The Chambal and Sind river basin is one of the more productive artesian basins in India. It is located in the northern part of the state of Madhya Pradesh, India and its groundwater resources are developed for water supply and irrigation. The chemical composition of groundwater is strongly influenced by the interaction with the basinal sediments and by hydrologic characteristics such as the flow pattern and the time of residence. The hydrochemical processes that control the chemical composition of water are defined. The dissolution of halite, sodium sulphate and gypsum explains part of the combined Na~+, K~+, Cl~-, SO_4~(-2) and Ca~(+2), but other processes such as cation-exchange, calcite precipitation, weathering of aluminosilicates, and gas exchange with the atmosphere also contribute to the water composition. Groundwater flow is from west to east. The groundwater is CaHCO_3 type in the recharge area and become NaHCO_3 type towards the discharge area. The affinity order for the groundwater in contact with the aquifer matrix is Ca>Mg>Na>K in the regional flow pattern. The assessment of contamination indicators such as pH, dissolved organic matter, dissolved oxygen and nitrate indicates that the groundwater is suitable for human consumption as well as irrigation purposes.
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