Abstract
Groundwater demand has increased due to overpopulation and intensive irrigation which resulted in decline of water resources and deterioration of water quality. In this view, a microlevel study was conducted through hydrogeochemical investigation and resistivity survey (VES) in Kalanad river basin, Kasaragod, Kerala. The study aims to determine the spatial variations in physicochemical parameters with delineation of geological layers of the study area through VES. Hydrogeochemical investigation and water suitability assessment for drinking and irrigation purposes were confined to open well water samples of the study area. The sample analysis and comparison with various standards (WHO and BIS) show that the groundwater is not entirely fit for drinking with respect to pH. Almost all samples fall within standard values as per the irrigation water quality indices. The chemical nature of the groundwater samples was dominated by alkalies and majority of the samples belonged to sodium chloride type. This study also dealt with the interpretation of hydrogeochemical data using correlation and R mode factor analyses. VES was carried out at seven locations, and the apparent resistivity values obtained had been analysed. The interpretation delineated a maximum of four geologic layers in the study area. The sequence of geologic formation is composed of highly resistive top lateritic soil followed by saturated zone and then the basement topography in the entire basin.
Highlights
Water is the basis of life and it strikes on all themes of the agenda for development
The study area is Kalanad river basin, and it falls within the western part of the Kasaragod district of Kerala state
The results of the chemical analyses of water samples are given in Tables 2 and 3
Summary
Water is the basis of life and it strikes on all themes of the agenda for development. The quality of groundwater is as important as its quantity considering the suitability of water for various purposes (Kumar et al 2009; Subramani et al 2005). The. Water chemistry is an important aspect to be considered prior to its use for domestic, irrigation and industrial purposes. Groundwater quality data cast light on the geological past and give clues on groundwater recharge, discharge and storage (Walton 1970). Several factors such as climate, soil, circulation of groundwater through rock types and saline water intrusion influence the quality of groundwater. Suitability of groundwater for domestic and irrigation purposes is determined by
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