Hydrogeochemistry and Usability of Groundwater at the Tista River Basin in Northern Bangladesh

Jahidul Islam ,Hasel Khandoker ,Akm Mosharof Hossain ,Shazadur Rahman ,Mst Nasrin Zahan

doi:10.17485/ijst/2019/v12i47/147961

Abstract

Objectives: A study on groundwater of Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh has been conducted to explore the groundwater hydrochemistry and suitability for potable water and agricultural uses. Methods/statistical analysis: During the dry season, fifty groundwater samples were collected from different shallow tube wells adjacent to Tista River, Bangladesh. Water samples were analysed according to the standard procedures. We calculated some parameters required for assessing irrigation water quality. The correlation matrix, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and principal component analysis (PCA) were used for better understanding of groundwater chemistry and categorizing the water samples. Findings: The Ca2+–Mg2+–CO3 2−–HCO3 − was the dominant water type, and carbonate weathering was the main hydro geochemical process in the study area. The contributions of ion exchange and reverse ion exchange were almost equal. Groundwater characteristics were influenced by precipitation and not affected by seawater intrusion. The results of all the measured and calculated parameters clearly indicated the suitability of all ground water samples for irrigation. Based on all analysed parameters including hardness, all waters were suitable for drinking and domestic uses. Applications: The groundwater of the study area might be suitable for irrigation, drinking and domestic uses until the waters are otherwise polluted. Keywords: Hydrogeochemistry, Groundwater, Irrigation, Drinking, Bangladesh

Highlights

IntroductionGroundwater is a ubiquitous source of water for agricultural, domestic, and drinking purposes
For sustainable development, groundwater is a ubiquitous source of water for agricultural, domestic, and drinking purposes
The recommended concentration of Total dissolved solids (TDS) is 500 mg/L,43 and all waters were suitable for drinking

Summary

Introduction

Groundwater is a ubiquitous source of water for agricultural, domestic, and drinking purposes. The uses of groundwater in the Earth for irrigation and domestic purposes are 40% and 70%, respectively. The declining quality of surface water resources has forced the people to become more dependent on groundwater. The overexploitation and deterioration of groundwater has been observed worldwide.[1,2] In Bangladesh, groundwater is the prime source for 75% irrigation[3] and 90% drinking uses[4] and these demands could be increased day by day. Groundwater chemistry is controlled by the geological make-up, weathering of rocks, recharge water quality, and other sources.[5,6] Water quality related to geology, climate, sources, and uses can be explained by the chemical analysis of water.[7] Especially, major ions in water can help explain the geochemical processes influencing groundwater quality.[8,9]

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion