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<p>Lakes are among the most vulnerable freshwater ecosystems to contamination due to their closed nature and limited water movement. Despite this vulnerability, these lakes play a critical role in regulating water supply to downstream rivers and associated ecosystems. This study assessed the quality and potential risks of Saidgai and Katora lakes in the Hindu Kush region of Pakistan. Water samples (n = 5–10 replicates) were collected from Saidgai Lake (SGL), Lower Katora Lake (LKL), and Upper Katora Lake (UKL). Physicochemical parameters were measured using a multiparameter analyzer (C6030, Belgium), and concentrations of heavy metal(loid)s (HM) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Most physicochemical parameters were within World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water guidelines, except for turbidity and Pb. According to the drinking water quality index (WQI), 90% of water samples were classified as excellent and 10% as good. The irrigation WQI indicated suitability for agricultural use. Health risk indices indicated no significant risk for consumption&#xa0;of&#xa0;these lakes&#xa0;water. The dominant hydrochemical facies was identified as Ca–Mg–Cl-SO₄, followed by Na–K-Cl–SO₄, with rock-water interactions identified as the primary mechanism influencing water chemistry in the region. Future studies incorporating seasonal monitoring, sediment HM speciation, and biological indicators would strengthen the understanding of long-term risks and ecosystem responses in these vulnerable lake systems.</p>

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Geochemical Characterization of Saidgai and Katora Lakes for Irrigation, Drinking, and Health Risk Indices, Hindu Kush Region

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月24日

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  • Said Muhammad,
  • Tufail Ahmad,
  • Wajid Ali,
  • Adnan Ali Khan,
  • Cem Tokatli,
  • Ashfaq Ahmad,
  • Zafar Iqbal

摘要

Lakes are among the most vulnerable freshwater ecosystems to contamination due to their closed nature and limited water movement. Despite this vulnerability, these lakes play a critical role in regulating water supply to downstream rivers and associated ecosystems. This study assessed the quality and potential risks of Saidgai and Katora lakes in the Hindu Kush region of Pakistan. Water samples (n = 5–10 replicates) were collected from Saidgai Lake (SGL), Lower Katora Lake (LKL), and Upper Katora Lake (UKL). Physicochemical parameters were measured using a multiparameter analyzer (C6030, Belgium), and concentrations of heavy metal(loid)s (HM) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Most physicochemical parameters were within World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water guidelines, except for turbidity and Pb. According to the drinking water quality index (WQI), 90% of water samples were classified as excellent and 10% as good. The irrigation WQI indicated suitability for agricultural use. Health risk indices indicated no significant risk for consumption of these lakes water. The dominant hydrochemical facies was identified as Ca–Mg–Cl-SO₄, followed by Na–K-Cl–SO₄, with rock-water interactions identified as the primary mechanism influencing water chemistry in the region. Future studies incorporating seasonal monitoring, sediment HM speciation, and biological indicators would strengthen the understanding of long-term risks and ecosystem responses in these vulnerable lake systems.