Hydro-geochemical assessment of groundwater through statistical analysis for sustainable usage in Medchal Mandal, Hyderabad, India

Abstract

The groundwater in the studied area was suspected to be affected by pollutants and was suspected that it has not been fit for human consumption. To investigate the fitness of groundwater for consumption in the studied area, water quality analysis plays an important role. This paper explores different statistical analyses to identify the acceptable range of good water quality and a clear spatial distribution of such water in the region of Medchal Mandal, Hyderabad, India. To accomplish this objective, water quality index maps (WQI) of the region have been prepared; The results revealed that villages around Yadaram, Kandlakoya, Raja bollaram, Grimapur, Muraharipalle, Bandamadharam, Somaram, Kistapur, Gosaiguda, Suthariguda, Goudavelly, and Raja bollaram Tanda have been contaminated with high amounts of fluoride. Cluster analysis, scatter plots, and Correlation matrix analysis indicated the different controlling mechanisms and interpretation techniques of water quality data. However, the water quality analysis done through variable techniques revealed that 75% of water was of fair to excellent quality. Histograms and Pearson statistic matrix were used for this purpose. It was found that there was a significant correlation of parameters in both monsoon fluoride with TDS and EC respectively (r = 0.0827 and 0.0119). Thus this research work recommended that the fluoride contaminated water in those villages is not at all fit for drinking. As a solution, it was suggested that a solid waste treatment plant in Ravolkole village should be set up to handle fluoride crisis.