Qualitative assessment, geochemical characterization and corrosion-scaling potential of groundwater resources in Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

The sustainable usage of groundwater is facing a rapid decline in quantity and quality due to demographic and industrial expansion. In India, among several residential-industrial hubs, Ghaziabad is one of the suburban districts and industrial town of Uttar Pradesh, largely dependent upon groundwater for its water needs. The present study was carried out to assess the groundwater in terms of qualitative, geochemical and to identify corrosion-scaling potential during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons of 2017. Majority of the samples showed the exceeding levels of EC, TDS, TH, Cl, Na, and K, inferring the seasonal variability. Geochemical characterization indicated the origin of the groundwater from the rock-water interface of the underlying aquifers and hydrochemical types of water facies: Ca–Mg–HCO3 > Na + K–HCO3 > Na + K–Cl–SO4 were found predominant. Based on the classification of groundwater, most of the samples indicated Na+-HCO3- and shallow meteoric type of nature. Schoeller's index of base exchange also showed the chloro-alkaline disequilibrium with indirect base exchange hardened water. Subsequently, to predict the corrosive-scaling behaviors of the groundwater; five water stability indices were applied namely; Langelier saturation index (LSI), Ryznar stability index (RSI), Puckorius scaling index (PSI), Larson-Skold index (LS) and Aggressive index (AI). The results illustrated that the bulk of the samples exhibited scaling trend as per LSI, LS, and AI, alike RSI and PSI that registered slight corrosive properties of the groundwater. Spatial-temporal mapping of the indices also reflected the temporary scaling potential. Statistically, the interrelationships among the parameters and indices were evaluated using Spearman's correlation which confirmed the scaling effects through strong-significant associations among cation-anion complexes that promote temporary scaling. Therefore, estimation of quality levels and influences in the chemical integrity helps to underline the causative effects and ensure the sustainable consumption of the groundwater in various purposes through prior quality monitoring and applied preventive measures.