Conclusion

Monitoring of lotic ecosystem through the analyses of physico-chemical parameters in the streams of the Aghanashini river basin in the Central Western Ghats revealed that water discharge played an important role evident from TDS, EC, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, ortho-phosphate, nitrate, potassium, etc. Higher ion concentrations at Yaana are due to anthropogenic influences due to influx of tourists. Water discharge plays an important role in lotic ecosystems as per PCA and Cluster analysis. Water discharge is highest in Harita compared to other sampling stations due to catchment run off that also brought in suspended matter (turbidity), nutrients (orthophosphate and nitrate) and organic contents (COD and BOD). Climate, season, types of forest, rocks, soil, land use like agriculture and horticulture fields have influenced the quality of water in streams. This necessitates an understanding of hydro-morphological with chemical characteristics for sustainable management of lotic ecosystems.