Abstract
Hydrogeochemical analyses of groundwater samples in Shamal area were undertaken to assess the groundwater chemistry of the area and hence determine its suitability for irrigation and other purposes. Thirteen groundwater samples were freshly collected from different functional wells in the area and were analyzed for different physico-chemical parameters. The analyzed parameters include TDS, EC, major cations and anions. The water quality study shows that EC ranges from 7891.88-20 736.84 μS/cm, TDS values range from 5050.80-13 271.58 mg/l. Analytical study of water samples shows that sodium varies from 1316.38-3432.39 mg/l, calcium varies from 300.81-799.93 mg/l, magnesium varies from 126.66-381.81 mg/l, potassium varies from 74-181.02 mg/l, chloride values range from 2177.75-6058 mg/l, sulphate values range from 743.87-2448.79 mg/l and bicarbonate values range from 23.13-240.3 mg/l. The high concentrations of sodium and chloride ions are indicators of saline water intrusion. The analyses of the hydrogeochemical ratios were also done to highlight the groundwater genesis and origin of mineralization. The water samples were analyzed for suitability for irrigation using various classification criteria and mathematical formula. The results from analysis of KR, SAR, SSP, PS, EC and %Na all indicate that the water in the area is unfit for use in irrigation.
Highlights
About 80% of the earth’s surface is covered by water, yet qualitatively 97% of this vast natural resource falls unfit for human use (Rai, 2004)
The water quality study shows that Electrical Conductivity (EC) ranges from 7891.88-20 736.84 μS/cm, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) values range from 5050.80-13 271.58 mg/l
Analytical study of water samples shows that sodium varies from 1316.38-3432.39 mg/l, calcium varies from 300.81-799.93 mg/l, magnesium varies from 126.66-381.81 mg/l, potassium varies from 74-181.02 mg/l, chloride values range from 2177.75-6058 mg/l, sulphate values range from 743.87-2448.79 mg/l and bicarbonate values range from 23.13-240.3 mg/l
Summary
About 80% of the earth’s surface is covered by water, yet qualitatively 97% of this vast natural resource falls unfit for human use (Rai, 2004). Fresh water for life is 0.6 % of the total water budget with the bulk of it tied up in groundwater (Gleeson et al, 2012). Groundwater quality depends on several factors including lithology, chemical composition of the aquifers, climatic conditions prevailing during formation, quantity of water available in the aquifer and its rate of circulation (Todd and Mays, 2005). The chemical properties of water are as important as the physical properties and determine its usefulness for industry, agriculture, or the home. The study of water chemistry gives important indications of the geologic history of the enclosing rocks, the velocity and direction of water movement (Fetter, 1994)
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