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Assessment of groundwater quality in Perundurai region of south India using water quality index and statistical modelling

2024; Elsevier BV; Volume: 25; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.gsd.2024.101104

2352-801X

T. Pradeep, Mahe Varshini Murugasamy, Jeevika Dhanasekaran, Krishnaprasath Sasikumar, P. Mageshkumar, Janani Selvam,

Groundwater and Watershed Analysis

The infiltration of noxious substances into subterranean aquifers, primarily resulting from anthropogenic activities such as industrial effluents and agricultural runoff. This study aims to elucidate the spatial and temporal variability of groundwater quality, assess its conformity with regulatory standards. Physiochemical analysis, correlation matrix, WQI and statistical methods were employed for the groundwater quality assessment. It is evident that around 70 % of the samples exceed the permissible limits set by BIS which shows a significant deviation with potential consequences including environmental degradation and public health risks. The analysis of the correlation matrix highlights that total hardness exhibits the strongest correlations with Ca (r = 0.9882) and Mg (r = 0.9773). ArcGis is used for the creation of spatial distribution maps for critical water quality parameters which includes pH, TA, SO4, Cl, NO3, TDS, TH, EC, F, Na, K, Ca and Mg by linking the results of physiochemical analyses to specific sampling locations facilitates the generation of maps that easily highlight variations in parameter concentrations across the groundwater in the study area. The statistical analysis revealed that the levels of chloride and total hardness in the samples are significantly elevated. Elevated chloride levels may indicate a increased risk of corrosion in water distribution systems and increased total hardness levels could result in scaling issues in industrial processes. Based on the WQI values ranging from 50 to 266.4, it is evident that 73 % of the 40 samples assessed are unsuitable for domestic purposes. Delayed action on unsuitable groundwater effects the community well-being. Ensuring the availability of clean and safe groundwater is vital not only for human health but also for sustaining agriculture, ecosystems and economic development worldwide.