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S. Bhagavathi Perumal ¹, P. Thamarai ²

Affiliations
1 The Indian Engineering College, Tirunelveli, T.N., IN
2 Department of Civil Engineering, Government College of Engineering, Tirunelveli-627 007, T.N., IN

Abstract

Rainfall intensity and groundwater quantity in Coastal area of Kanyakumari to Colachel coastal belt after Tsunami was used to assess the capacity of groundwater for determining its suitability for drinking and agricultural purposes. Physical and chemical parameters of groundwater were also analysed based on the rainfall intensity. In Kanyakumari district, the surface water resources have been fully utilized. The surface flow is more during monsoon periods. The deficient monsoon rainfall has affected the flow of surface water into reservoirs, anacuts, lakes, etc. Surface water and rainwater are widely used for irrigation. Consequently, agriculturists have to a great extent depend upon an alternate source, viz., groundwater for irrigation requirements. Groundwater in the area is generally very good, pleasant, fresh to brackish, average to very low saline and low alkaline in nature and fit both for agriculture and drinking purposes. Permissible average total hardness and TDS in all places of the study area identify the suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation. In the study area less groundwater extraction keeps the water table high. The elevated topography, more rainfall and limited groundwater extraction, keeps the Kanyakumari coastal belt free from sea water intrusion. Quantity of water is generally good throughout the district due to continuous rain fall in all monsoon seasons. Comparing the results of water quantity like surface water and subsurface water before and after Tsunami there is not much change in the quantity.

Keywords

Groundwater, Rainfall Intensity, Coastal Area, Kanyakumari, Colachel, Tsunami.

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S. Bhagavathi Perumal ¹, P. Thamarai ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Govt. College of Engineering, Tirunelveli, 627 007, T.N, IN

Abstract

To ascertain the suitability of groundwaters for any purpose, it is essential to classify them depending upon their hydrochemical properties based on their TDS values. The groundwater of the area is freshwater except a few samples representing brackish water at Manakudi. Most of the groundwater samples are within the maximum permissible limit for drinking as per the WHO international standards. At the junction point, where Palayar and sea joins, the Echori effect was also studied and there is no such effect which affect the surface and groundwater properties. The TDS value of 2/ 3rd of the basin is below 500 mg/L indicating low content of chloride in groundwaters which can be used for drinking without any risk.

Keywords

Goundwater, Total Dissolved Solids, Water Quality, Coastal Area, Kanyakumari.

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S. Bhagavathi Perumal ¹, P. Thamarai ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Civil Engineering, National College of Engineering, Tirunelveli-627 151, T.N., IN
2 Department of Civil Engineering, Government College of Engineering, Tirunelveli-627 007, T.N., IN

Abstract

Soil types of an area are more important, since soil is the main criteria in agricultural production and in recharge of groundwater. Different types of soils are derived from a wide range of geological formations. Knowledge about type of soils, its extent and occurrence is of primary importance for agricultural planning to maximize production and for groundwater recharge. The soils of the district from Kanyakumari to Colachel coastal belt can be classified into red loams, red lateritic soil and pale reddish. They are derived from lateralization of gneisses. The soils derived from gneisses are mostly brownish. Thickness of soils in mountains is almost negligible, whereas in the valleys they are around 2m thick. The lateritic type of soil occurs in blocks of Rajakkamangalam. The mixed type of red and alluvial soil occurs in Agastheeswaram block. The coastal sand occurs in the western side of the district. The coastal alluvium sand is of high fertility. Generally, the soils are highly acidic in the coastal area. This is mainly due to heavy rainfall and heavy leaching of basic rock in hilly areas.

Keywords

Lithological Studies, Coastal Area, Kanyakumari, Colachel Coastal Belt.

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S. Bhagavathi Perumal ¹, P. Thamarai ²

Affiliations
1 Deptt. of Civil Engineering, National College of Engineering, Maruthakulam, Tirunelveli-627 151, T.N., IN
2 Deptt. of Civil Engineering, Government College of Engineering, Tirunelveli-627 007, T. N., IN

Abstract

Hydrochemistry of groundwater in coastal area of Kanyakumari to Colachel after Tsunami was used to assess the quality of groundwater for determining its suitability for drinking purposes. Physical and chemical parameters of groundwater such as electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl^-, HCO₃ ^-, CO₃ ^2-, SO₄ ^2-, NO₃ ^-, F^-, B^- and SiO₂ were determined. Concentrations of the chemical constituents in groundwater vary spatially and temporally. Interpretation of analytical data shows that mixed Ca-Mg-Cl, Ca-Cl and Na-Cl are the dominant hydrochemical facies in the study area. Alkali earths (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) and strong acids (Cl^-, SO₄ ^2-) are slightly dominating over alkalis (Na⁺, K⁺) and weak acids (HCO₃ ^-, CO₃ ^2-). The abundance of the major ions is as follows: Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ = Cl^- > HCO₃^- > SO₄ ^2- > NO₃^- > CO₃^2-. Groundwater in the area is generally very good, pleasant, fresh to brackish, average to very low saline and low alkaline in nature and fit for drinking purposes. Permissible average total hardness and TDS in all places of the study area identify the suitability of groundwater for drinking. Based on the TDS value, the groundwater in these areas is of bicarbonate/ calcium chloride/sodium chloride type. Fluoride and boron are within the permissible limits for human consumption and crops as per the international standards. Nitrate concentration is slightly high in some areas. In the study area less groundwater extraction keeps the water table high. The elevated topography, more rainfall and limited groundwater extraction, keeps the Kanyakumari coastal belt free from seawater intrusion. The surface water resources have been fully utilized. The surface flow is more during monsoon periods. Quality of water is generally good throughout the district except some places in the study areas like Keelamanagudi, Thengampudur and Colachel and some pockets along the coastal belt. Comparing the results of water parameters before and after Tsunami there is not much change in the quality of water for drinking.

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