Seasonal variation of water quality parameters in different geomorphic Channels of the upper Malwathu Oya in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Water quality parameters in the upper Malwathu Oya, Sri Lanka, exhibit significant seasonal variation, with nitrate, phosphate, and chloride concentrations peaking during the first inter-monsoon season (March-April) in paddy-growing areas. The study, conducted from March 2012 to February 2013, found that while these parameters generally remained within safe thresholds for drinking water, turbidity and dissolved oxygen levels were highest during the northeast monsoon season. Factorial analysis revealed no significant differences in dissolved oxygen or turbidity between paddy and non-paddy areas, though anthropogenic activities from agricultural runoff notably impacted water quality. This research highlights the seasonal dynamics of water quality in a critical river system within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura.

Perera, P. A. C. T., Sundarabarathy, T. V., Sivananthawerl, T., & Edirisinghe, U. (2015). Seasonal variation of water quality parameters in different geomorphic Channels of the upper Malwathu Oya in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research, 25(2), 158. https://doi.org/10.4038/tar.v25i2.8138