Degradation of Estuarine Water Quality Due to Infrastructure Growth: Implications for Mangrove Conservation and Aquatic Biodiversity

Abstract Water bodies worldwide are increasingly impacted by infrastructure development, leading to concerns about water quality and ecosystem stability. Vaitarna Creek in Palghar, India, is an ecologically vital estuarine system supporting diverse aquatic life and extensive mangrove forests. This study evaluates the impact of ongoing infrastructure development on water quality by analyzing key parameters such as turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Water samples collected during construction activities indicate a significant increase in pollution indicators, suggesting potential ecological stress. Elevated TDS, COD, and BOD levels highlight risks to mangrove health and aquatic biodiversity. Since mangroves play a crucial role in coastal protection and pollutant filtration, any decline in water quality could have long-term environmental consequences. This study provides critical insights into the environmental impact of infrastructure expansion on estuarine ecosystems. The findings emphasize the need for continuous water quality monitoring and sustainable management strategies to mitigate ecological damage while ensuring balanced regional development