STUDY ON THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NEGOMBO LAGOON

Abstract

Negombo lagoon is a semi- enclosed water body situated in Western province. Several canals bring polluted water to the Negombo lagoon. Treated and untreated effluents discharge to the lagoon and canals directly or indirectly. The main objective of this report is to study on the physico-chemical properties, Information regarding pollution and suggestion of important mitigatory measures. NARA already selected site selections of Dandugam Oya, Ja-Ela and Negombo lagoon. There were three field visits for studied period. In the month of July, concentrations of nutrients were relatively high. There was salinity variation in the entire lagoon. But, salinity could not seen in Dandugam Oya and Ja-Ela during the studied period. pH in the Dandugam Oya and Ja-Ela was somewhat low but in the Negombo lagoon, it has somewhat alkaline condition. Thus, physical and Chemical parameters in those locations do not effect significantly to their ecosystems.