Evaluation of water quality of Thuthapuzha Sub-basin of Bharathapuzha, Kerala, India

P Manjula,C Unnikrishnan Warrier

doi:10.1007/s13201-019-0937-5

P Manjula, C Unnikrishnan Warrier

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-019-0937-5

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Abstract

Hydrochemical investigation of open well and river water samples of Thuthapuzha Sub-basin of Bharathapuzha, Kerala, was carried out to determine the spatial and temporal variations in the physico-chemical parameters. The suitability of water for drinking and irrigation purposes and the processes controlling the water chemistry were also assessed. The study area experiences a humid tropical climate and heavy rainfall of ~ 3830 mm/year. Thirty-five open well and nine river water samples were collected during the pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The chemical properties of the river water samples were dominated by alkaline earths and weak acids (CaHCO3 type). Even though majority of the open well samples belonged to CaHCO3 type, few samples belonged to NaCl, mixed CaMgCl and mixed CaNaHCO3 water type. The groundwater and river water chemistry of the region was influenced by the chemistry of the host rock rather than precipitation and evaporation. Except pH and the total iron concentration, all other physico-chemical parameters of the open well samples of the study area were within the acceptable limit of drinking purposes. The physico-chemical parameters of the entire river water samples were within the acceptable limit for drinking purpose. The entire open well and river water samples were suitable for irrigation purposes.

Highlights

Geometric increase in population coupled with rapid urbanization, industrialization and agricultural development has resulted in high impact on quality and quantity of water in India
Since laterites have the capacity to generate acidity and consume majority of all dissolved oxygen in the water that infiltrates into the earth system (CESS 1984), the low pH of the open well samples of the study area may be attributed to the laterites and lateritic soil
The results show that the F concentration of 100% of open well samples irrespective of seasons and river water samples during both monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, respectively, was less than 0.60 mg/L

Summary

Introduction

Geometric increase in population coupled with rapid urbanization, industrialization and agricultural development has resulted in high impact on quality and quantity of water in India. The availability and the quality of the freshwater resources are the most pressing of the many environmental challenges in India (CPCB 2011). The quality of water is of vital concern for mankind, since it is directly linked with human welfare. Poor quality of water adversely affects the plant growth and human health (WHO 1984; Hem 1985). A number of studies on water quality have been carried out in different parts of India (Sreedevi 2004; Semwal and Akolkar 2006; CPCB 2011; Thilagavathi et al 2012; Brinda et al 2014; Balwant et al 2016).

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