Assessing the
Impact of Land Use Change on Stream Water Quality: A Comparative Analysis of Forests
and Rubber Plantations in Kerala's Western Ghats
Mohammed Haffis, Mohammed Hashim S. and Gopakumar S.
Res. J. Chem. Environ.; Vol. 29(10); 76-82;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/2910rjce076082; (2025)
Abstract
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.
