Spatial and seasonal variability in the water chemistry of Kabar Tal wetland (Ramsar site), Bihar, India: multivariate statistical techniques and GIS approach

Abstract

This study was performed to evaluate the spatial and temporal distribution of major ions in water samples of a newly designated Ramsar site, namely Kabar Tal (KT) wetland of Bihar. Samples were collected during summer, monsoon, and winter seasons. The analytical and GIS results show that concentration of electrical conductivity, chloride, and nitrate are higher in summer than monsoon and winter. However, the concentration of major cations such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are higher in winter than monsoon and summer. In addition, major anions like sulphate and phosphate concentration is higher during monsoon than summer and winter. Multivariate statistical tool (discriminant analysis) results suggest that temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, sulphate, and potassium are the major parameters distinguishing the water quality in different seasons. The study confirms that seasonal variations are playing a major role in the hydrochemistry of KT wetland. Overall, this work outlines the approach towards proper conservation and utilization of wetlands and to assess the quality of surface water for determining its suitability for agricultural purposes. Overall, this work highlights the approach towards estimating the seasonal dynamics of chemical species in KT wetland and its suitability for irrigation purposes. HIGHLIGHTS Spatiotemporal assessment of surface water has been characterized through hydro-chemical studies.; Temperature, pH, EC, sulphate, and potassium, influences water chemistry.; Hydrochemical facies of surface water is of Ca2+ and Cl−; Ca2+- Mg2+ -SO42− and Cl− type.; The surface water of the wetland is of good quality for irrigation.; Detailed exploration for the water chemistry has been studied through statistical methods.;

Keywords

• gis
• hydrochemistry
• kabar tal
• multivariate
• ramsar site
• wetland