Physico-chemical and Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Groundwater Sources of Punjab, India

摘要

The present study was undertaken to ascertain the quality of groundwater in Punjab, which has steadily declined in the recent years, due to overexploitation and heavy pollution. A total of 508 groundwater samples were collected from northern, central and southern regions of Punjab, and analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters and bacteriological contamination. Among the physico-chemical parameters, water samples were tested for pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, colour and dissolved oxygen (DO). Values for most of the investigated parameters exceeded the guideline values prescribed by WHO and BIS, and showed significant correlation with each other. The bacteriological quality of water was examined using Most Probable Number by enumerating total coliform and faecal coliforms. Out of the total samples analyzed, 179 (35.2%) samples proved to be fit for consumption, whereas 329 (64.7%) samples were found unfit. The data collected highlights the poor quality of ground water in Punjab, and the urgent need for implementing control measures to prevent its further deterioration.