Investigation Of Groundwater Quality Research Articles

Condition of Ground Water Quality in Relation to Pollution in Krishnagiri District Taluk, TamilNadu

A fundamental natural resource is water, which is essential to life. The increasing urban isation of India has an impact on the quantity and quality of groundwater. According to the Central Ground Water Board, the groundwater beneath Krishnagiri has been reduced by 60%, and additional investigation may reveal salt water intrusion. Our goal in the current work was to investigate groundwater quality assessment.This investigation's goal was to assess Krishnagiri City's groundwater's level of quality. The quality of groundwater determines whether it is suitable for use in industrial, household, agricultural, and drinking water applications. Evaluation of Groundwater Suitability in the Northern and Eastern Krishnagiri District for Irrigation and Drinking Water. Groundwater samples were taken in the research region. In Tamil Nadu's fluorosis-prone Krishnagiri area, water samples were taken from ten villages. Numerous physico-chemical indicators of water quality, including pH, TDS, TH, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl, and fluoride (F), have been measured and compared to typical values (WHO and BIS). Groundwater quality has been evaluated by looking at physicochemical elements such pH, TDS, TH, sulphate, chloride, calcium, and magnesium. A substantial linear association between several water quality metrics is revealed by the investigation. Version 16 of the SPSS statistical analysis programme was utilised for the analysis. The outcomes showed that the groundwater's pollutants were almost at the allowable levels. With a few notable exceptions, the bulk of the criteria used to evaluate the water quality showed levels within the range permitted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). None of the measurements exceeded the BIS-recommended allowed thresholds for determining the water quality, with the exception of pH at a specific point in Zone 1.

Investigation of Groundwater Quality with Borehole Depth in the Basin Granitoids of the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Investigation of Groundwater Quality with Borehole Depth in the Basin Granitoids of the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Hydrochemical investigation of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigational purposes from industrial belt of Jharkhand, India

AbstractGroundwater (GW) is a key water resource for domestic and agricultural activities. Industrial activities often affect GW chemistry. Therefore, assessment of GW quality for drinking and irrigation purposes is required to be assessed to ensure its suitability in and around industrial setups. Present study was planned to investigate the GW suitability for domestic and irrigation purposes around Bokaro Industrial Area, Jharkhand, India. Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Permeability Index (PI), and percentage sodium (% Na) were evaluated for irrigation purposes, while pH, total hardness (TH), and electrical conductivity (EC), Total dissolve solid (TDS), F−, SO42−, HCO3−, Cl−, NO3−, Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ for domestic usage. Results showed wide variation in the physicochemical characteristics as major cations were found in the order: Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+, while major anions were in the order of HCO3−> Cl−> SO42−> NO3−> F−. The range of pH 6.15–7.73 and EC was 230–1676 μS cm−1, while TH, Cl−, HCO3−, SO4−, NO3‐, F−, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+ was varied from 66–743, 3.3–289.9, 61–392, 5.5–148.5, 1.2–61.4, 0.66–4.38, 14.5–170.3, 4.9–80.2, 12.3–102.7, and 0.37–5.7 mg/L, respectively. It was found that GW quality at most of the sites was suitable for irrigation and domestic purpose except at few locations. Further, results revealed that industrial activity has noticeable impact on the groundwater quality but, the overall suitability indicates a potential recharge system for the aquifers in the area which maintains the GW chemistry. Albeit alarming values of some of the GW parameters, namely, pH, total hardness, F−, HCO3−, Cl−, NO3−, Na+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ at some locations require attention to design and execute effective water management plans to avoid possible irrigation and human health risks in future.

The recovery of a shallow lake within an agricultural landscape of Minnesota—an interdisciplinary approach to understanding change

Perleberg DJ, Anderson JP, Streitz AR. 2023. The recovery of a shallow lake within an agricultural landscape of Minnesota—an interdisciplinary approach to change. Lake Reserv Manage. 39:311–326.This case study of Lake Shaokatan, Minnesota, reveals how long-term climate, hydrology, water chemistry, and macrophyte data can explain and predict shallow lake phase shifts. After decades of agricultural landscape nutrient loadings, lake and watershed management efforts successfully reduced summer mean total phosphorus and chlorophyll a concentrations to levels that met standards set specifically for shallow lakes in the Northern Glaciated Plains ecoregion (0.09 mg/L and 0.03 mg/L, respectively). The lake “flipped” from a turbid, phytoplankton-dominated phase (<20% macrophyte occurrence) to a clear, macrophyte-dominated phase (annual average of 90% occurrence), and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency removed it from the state’s impaired waters list. A paired groundwater and lake water quality investigation was critical in understanding how increased precipitation might affect lake water quality, the relationship between groundwater and surface water in this system, and how compounds such as chloride and phosphorus are transported through the watershed. Lakewide macrophyte occurrence has been sustained for at least 7 yr. While abundant macrophyte growth helps maintain a clear water state, it can also create recreational boating issues. Lake managers question how long the lake will remain in the present clear phase as lake users weigh the recreational and aesthetic differences between the 2 phases.

Cluster and Factor Analyses as Contributions to the Groundwater Quality Monitoring of the Marizal/São Sebastião Aquifer System, Alagoinhas (Bahia, Brazil)

The Marizal/São Sebastião aquifer system is the main water supply of the municipality of Alagoinhas in the state of Bahia. However, anthropic interventions contribute to soil and groundwater pollution, increasing the need for related research. Multivariate statistical analysis is a widely used tool, helping in the investigation of groundwater quality while being capable of simultaneously evaluating diverse variables of a sample set. In this study, factor analysis and multivariate cluster analysis methodologies were applied. Ten of the most influential variables for groundwater quality were selected and then grouped into two factors. The first factor included electrical conductivity, salinity, calcium, chloride, sulfate, manganese, and iron, which are indicators of water salinity. The second factor encompassed pH, bicarbonate, and phosphate, indicating anthropic interventions and alkalinity in the environment. The multivariate cluster analysis was applied to the parameters of both factors, resulting in dendrograms with four clusters. The present study showed that the multivariate statistical analysis is an efficient tool for monitoring and can contribute to the management of groundwater quality.

Integrated approach for the investigation of groundwater quality using hydrochemical and geostatistical analyses in Wadi Fatimah, western Saudi Arabia

The Wadi Fatimah area suffers from a lack of freshwater resources, so this study aimed to analyze the groundwater in this region and evaluate its quality for irrigation and drinking purposes. Eleven water quality parameters, including pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), Ca2+, HCO−3, NO−3, F−, Cl−, K+, Mg2+, SO2−4, and Na+, were utilized to evaluate the quality of the water and produce a water quality index (WQI). These parameters were measured at 100 different chosen locations. The spatial distribution map revealed that all parameters are high in the southern part except K+. Using the correlation matrix, a high positive correlation is obtained among TDS, Cl−, Mg2+, and Ca2+ in addition to a high correlation among TDS with Cl− and Na+. From PCA analysis, PCA1, PCA2, and PCA3 represent about 52%, 12%, and 10% of all components along the study area, respectively. PCA1 has low variance than PCA2 and PCA3. The majority of the Southern region’s sites went from having extremely poor to poor water classifications and from poor to unsuitable water. However, the center part possesses exceptionally high-quality groundwater. According to the results from the current study’s water quality index, the presence of nitrate and fluoride in the groundwater samples was primarily responsible for their high WQI values. The statistics showed that a higher percentage of the population had poor drinking water due to direct pollutant release, agricultural effects, and excessive groundwater resource use. The study offers a groundwater quality modeling technique that is both affordable and replicable in other areas.

Investigation of groundwater quality around municipal waste disposal site in Malete southwestern Nigeria

Investigation of groundwater quality around municipal waste disposal site in Malete southwestern Nigeria

A Preliminary Investigation of Surface and Groundwater Quality Along the Upper Part of the Ankobra River, Impacted by Illegal Mining Activities

A Preliminary Investigation of Surface and Groundwater Quality Along the Upper Part of the Ankobra River, Impacted by Illegal Mining Activities

Investigation of Groundwater Quality for Drinking Usage in Kifri District (Iraq) by using NPI and WQI Indices

The present study was mainly proposed to investigate the quality of groundwater for drinking in Kifri District. The main aim of this study was to identify some pollutants of groundwater using two types of indexes which are: Nemerow’s pollution index (NPI) and Water quality index (WQI). The groundwater samples were collected from 36 stations (deep wells) and analyzed for seven physico-chemical parameters including EC, TDS, pH, TH, TA, Ca+2 andSO4-2; as well as, the results were compared to WHO standards. The results presented undesirable values for almost all physico-chemical parameters, according to WHO standard limits for drinking. Based on WQI, the results show that 33 stations out of 36 were classified under the ‘Poor Quality’ category. Also, most of the NPI values of EC, TDS, Ca+2, TH, TA, and SO4-2 concentrations were (&gt;1) and exceeded the WHO standard. Thus, all the stations reported high values of WQI and NPI and all the groundwater samples belonged to polluted water.

Integrated approach for the investigation of groundwater quality through hydrochemistry and water quality index (WQI)

Evaluation of groundwater quality and their controlling processes are very important for the sustainable utilization of groundwater in any region. In the present study, 100 groundwater samples were collected during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon 2019 from the tube well and public water supply wells in Mewat district, Haryana to investigate the water quality for drinking purposes and their controlling hydrogeochemical processes through an integrated approach. Different methods like conventional hydrogeochemical analysis, ion ratio plots, and water quality index (WQI) were applied. The results showed that the groundwater of Mewat is highly saline, with the average concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS) during the pre-monsoon (PRM) and post-monsoon (POM) being 4435 mg/L and 4938 mg/L, respectively. Statistical results revealed that anion concentrations follow the order as Cl− > SO42− > HCO3− > NO3− while cation concentrations were Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+. The dominant hydrochemical types of Mewat groundwater were identified to be Ca2+.Mg2+- SO42−.Cl− and SO42−.Cl−- Na+. Silicate weathering, evaporation, and cation exchange were the three factors that control the composition of groundwater of Mewat. The chloro-Alkali indices indicate the dominance of direct base cation exchange reaction in the study area. Moreover, the results of the water quality evaluation showed that the values of WQI ranged from 72 to 3683 and 51 to 2451 during PRM and POM, respectively. WQI classes, namely Very poor and Poor water for drinking, are cumulatively represented by 64% and 58% of the total samples over the PRM and POM. And groundwater of Mewat was found mostly not suitable for drinking purposes. This is the first work in the Mewat district to assess the groundwater quality using WQI and their controlling hydrogeochemical process. This study provides insight into fundamental processes and aquifer controlling factors that are significant for the sustainable management of Mewat groundwater resources.

Risk Analysis of Heavy Metals and Groundwater Quality Indices in Residential Areas: A Case Study in the Rajanpur District, Pakistan

Continuous monitoring of drinking water quality is essential in terms of the levels of heavy metals and toxic substances, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate groundwater quality in residential areas of the Rajanpur District, Pakistan. Groundwater samples (n = 200) were collected from various sites in the study area and analyzed by in situ tests (pH, EC, TDS, temperature, and turbidity), and the concentration of 32 dissolved elements and ions was also analyzed. The results showed that higher concentrations of dissolved elements are the primary reason for poor drinking water quality. A few measured parameters (TDS~992 mg L−1 and EC~1921.15 µS/cm) exceeded the permissible limits of the World Health Organization (WHO, Geneva, Switzerland) in most of the samples. Elements that had higher values than the allowable limits in most of the samples were calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), bicarbonates (HCO3), sulfate (SO4), chlorides (Cl), manganese (Mn), and strontium (Sr), with average values of 113 mg L−1, 223 mg L−1, 282 mg L−1, 367 mg L−1, 175 mg L−1, 69 mg L−1, and 1291 mg L−1, respectively. The measured parameters that had no significant issues in terms of drinking water quality were aluminum (Al), nitrite (NO2), phosphate (PO4), pH, and turbidity. The levels of potentially toxic elements such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) (average ~2.179 mg L−1, 1.659 mg L−1, 0.092 mg L−1, and 1.032 mg L−1, respectively) were found to be lower than the drinking water guideline values of the WHO. The statistical analysis revealed weak correlations possibly due to multiple sources and localized variations. The physicochemical analysis-based WQI values for all groundwater samples were much lower at the residential sampling locations and in industrial settings, indicating poor water quality. The elevation model indicated that as water moves in the aquifer in the general direction of west to southeast, it gets concentrated by mineral dissolution, with geogenic sources having a major impact on the hydrochemistry. Hence, regular monitoring of water quality is required through advanced technology to overcome groundwater deterioration issues. The quality of water is poor for drinking purposes and the health of the residents of the Rajanpur District may be at risk.

Groundwater evaluation of northern Jazmourian (south Iran) for drinking, agriculture, and associated health risks of nitrate and fluoride contamination

To investigate groundwater quality in the north of Jazmourian (Roudbar plain), 30 samples were collected and analyzed for evaluating drinking and irrigation status and associated health risks. In addition to major anions and cations, the fluoride and nitrate content of samples were analyzed using standard procedures. Nitrate levels range between 6.6 and 131 mg/L and exceed the WHO permissible limit in more than 23% and 80% of samples for adults and children, respectively. Fluoride amounts ranged from 0.4 to 4.8 mg/L in samples. The F- level exceeded the WHO standard limit in 10% of samples. The EC level increases in fine-grained deltaic deposits toward the south. The concentrations of major ions (HCO3, Cl, SO4, Mg, Na, K) increase southwards, following the flow direction. There are, however, lateral (east-west) differences in water quality due to the influence of such factors as the rate of recharge and the type of bedrock. Wherever the redbeds comprise the bedrock and the recharge rate is weaker, the dissolved salts are higher in amount. The water quality index (IWQ) indicated that 13, 13, and 4 samples are in “good,” “poor,” and “very poor” quality classes, respectively. By using the irrigation water quality index (IWQI), eight samples were at “low restriction,” nine samples at “moderate restriction,” twelve samples at “high restriction,” and one sample at “severe restriction” classes. The acquired findings revealed that the mean oral hazard quotient of nitrate was 1.14, 1.0, and 0.84, and for fluoride, it was 0.82, 0.72, and 0.61 for children, females, and males, respectively. The total hazard index for cumulative NO3 - and F- toxicity exceeded the acceptable level in 76.67%, 66.67%, and 56.67% of samples for children, females, and males, respectively.

A Localized Assessment of Groundwater Quality Status Using GIS-Based Water Quality Index in Industrial Zone of Faisalabad, Pakistan

Groundwater risks driven by population growth and industrialization in metropolitan cities have become a worldwide problem. Faisalabad is Pakistan’s third largest city with a population of more than 2 million and is renowned for its diverse industries. Many factories in the area dump their untreated effluent into nearby drainage systems, having a direct negative effect on the marine ecosystem. This research focuses on the Madhuana drain and Khurrianwala industrial region of Faisalabad to investigate groundwater quality status. Sixty water samples from groundwater bore wells and open wells were obtained, and all these samples were subjected to lab experiments for physical and chemical analysis. Sixteen physiochemical parameters, namely, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, carbonate, Ca2+, Fe, HCO3−, Cl−, Mg2+, SO24−, As, Cr, Cu, and Mn, were examined. To provide a comprehensive picture of water quality from a human perspective, we calculated the water quality index (WQI) by integrating 16 physiochemical criteria. The results revealed that a larger proportion had poor drinking quality due to direct releases of toxins by industries. It was observed that 87% of the water samples showed an unsuitable status of groundwater for drinking purposes in terms of pH, EC, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Cr. The results of this study could be used to build and construct wastewater treatment plant facilities for the Madhuana drain, reducing pollution loads on the drain and river, as well as contaminant seepage rates into groundwater. The research’s resulting maps will help policymakers to manage groundwater supplies more efficiently for sustainable development.

Hydrogeochemical characteristics and groundwater quality investigation along the basinal cross-section of Pravara River, Maharashtra, India

The groundwater samples collected along the cross-section of Pravara river basin is quite distinct in terms of geo-hydrologic and anthropogenic situation. Innovative methods were used to investigate hydrogeochemical phases and groundwater quality for which 33 groundwater samples collected and analysed for pH (7.6–8.7), EC (311–1851 μS/cm), TDS (306–1990 mg/l), Na+ (11–296 mg/l), K+ (0.6–2.2 mg/l), Ca2+ (90–2001 mg/l), Mg2+ (1–17.9 mg/l), Cl− (71–1036 mg/l), SO42− (17–118 mg/l), NO3− (5.1–14 mg/l), CO32− (14.4–40.8 mg/l), HCO3− (117–698 mg/l) and F− (0.05–1.34 mg/l). The water quality was inferred with the help of water quality index (WQI) and Wilcox diagram. Fluid properties and irrigation water characteristics, as well as ion balance and Piper diagram were coupled to explore the type of water. Resourcesat-2 satellite image was processed to know the land use land cover (LULC) of area and its effect on groundwater. The results of pH, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42−, and NO3− were found within the prescribed limit. According to WQI, total 10 samples on RS and 09 samples on LS were found to have excellent quality water (57.58%) and 04 samples on RS and 05 samples on LS are good water (27.27%). The resulting Wilcox diagram also classifies the groundwater as excellent to good and good to permissible. The hydrochemical facies found Ca2+-Cl− type along RS and Mg2+-HCO3− type along LS. Based on hydrogeochemical characteristics and groundwater quality, the cross sectional aquifer is inferred to be predominantly influenced by natural as well as man induced causes, which have been validated by LULC results.

Investigation of groundwater quality in “Kiramakodu area” of Point Pedro: Vadamarachi aquifer, Northern Sri Lanka

Water is one of the essential part for the existence of life on the earth crust. Over the past decades, demand for the potable water has significantly increased due to the deteriorating anthropogenic activity. Jaffna peninsula completely relies on the groundwater for all the purposes such as domestic, industrial and agriculture. The overpopulation destroyed the freshwater reservoirs and diminishes the natural potable source. This study focuses on a water quality parameters such as pH, turbidity, calcium, magnesium, chloride, sulphate, sodium, potassium, fat, oil and grease (FOG) in vaddamarachi aquifer and calcium (149.17-183.61 ppm), sodium (847.88-1222.99 ppm) and chloride (525.53- 924.80 ppm) content of most of the samples are higher than that of Sri Lankan standard for potable water. This study provides the basic information for the future medical study and gives awareness of water conservation in the region.

GIS Based Spatial and Temporal Investigation of Groundwater and Soil Quality along Noyyal River, Tiruppur, India

Abstract Soil and water quality crisis owing to industrialization is massive at present due to the illegal discharge of wastewater to the environment. Textile is one such industry, discharges untreated wastewater into nearby environment and poses major threats worldwide. Similar situation was observed for the last three decades (1980-2013) along Noyyal river in Tiruppur, India. Since 2013, zero liquid discharge (ZLD) has been adopted by the textile industries in Tiruppur to reduce further deterioration of environment. The groundwater from open wells and soil from agricultural land was examined continuously for three years (2015, 2016 and 2017) in order to assess the existing environment status along Noyyal river basin in Tiruppur. The GIS study reveals that 71% of groundwater remains unsuitable for drinking and also 54% are unfit for irrigation use. The findings further reveal that 61% of surface and 20% of subsurface soils are not suitable for agriculture. The detailed investigations established that the open wells located in the downstream of textile industries and near to Orathupalayam reservoir are highly contaminated with organic and inorganic contaminants associated with textile processing activities. The temporal variation of groundwater in these open wells indicated that the dilution by rainwater is very slow. It is also identified that soils near to the contaminated open wells are extremely affected and soil of 15 cm depth is extremely contaminated. Thus, implementation of ZLD somewhat reduced discharge of wastewater into the basin; however the recovery of groundwater to potable quality and soils for agriculture production needs immediate remediation.

Characterization of the Groundwater within Regional Aquifers and Suitability Assessment for Various Uses and Purposes-Western Iraq

Groundwater quality investigation has been carried out in the western part of Iraq (west longitude '40°40). The physicochemical analyses of 64 groundwater samples collected from seven aquifers were used in the determination of groundwater characterization and assessment. The concept of spatial hydrochemical bi-model was prepared for quantitative and qualitative interpretation. Hydrogeochemical data referred that the groundwater is of meteoric origin and has processes responsible for observed brackishness. The geochemical facies of the groundwater reveal that none of the anions and cations pairs exceed 50% and there are practically mixtures of multi-water types (such as Ca–Mg–Cl–HCO3 and Na+K–SO4–Cl water type) as dominant types. The hydrogeochemical evolution indicates that the groundwater is mainly controlled by the leaching and dissolution process of carbonate minerals. Increasing salt content is observed at different static water levels (groundwater flow) confirming mixing cases with multi water sources. Anthropogenic activities do not have a significant alteration in the geochemical nature of groundwater in aquifer systems. Most of the groundwater is classified within the category of C3S1 and C2S1 denoting admissible to good quality of water for irrigation in 67% of the total samples. On the other hand, 33% of samples are classified as bad to very bad. The groundwater of most aquifers has precedence for irrigation, agricultural purposes, animal drinking, and good to fair class for natural preserve activities. While the groundwater of Mullusi and Jeed-Rattga aquifers are suggested for human drinking purposes. Also, the groundwater within the hydrogeologic system can be used in low-pressure boilers, mining, construction industry, and unsafe in high-pressure boilers due to the relatively high total hardness (237 to 1456 mg/l). Corrosively ratio indicates that 83 % of exploited groundwater from boreholes is safe for long transport through metallic pipelines.

Hydrogeochemistry and multivariate statistical analysis of groundwater quality of hard rock aquifers from Deccan trap basalt in Western India

In the present investigation, hydrogeochemistry and multivariate statistical analysis of groundwater quality were assessed from hard rock aquifers of the Deccan trap basalt in the Jalna district of Maharashtra. Groundwater samples (n = 105) were collected from the study area in a systematic grid pattern to avoid biasing in sampling. Water quality parameters of all these groundwater samples were analyzed by standard BIS and APHA procedures by titrimetric and using sensors. Uranium in all samples was analyzed using an LED fluorimeter. Strict quality assurance and quality control features were adopted in all stages of the study to ensure the quality of the data. The observed sequence of the dominance of major cations and anions is Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ and HCO3− > Cl− > SO42− respectively. The observed uranium values were in the range of 0.1 to 16.2 µg/L with an average value of 2.04 µg/L, well below the safe limits recommended by WHO and AERB i.e. 30 and 60 µg/L, respectively. Piper trilinear diagram indicates dominant hydrochemical facies of groundwater in the study area are Mixed Ca2+–Na+–HCO3−, Na+–Cl− and Ca+–HCO3− while Gibbs plot infers host rock-water interaction is the major geochemical process in these aquifers. The correlation analysis, cluster analysis, and factor analysis tests are performed. Groundwater was assessed for its suitability for irrigation purposes using multiple indices such as SAR, RSC, and Na percentage. From the estimated indices, it was found that the groundwater in hard rock aquifers of the Deccan trap basalt is suitable for irrigation purposes.

Investigation of groundwater and soil quality near to a municipal waste disposal site in Silchar, Assam, India

Unscientific management of municipal solid waste is one of the direct sources of contamination in developing countries, such as India. The present investigation carried out during Oct–Dec 2019 attempts to assess the parameters, such as quality of groundwater and soil along three depths (0–5, 5–15 and 15–30 cm), in proximity to a dumping site in Silchar, a rapidly evolving city of North-East India. Standard protocols of soil and water quality assessments were carried out. The pH values of the surface soils were found to be slightly acidic. Decrease in acidity with increasing depth was observed in the study site. The relative abundance of the analyzed elements at all soil depths was Zn > Fe > Ni > Cu > Cr. Weak correlation between the concentration of Cu, Fe and Zn, and the bulk density of the soil highlighted the micronutrient status of the soil. The impact of the nearby dumpsite on trace element contamination is indicated by the ‘extremely contaminated’ status of the soils with respect to geo-accumulation index. Majority of the groundwater samples exhibited pH levels below the desired limits, making it unfit for consumption by local communities. While Fe, Cu and Ni levels in groundwater samples exceeded the guideline values, Cr and Zn concentrations were found to be within limits except one sample. Principal Component Analysis of the observed data was carried out to ascertain the predominant sources of contamination. The observations indicate the negative impacts of nearby dumpsite on environmental parameters, such as groundwater and soil quality, as highlighted in this research.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42108-021-00117-5.

Investigation of Geochemical Characterization and Groundwater Quality with Special Emphasis on Health Risk Assessment in Alluvial Aquifers, South Africa

The Maputaland coastal plain of KwaZulu-Natal is one of the popular tourist areas in South Africa. Groundwater is the major source for drinking and irrigation purposes which is abstracted from unconsolidated aquifers having higher infiltration rate possibly increases the risk of aquifer contamination. Comprehensive study was conducted in 53 groundwater monitoring wells to identify the characteristic of water quality and processes controlling groundwater chemistry using multiple methods. Rock-water interaction and Na/Ca ion exchange are the dominant processes. Water quality index (WQI) varies from 18.9 to 157.1 with an average value of 45.55. Majority of the samples are classified as good, 22% as poor, 2% as very poor and 7% under unsuitable category, which are spatially distributed towards southern and western part of the study area. Health risk assessment of trace elements via ingestion and dermal absorption pathways was carried out. Hazard quotient through dermal absorption (HQdermal) and hazard index (HI) for Co and Mn are above 1 in adults, children and infants. HQdermal and HI for Cd are greater than 1 in children and infants. HQdermal and HI for As and Pb are greater than 1 in infants. This implies that these metals pose serious to adverse health risk on people while infants are more vulnerable than children and adults. This study provides the baseline data on hydro geochemistry that can be utilised for further studies in future. This study recommends that groundwater in this region should be treated before utilisation and suggest that further extended studies should be conducted to explore more on groundwater resources in this area.