Evaluation of Groundwater Quality at Oragadam –A GIS Approach

Abstract

Background/Objectives: In recent years, an increasing threat to groundwater quality due to human activities has become of great importance. This study aims to investigate the effect of industrial discharge of waste water on groundwater quality using GIS. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Oragadam Industrial area which is part of Sriperumbudur Taluk in Tamil Nadu has been chosen as study area owing to presence of about 35 industries. 25 physico-chemical parameters governing the water quality are determined from 50 samples collected in the study area. These have been mapped and spatial analysis has been carried out using GIS. Findings: Groundwater quality maps have been prepared using GIS. Effectiveness of GIS in evaluating the groundwater quality of the study area is determined. Turbidity of all 50 samples was within BIS standards. TDS of 43 samples (86%), electrical conductivity of 46 samples, alkanity of 41 samples (82%), hardness of 41 samples (82%), chloride levels of 26 samples, iron content of 3 samples, fluoride levels of 3 samples, pH of two samples exceeded the BIS Standards. Pollution concentration maps were prepared for all 25 parameters in all 50 sampling stations. Applications/Improvements: Spatial distribution of water quality parameters has been represented through ground water quality maps in and around industrial area of Oragadam, Sriperumbudur Taluk. This study has shown increased salinity levels of groundwater. This study will serve as an aid to Government authorities in groundwater quality monitoring.