen demand [COD], turbidity, total dissolved solids [TDS]), trace metal contamination (Iron [Fe], Lead [Pb], Manganese [Mn]), and their impacts on fish diversity. Water samples collected during April-May 2023 revealed severe pollution, with low DO (e.g., 3.8 mg/L in Bhairaokund), high BOD/COD (e.g., 15.4 mg/L and 82.7 mg/L in Keshtalab), and elevated trace metals (e.g., Fe: 1.45 mg/L in Bikma; Pb: 0.07 mg/L in Nawatalab) exceeding WHO guidelines. Fish diversity declined from 6-7 species in cleaner ponds (e.g., Dulhara) to 2-3 in heavily polluted ones (e.g., Keshtalab). Statistical analyses (ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation) confirmed significant relationships between pollution and ecological degradation. Ecosystem-based management strategies, including constructed wetlands, phytoremediation, community-led waste management, and GIS-based monitoring, are proposed, with feasibility supported by local funding and community engagement models. These findings highlight the need for integrated restoration to preserve Ratanpur’s culturally significant pond ecosystems. Keywords: Pond ecosystems, water quality, trace metals, fish diversity, ecological restoration, constructed wetlands, phytoremediation, Ratanpur