Assessment of Groundwater Quality for Drinking Purpose in Parts of Merta Block, Nagaur District, Rajasthan

摘要

Nagaur district, Rajasthan forming part of the Thar Desert experiences issues of declining groundwater levels, high salinity, fluoride and nitrate concentrations. Therefore, groundwater quality studies are conducted to ascertain suitability of groundwater for drinking purpose in region of Merta Block in southwestern part of Nagaur District. Quality analysis has been made through parameters including Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Nitrate, Sulphate, Chloride, Fluoride, Magnesium, Total Hardness (TH) and Bicarbonate. It is found that Electrical Conductivity, TDS and TH increases during post-monsoon period. No such changes are recorded for Sulphate, Nitrate and Fluoride contents after rainfalls. Major part of the study area experiences high salinity and therefore unfit for drinking purpose. However, all other chemical parameters are within maximum permissible limits as per BIS norms. Desalination of groundwater using nonconventional energy is suggested for sustainable drinking water supply. JK White Cement Works has constructed artificial recharge structures (Pits with bore wells technique) near village Dhanapa, which are resulted in rise of groundwater levek and quality improvement in nearby areas. Success story may be replicated in similar geo-environments. Large scale rainwater harvesting/storage/artificial recharge of potential aquifers is another management option, which may improve chemical quality of groundwater.