Hydrogeochemical Characteristics and Suitability of Groundwater for Drinking and Irrigation from Shallow Aquifers of PG1 Watershed in Chandrapur District of Maharashtra

Abstract

An endeavor has been made to understand the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater from shallow aquifers of the PG1 watershed (latitudes 19°38’30” to 19°50’30” N and longitudes 79°04’00” to 79°11’00” E). The appropriateness of groundwater has also been checked for various purposes. The groundwater from the study area is alkaline and slightly saline. The Ca2+ ˃ Mg2+ ˃ Na+ ˃ K+ and HCO3- ˃ SO42- ˃ Cl- ˃ NO3- was the ascendancy of cations and anions. The earth metals (Ca + Mg) exceeded the alkali metals (Na + K). The positive correlation interpreted from the interrelationship of Na+ vs Cl- exhibited a silicate weathering process for the liberation of ions in groundwater at the rock-water interface. In addition to the non-lithological source, anthropogenic inputs were inferred, indicating the agricultural fertilizers and domestic wastewater. All the groundwater samples from the study area are suitable for drinking and domestic use. The groundwater from the study area is also suitable for irrigation with negligible exceptions.

Keywords

• hydrogeochemical characteristics, rock-water interaction, groundwater suitability, pg1 watershed