Assessing the Impact of Land Use Change on Stream Water Quality: A Comparative Analysis of Forests and Rubber Plantations in Kerala's Western Ghats

This study investigates the impact of land use composition on water quality in forested and rubberplanted watersheds in Kerala's Western Ghats region, India. The study aims to estimate specific water quality changes resulting from forest loss or gain and evaluate land use importance in the entire catchment compared to the riparian zone. Two micro-watersheds in the Karuvannur river basin were studied, with water samples collected from streams in reserve forests and rubber plantations. Results indicate that streams in reserve forests exhibit higher dissolved oxygen levels, lower turbidity and lower total coliform bacteria compared to streams in rubber plantations. These findings highlight the potential adverse impacts of rubber cultivation on water quality and underscore the need for sustainable land and water management practices. The research offers valuable insights for environmental planning, conservation efforts and policy development to safeguard water sources in the Western Ghats region and similar ecosystems.