Spatial distribution of groundwater quality and risk indices evaluation via consumption

Abstract

Groundwater is a valuable source for drinking and irrigation use and is the primary concern of developing countries. Therefore, the current study investigated groundwater in the Mirpur District of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, for drinking and irrigation purposes. Groundwater was sampled from the Jatlan, Mirpur, and Dadyal towns of studied district and analyzed for physicochemical parameters. Groundwater results revealed that the WHO's upper limits were not surpassed for physiochemical parameters, except for pH value (11.7% samples). Groundwater was evaluated for various quality and risk indices. Based on the water quality index (WQI), groundwater was categorized as excellent to good for drinking use. For irrigation uses, 11.7% of Mirpur and 5.8% of Dadyal water were unsuitable, and the rest was found in the good category as evaluated by sodium adsorption ratio and sodium hazards. The groundwater was classified as calcium sulfate (CaSO4), and mixed types and hydrogeochemistry were predominantly influenced by surrounding rock weathering. The groundwater showed a maximum level of hazard quotient of 0.20 ± 0.05 via fluoride intake in the Dadyal town. Based on studied parameters and risk indices, groundwater is recommended for drinking, domestic, and agricultural purposes.