Evaluating the physiochemical characteristic of water from Koradi Dam, Buldhana District, Maharashtra Correlates the resource potential for aquaculture and the ensuing environmental implications. This research examined water quality indicators including pH, DO, BOD, COD and nutrients concentrations. Studies show the water to be slightly alkaline (pH 8.28) and rich in nutrients that are appropriate for the farming of most freshwater aquaculture species including carp and catfish. However, emergent values of DO of 0.5 mg/l, BOD of 208 mg/l and COD 656 mg/l show higher organic pollution coming from agricultural practices, human activities. Moderate to high water temperatures (25–31°C) encourage fish farming but threaten production during heat. While the total dissolved solids amount to 433.19 mg/L and the water hardness 260 mg/L expressing as CaCO3, adequate buffering capacity is characteristic of moderate mineralization. However, present nitrate and phosphate concentrations indicate the eutrophication threat, the trace heavy metals, at the time being non-lethal, need to be closely watched for possible bioaccumulation. Operation of other tools such as remote sensing and bioindicators can also be embraced to improve sustainable dimensions of aquaculture. The implication of these outcomes in the planning, production, and ecological management of analogous reservoirs is of global relevance

Physiochemistry, Aquaculture, Koradi, Water quality

Koradi Dam can be considered the hope giving vision about the future of aqua farming to ensure the food security and economic progress of Maharashtra. Its important physical characteristic includes pH of 8.28 and optimal water temperature 27°C makes it suitable for aquaculture species such as Rohu and Catla. It also has moderate turbidity, good calcium and magnesium concentrations making the water well suitable for sustainable fish farming. However, challenges remain. These stress levels for DO result when the concentrations reduced to 0.5 mg/L while the ideal standard is 5.0 mg/L. These stress levels are highly pressuring on aquatic life. High concentration of BOD and COD organisations organic load from agriculture and people activities resulting in water quality which threatened aquaculture sustainability in the country. During monsoon, concentrations of nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates cause an increase in eutrophication and formation of algae; slow build-up of heavy metals, although not beyond the permissible levels, should be closely monitored to protect future production of aquatic life and human consumption. But for sustainable operation of Koradi Dam, and to capture its full aquaculture potential, integrated overall management approaches are required. Water quality, nutrient control, aeration and efficient fish stocking can well turn challenges into opportunities. Positive community involvement coupled with scientific and policy assistance assists in raising productivity within the sponsorship of the ecosystem. The case of Koradi Dam can themselves be explained as the merger of age-old tradition and new innovation. Aquaculture can then be regarded as Blue Revolution Scheme compatible eco-friendly by integrating tools that the dam can use, including bioindicators and remote sensing. Its development has brought the possibility of creating successful business in aquaculture field as well as stable and balanced ecology for the given area and general improvement of the social-economic conditions of the population of the area. Koradi Dam offers great opportunities to become the pilot project of environmentally friendly and resource-saving aquaculture for the benefit of the people and the environment when it is efficiently managed with further effective preplanning measures

Mangesh K. Gawai and Ravi G. Pradhan (2023). Physiochemical Parameters Evaluation of Water from Koradi Dam, Maharashtra for Possible Sustainable Aquaculture Practices. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(3a): 106-110