Characterization of hydrogeochemical process and evaluation of water quality of seven geothermal springs, Bakreswar, India

Abstract

A study was conducted in seven geothermal springs located in Bakreswar, District Birbhum, West Bengal, India, in order to assess numerous geochemical processes which were responsible for chemical composition of thermal and mineralized water. The study area lies over the Sone, Narmada, and Tapti lineament of Precambrian Chotanagpur Gneissic Complex. Water chemistry has been carried out based on reaction stoichiometry and geo-statistical tools to identify geochemical process. Piper and Gibbs diagram suggest that the spring water belongs to Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3− + CO32− water type and are controlled by rock dominance. Dissolution and precipitation of calcite, dolomite, gypsum, and fluorite minerals were identified as principle source of major ions in seven geothermal spring water. Principle component analyses revealed that major ions of spring water are derived from geogenic processes such as weathering, dissolution, and precipitation of various minerals. Overall results suggest that major ions of the spring’s water are derived from natural origin because no evidence of anthropogenic sources was observed during the study period. This study has also revealed that water quality of spring’s water is not suitable for drinking purposes and quite suitable for irrigation because of high abundance of Na+, K+, Cl−, and HCO3− ions.