Nature Environment and Pollution Technology

Y. A. Murkute ¹, P. P. Badhan ²

Affiliations
1 P. G. Department of Geology, R. T. M. Nagpur University, Nagpur-440 001, Maharashtra, IN
2 R&D Cell, Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency, Pune-411 005, Maharashtra, IN

Abstract

The groundwater quality from the watersheds PGK1, PGK3 and PGK4, Yavatmal District (Maharashtra), Central India, has been assessed and results are presented in the paper. Fifty samples collected from deeper aquifers have been analysed for various parameters like pH, EC, TDS, Ca⁺⁺, Mg⁺⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃^-, CO₃^-2, Cl^-, SO₄^-2, and F^-. The interrelationship between F^- with pH, Na⁺, SO₄^-2, and Cl^- has resulted into positive correlation, while inverse relationship is noted for Ca⁺⁺ and HCO₃^-. In the area of study, the Fcontent ranges from 0.2 to 15.6 mg/L, and 64% of groundwater samples from deeper aquifer have Fconcentration more than 1.0 mg/L. The higher concentration of F^- in Neoproterozoic limestones has been ascribed to the presence of fluoride bearing minerals like fluorite and apatite. In such limestones of chemical origin, co-precipitation of CaF₂ and CaCO₃ is the major process which controls the fluorine distribution in the rocks. The leaching of F^- containing minerals from the weathered zone to deeper depth has contributed the high F^- concentration in basaltic aquifers. Amongst the analysed samples, 58% of groundwater is suitable for irrigation.

Keywords

Groundwater Quality, Deeper Aquifers, Neoproterozoic Limestones, Fluorides.

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Y. A. Murkute ¹, P. P. Badhan ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Geology, R.T.M. Nagpur University, Law College Square, Nagpur-440 001, Maharashtra, IN
2 Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency, Shivaji Nagar, Pune-411 005, Maharashtra, IN

Abstract

The groundwater quality from Bhadravati tehsil has been assessed and results are presented in the paper. A total of 46 samples were collected out of which 23 samples represent shallow aquifers while remaining 23 samples correspond to deeper aquifers. The fluoride concentration varies from 1.0 to 4.4 mg/L in phreatic aquifers and from 0.5 to 2.9 mg/L in deeper aquifers. The present investigation indicates that the fluoride concentration is higher in shallow aquifers than in deeper aquifers. This may be ascribed to leaching of fluoride in to groundwater from weathered zone. The physicochemical conditions like decomposition, dissociation as well as subsequent dissolution are also responsible for leaching of fluoride, though with limited residence time. The inhabitants consuming the fluoride contaminated water are suffering from different types of fluorosis.

Keywords

Fluoride Contamination, Groundwater, Hydrochemistry, Bhadravati Tehsil.

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Y. A. Murkute ¹, S. P. Joshi ²

Affiliations
1 PG Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University, Law College Square, Nagpur-440 001, IN
2 Shri M. M. College of Science, Sakkardara Square, Nagpur-440 009, IN

Abstract

A study of distribution of dissolved radon isotope Rn²²² in borewell water revealed clusters of anomalies. Radioactive expressions in water are because of the high solubility of U, Ra and Rn in water, which facilitates to dissolve these from uranium mineralized rock. Geo-electrical and electromagnetic surveys conducted in different geological set up in Central India, brought out effectiveness of these methods in interpreting subsurface locales of uranium mineralization that are associated with conducting minerals with sulphides, graphites/carbonaceous matter, alteration zones, structural features and shear zones, which have distinct electrical resistivity contrast with respect to the host rocks.

Keywords

Geochemical Exploration, Radon (Rn²²²), Uranium Mineralization.

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Y. A. Murkute ¹, S. S. Deshpande ¹, S. N. Raut ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Geology, R.T.M. Nagpur University, Law College Square, Nagpur 440001, Maharashtra, IN

Abstract

The study area of WGAMG’0 watershed is bounded by longitudes 79°14’00” and 79°21’00” and Latitudes 20°31’00” and 20°36’00” N and covers 11 villages of Chimur Tehsil, Chandrapur District, Maharashtra. Fourteen dugwells were identified and fixed as observation wells to gather the information on pre-monsoon water level fluctuation, depth to hard rock, water bearing zone, average depth of wells, average diameter of wells and other related hydrogeological data. The collected groundwater samples having pH values 7.3 to 8.1 are dominantly alkaline. While the electrical conductivity values of the collected samples vary from 845-1132 μS/cm. The TDS values from deeper aquifers range from 596-724 mg/L and the total hardness ranges from 281-616 mg/L respectively. The anion chemistry of groundwater samples from the study area is dominated by HCO₃, Cl, SO₄ and NO₃. The concentration values ranges from 325-566 mg/L, 12.3-34.1 mg/L, 6.3-56.1 mg/L and 75.4-258.3 mg/L respectively. The primary source of HCO₃ - is considered to be the dissolution of minerals like calcite and dolomite, where in addition to that the CO₂ gas is also dissolved through the process of anoxic biodegradation of the organic matter in deeper aquifers. In the present area of investigation, 100% samples fall in the range of 500-1000 mg/L indicating that water samples are of freshwater in nature and permissible for drinking. The suitability of the groundwater for irrigation purpose has also been checked by estimating the following values: Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), U.S. Salinity Laboratory diagram, Percent Sodium (% Na), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP), Mg Ratio (MR), Corrosively Ratio (CR), Kelley’s Ratio (KR) and Permeability Index (PI). These parameters have brought the marginal utility for irrigation purpose.

Keywords

Hydrogeochemisrty, Groundwater, Water Quality, WGAMG’0 Watershed.

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