Abstract
The present study was conducted to analyze the suitability of groundwater and surface water of the Indus Delta, Pakistan for domestic and irrigation purposes based on the concentrations of arsenic (As), total dissolved solids (TDS), and chloride (Cl). Around 180 georeferenced groundwater and 50 surface water samples randomly collected were analyzed and mapped spatially using ArcGIS 10.5 software. The results were compared with their respective WHO and FAO guidelines. The analysis revealed that as in groundwater and surface water samples ranged up to 200, and 25 µg/L respectively. Similarly, the TDS in the groundwater and surface water ranged from 203 to 17, 664 mg/L and 378 to 38,272 mg/L respectively. The Cl in groundwater and surface water varied between 131 and 6,275 mg/L and 440 to 17,406 mg/L respectively. Overall, about 18%, 87% and 94% of the groundwater, and 10%, 92% and 56% of the surface waters possessed higher concentrations of As, TDS, and Cl, respectively. The higher levels of Cl in the samples are attributed to subsurface seawater intrusion in the delta. Analysis results and GIS mapping of water quality parameters revealed that in most of the delta, the quality of water was not suitable for drinking and agricultural purposes, thus should be properly treated before its use.
Highlights
Water is one of the important natural resources, commonly used for domestic, agricultural, industrial, hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and other development purposes [1]
All the collected ground and surface water samples were analyzed for concentrations of arsenic (As), total dissolved solids (TDS), and chloride (Cl) using Merck Arsenic Kit, TDS meter, and titration method, respectively
The analysis revealed that arsenic concentration in ground and surface water samples ranged up to 200, and 25 μg/L
Summary
Water is one of the important natural resources, commonly used for domestic, agricultural, industrial, hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and other development purposes [1]. As per the World Health Organization (WHO) reports [10], contaminated drinking water is the main cause of 80% of all diseases. Haseena et al [8] have reported domestic sewage, industrialization, fertilizers, pesticides, population growth, urbanization, use of plastic bags, poor water management system as major sources of water contamination. It is reported that in many parts of the Sindh province of Pakistan including coastal areas, water resources are deteriorating due to elevated concentrations of arsenic [13]. Groundwater and surface water in the Indus delta, Pakistan is being used for drinking as well as agricultural purposes [14]. Arsenic is recognized as one of the most toxic contaminants of drinking water It is an emerging issue of Pakistan, especially in Sindh province. The study findings will be useful for policymakers, public health engineers, and water managers for taking remedial measures against such contamination of water resources of the area
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