Determination of concentration of total sodium and potassium in surface and ground water using a flame photometer

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, we have investigated 18 water samples collected from various sources, e.g., surface, underground and river water, as specimens for their sodium and potassium ions content in and around Dhanbad, a mining town, using the flame photometry. We have plotted the contour maps to show the spatial distributions of the dissolved sodium and potassium cations in the groundwater and surface water sources in and around the Dhanbad city to identify the relative contributions of human and natural phenomena to it. Along with it, water quality index (WQI) is calculated to evaluate whether the collected surface, ground and river water samples are fit for human consumption for the residents of those areas. The water of Maithan Dam has been observed to have the least sodium and potassium concentrations of 16 mg/l and 7 mg/l, respectively, which make it most suitable for human consumption. The water of Rani Talab Pond has the highest sodium and potassium contents of 49 mg/l and 24 mg/l. WQI values of all the samples are found to be less than 50, which indicates they are safe to consume by the humans. Reduction in the use of pesticides, potassium permanganate and water softeners is recommended to maintain WQI of the Dhanbad city within safe limit.

Keywords

• Flame photometer
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Surface water
• Underground water