HydroResearch (Jan 2020)
Groundwater quality evaluation using GIS and water quality index in and around inactive mines, Southwestern parts of Cuddapah basin, Andhra Pradesh, South India
Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the groundwater quality for human consumption by developing a water quality index for the southwest (SW) part of the Cuddapah Basin. In order to study this various physico-chemical parameters were analyzed, distribution maps were prepared using Geographical Information System (GIS). Except for fluoride and nitrate, most of the chemical parameters are within the allowable range, which is due to geogenic and anthropogenic sources, respectively. Most of the heavy metals were below the permissible limit except cadmium, which might be due to anthropogenic activities. The piper diagram shows that most samples belong to the Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3− category. Rock dominance is the predominant hydrogeochemical factor controlling groundwater chemistry. According to WQI classification, 12% of samples are not potable due to anthropogenic activities. This study proved that the combined application of GIS and WQI is very effective in accessing groundwater quality.
