Assessment of Spatial Distribution of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Groundwater around Kodungaiyur Dump yard

Abstract

Municipal solid waste management has become an acute problem due to enhanced economic activities and rapid urbanisation. In most cities, solid waste is disposed of in open dumps without proper lining which has tremendous health issues and environmental effects. Kodungaiyur dump yard chosen for this study is the major toxic dump yard in Chennai. In recent years there has been a serious concern about the deteriorating groundwater quality due to leachate contamination. Despite posing strict rules on pollution of water bodies, water continues to be consistently underappreciated and undervalued. So, the present study is emphasized on the ill effects of leachate percolation on groundwater quality and is also represented spatially to understand the impact of the landfill in the selected area. For this study water samples are collected from 12 bore wells in and around Kodungaiyur dumpsite and they are tested for various Physico-chemical parameters like total alkalinity, total dissolved solids, hardness, conductivity, pH, sulphate, chloride, potassium, sodium, Magnesium, and nitrate. The water samples are also analysed for BOD, COD and heavy metals include Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb and Ni. The test results are compared with Water quality standards. The spatial distribution of the Physico-chemical parameters is represented in maps prepared using Quantum Geographical Information System (QGIS). The result obtained from testing and spatial representation using GIS helps in monitoring and managing water contamination in the study area.