Central Ganga Basin Research Articles

Hydrogeological and hydrochemical framework of regional aquifer system in Kali-Ganga sub-basin, India

The central Ganga Basin is one of the major groundwater reservoirs in India. The Kali-Ganga sub-basin is a micro watershed of the central Ganga Basin, containing a number of productive aquifers. A detailed hydrogeological investigation was carried out, which reveals the occurrence of a single-tier aquifer system down to 163 m bgl (metres below ground level), but at places it is interleaved with clay layers; thus imparting it a two-to three-tier aquifer system. These aquifers are unconfined to confined in disposition. The transmissivity, storage coefficient and hydraulic conductivity are determined as 2178 m2/day, 1.12×10–5 and 120 m/day, respectively. The groundwater of the basin is fresh, of an alkali-bicarbonate type and is suitable for irrigation and domestic use. However, in certain areas, extensive agricultural activities, and domestic and industrial effluents have caused some deterioration of groundwater quality. This study contains data of where the concentration of Fe, Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni are higher than the permissible limits, which may be hazardous to public health.

Groundwater quality in parts of Central Ganga Basin, India

This paper deals with the drinking water quality of the Ganga-Kali sub-basin which occupies 1300 km2 over parts of Aligarh and Etah districts. Water samples were collected from shallow and deep aquifers and were analyzed for major ions and trace elements. The analytical data were interpreted according to published guidelines. Chemical analysis shows that the groundwater in the basin is alkali bicarbonate type. Trace element studies of water from the shallow aquifer show that the concentration of toxic metals Fe, Mn, Cd, Pb, and Cr+6 are above permissible limits which may present a health hazard. The water from the deep aquifer is comparatively free from contamination. The aquifers are subject to contamination due to sewage effluents and excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture.

Contamination of Alluvial Aquifers by Metal Industries in Parts of Central Ganga Basin, India

Physicochemical characteristics of wastewater from metal industries in parts of central Ganga basin, district Aligarh, India and the differential accumulation of heavy metals in shallow aquifers were investigated. It has been observed through analytical results that the concentration of heavy metals like Fe, Cu, Mn, Cd and Pb are higher than the suggested guidelines of World Heath Organisation, 1985 both in wastewater and shallow groundwater. Since groundwater is the only source of water supply for drinking, agricultural and industrial requirements, it is an essential pre-requisite that the existing groundwater resource should be protected from further degradation by providing some suitable measures like treatment of the wastewater before letting them to the drainage system.