Abstract
Groundwater is a vital and purest form of natural resource. In the recent years, various anthropogenic causes threat its natural quality. Therefore, its suitability for drinking, irrigation and other purposes make doubtful conditions of human well-being, especially in developing countries. In this present study, groundwater quality was evaluated for drinking, irrigation and human health hazard purposes particularly in Chotanagpur plateau fringe of India. In total, 58 water samples were collected from different locations in pre-monsoon (February–March 2020) and post-monsoon (October–November 2020) seasons to delineate seasonal variation of groundwater quality according to as reported by WHO (WHO guidelines for drinking-water quality, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2011) guidelines. Groundwater Quality Index (GWQI) and Heavy metal Pollution Index (HPI) have been applied to assess the suitability of drinking purposes. Irrigation parameters (SAR, SSP, MAR, PI, KR) showed the significant deterioration of water quality in pre-monsoon than post-monsoon period. Major cations (such as sodium, calcium) and major anions (such as bicarbonate, nitrate and fluoride) exceeded their standard limit in both the seasons. Non-carcinogenic health risk is found due to heavy metal contamination through drinking water. The health risk index was higher for children in comparison with adults. This research finding can definitely help to planners and administrators for immediate decision making regarding public health (for groundwater quality improvement).
Highlights
In the pre-industrial era, surface and subsurface water was considered as safe for drinking and human welfare
Satish Kumar et al (2016) assessed Groundwater quality (GWQ) of hard rock aquifer of Pudunagaram, Palakkad district of Kerala, and indicated most of water samples were suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes, though some samples were higher than their standard limit due to anthropogenic contribution
The present study on groundwater quality of Santuri block of Purulia district has been analyzed for suitability of drinking, irrigation and human health s in different seasons
Summary
In the pre-industrial era, surface and subsurface water was considered as safe for drinking and human welfare. Many previous studies were conducted on assessment of GW pollution in different parts of the world and find significant deterioration in water quality for drinking and irrigation purposes in recent times (Al- Futaisi et al 2007; Pritchard et al 2008; Jalali 2006; Bhunia et al 2018). Satish Kumar et al (2016) assessed GWQ of hard rock aquifer of Pudunagaram, Palakkad district of Kerala, and indicated most of water samples were suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes, though some samples were higher than their standard limit due to anthropogenic contribution. Health risk assessment on an agricultural region of Nanganur, South India, showed higher health risk (non-carcinogenic) of children than adult by intake of nitrate in drinking water (Adimalla and Qian, 2019). As quality of groundwater depends on numerous physiochemical parameters, it is
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
