Seasonal Variations in Forested Stream Water Qualityof Nagaland, North-East India

This research explores theseasonal variations in the physico-chemical characteristics of the Khichi Ghoki forested stream at Lumami village, Zunheboto district, Nagaland, during winter (January, 2024) and spring (April, 2024). Eleven parametersviz., water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, chloride, total alkalinity and light intensitywere analysed and compared with WHO drinking water standards. Temperature, conductivity, and chloride increased in spring while DO, alkalinity and hardness were higher in winter, reflecting natural hydrological and shifts in atmospheric temperature. Mean values of all parameters remained within WHO permissible limits, with TDS (156.11 mg/L), total hardness (87.89 mg/L), DO (6.94 mg/L) and pH (6.54) indicating a clean, soft-water system typical of minimally disturbed forested catchments. Overall, the stream water remained suitable for domestic use in both seasons. Continued monitoring is recommended to detect long-term trends as anthropogenic pressures in the catchment gradually increases.