Hydrochemical Characteristics of Groundwater for Domestic and Irrigation Purposes in Dwarakeswar Watershed Area, India

Sisir Kanti Nag, Anindita Lahiri

Department of Geological Sciences, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India.

DOI: 10.4236/ajcc.2012.14019                

Abstract

The Hydrochemical study was carried out in Dwarakeswar watershed area, Bankura and Purulia districts, West Bengal, India, with an objective of understanding the suitability of local groundwater quality for domestic and irrigation purposes. Groundwater samples have been collected from different villages within Dwarakeswar watershed area. The samples have been analysed to determine physical parameters like pH, EC, TDS and Hardness, the chemical parameters like Na, K, Ca, Fe, HCO₃, SO₄ and Cl. From the analysed data, some parameters like Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Total Hardness (TH), Magnesium Absorption Ration (MAR) and Kelly’s Ratio (KR) have also been determined. The distribution pattern of TDS and chlorides, which are the general indicators of groundwater quality reveals that on an average the ground water is fresh and potable except the ground water in and around Teghari, Gara and Satyatan Primary school where the groundwater is not potable and may affect the health of local population because concentration of TDS exceeds the desirable limits of 500 mg/L. The aerial distribution of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) reveals that highest concentration is recorded at Gara and Teghri and the lowest concentrations is noted in Suburdih and Kalabani. SAR values were ranged between 0.09 - 0.54 meq/L in pre monsoon and 0.01 - 0.24 meq/L in post-monsoon. It is evident from the whole sample set that the SAR value is excellent in all the samples. Hence, our findings strongly suggest that all the abstracted groundwater samples from the study area were suitable for irrigation. Results of analyses for physical and chemical parameters of groundwater in this area was found to be within the desirable Bureau of Indian Standards and World Health Organisation limits for drinking water.

Keywords

Groundwater Quality; Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR); Irrigation Suitability; Drinking Water Suitability; Dwarakeswar Watershed

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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