Water Quality Deterioration Owing to the Invasion of Low pH Groundwater in Mamam River Basin, South Kerala, India

Aptness of groundwater in the Mamam river basin for drinking and other domestic purposes were assessed in the present work. Eighty six groundwater samples were collected in pre and post monsoon seasons and required physico-chemical attributes were determined. Results revel that most of the parameters except the pH were within the permissible limits recommended by BIS. However, abnormally low pH values were observed in the study area, as evidenced by a mean pH of 5.34 in post and 5.35 in pre monsoon seasons, indicating acidic character. Reasons for this abnormal phenomena include widespread occurrence of subsurface laterite aquifer system, presence of coconut husk retting yards, open waste dumping and extensive rubber cultivation. Consumption of this water is a definite threat to people causing gastrointestinal disorders, hyper acidity, ulcers, stomach pain and burning sensation. Besides this, pH below 6.5 can cause corrosion in pipes resulting in the release of toxic metals.