Nature Environment and Pollution Technology

Veena M. Nair ¹, R. B. Binoj Kumar ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Geology, University of Kerala, Kariavattom Campus, Trivandrum, Kerala, IN

Abstract

Groundwater quality determination is essential for assessing its suitability for drinking and agricultural purposes. In the present study 104 open well water samples were collected during both pre and postmonsoon seasons to evaluate the groundwater quality of Vamanapuram river basin. Samples were analysed for different physico-chemical parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, salinity, Na⁺, K⁺, TH, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl^-, NO₃^-, SO₄^2-, PO₄^3- and HCO₃^{- following standard procedures. The acquired values were compared with BIS standards to recognize their aptness for domestic use. From the Piper plot dominant hydrochemical facies identified is Na-Cl for both seasons. Alkalies (Na and K) exceed alkaline earths (Ca and Mg) and strong acids (Cl and SO₄) exceed weak acid (HCO₃) in both seasons. To determine the suitability of water for agricultural use, chemical indices like sodium adsorption ratio, percent sodium, residual sodium carbonate and permeability index were calculated. RSC and PI have revealed that all samples are safe for irrigation. As per Wilcox's diagram and USSL classification, majority of samples are suitable for irrigation except those from the coastal area of Anchuthengu which is unsuitable for drinking as well as irrigation purpose.}

Keywords

Groundwater Quality, Hydrochemical Facies, Piper Plot, Vamanapuram River Basin.

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R. B. Binoj Kumar ¹, Veena M. Nair ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Geology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, IN

Abstract

Groundwater quality in coastal region is reaching an alarming stage owed to the overdraft and anthropogenic contamination. Area chosen for study is Anchuthengu, which forms part of a typical coastal belt in the northwestern part of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala State. In order to identify the extent of pollution in the groundwater, open well samples were collected, from the coastal zone fringing the Arabian Sea and also from inland segment flanking Anchuthengu. Sampling and analysis were done in both pre and post-monsoon seasons. pH, EC, TDS, salinity, Na⁺, K⁺, total hardness, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl^-, NO₃ ^2-, SO₄ ^2-, PO₄ ^3- and HCO₃ ^- were determined. The acquired values were compared with BIS standards to recognize its aptness for domestic use. Higher concentration of chemical parameters was observed in coastal areas relative to adjacent inland areas. Post-monsoon coastal samples reveal a higher concentration of NO₃ ^-, SO₄ ^2- and PO₄ ^3- than premonsoon samples, which can be attributed to anthropogenic sources. Microbiological analysis confirms the presence of faecal coliform bacteria in the water samples, making the water unhygienic for drinking and other domestic purposes.

Keywords

Groundwater Pollution, Anchuthengu, Coastal Zone, Faecal Coliform Bacteria.

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