Discover Water (Nov 2024)
Geochemical assessment of groundwater quality for domestic, irrigation and industrial purposes: a tool for environmental monitoring and assessment in a semiarid region of eastern Maharashtra, India
Abstract
Abstract The hydrochemistry of groundwater in the Mann River basin, situated in eastern Maharashtra, was investigated through laboratory analysis with the aim of determining its suitability for consumption, agriculture, and industry. A total of 43 groundwater samples were collected from bore wells and dug wells across the basin for evaluation. Parameters including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), and various cations and anions were examined in comparison with established standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Piper diagram analysis revealed that a significant portion of the samples fell into the CaMgHCO3 hydrochemical facies, while the Gibbs diagram suggested rock dominance in most samples. The drinking water quality index was calculated based on 11 parameters, with 52% of the samples falling into the excellent water category. The irrigation suitability assessment was based on parameters like the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), percent sodium (%Na), and permeability index (PI), revealing that the majority of the samples were appropriate for irrigation. Moreover, assessments of industrial suitability rely on factors such as the Langelier saturation index (LSI) and Ryznar stability index (RSI) to estimate corrosion potential, with most samples showing a high propensity for corrosion and calcium carbonate deposition. Binary correlation effects were observed, suggesting that the presence of one physiochemical parameter could influence others. GIS-based maps were generated to precisely assess corrosion indices for effectively monitoring and managing water quality in the study area. This study is crucial as it evaluates the groundwater quality for its suitability for drinking, agriculture, and industry. It identifies groundwater’s chemical characteristics, irrigation potential, and corrosion risks, offering key insights for water management, ensuring safe consumption, and supporting agricultural and industrial applications.
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