Groundwater Pollution in and Around the Coastal Belt of Anchuthengu, South Kerala, India

摘要

Groundwater quality in coastal region is reaching an alarming stage owed to the overdraft and anthropogenic contamination. Area chosen for study is Anchuthengu, which forms part of a typical coastal belt in the north western part of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala State. In order to identify the extent of pollution in the groundwater, open well samples were collected, from the coastal zone fringing the Arabian Sea and also from inland segment flanking Anchuthengu. Sampling and analysis were done in both pre and post-monsoon seasons. pH, EC, TDS, salinity, Na~+, K~+, total hardness, Ca~(2+), Mg~(2+), Cl~-, NO~(2-)_3, SO~(2-)_4, PO~(3-)_4 and HCO_3 were determined. The acquired values were compared with BIS standards to recognize its aptness for domestic use. Higher concentration of chemical parameters was observed in coastal areas relative to adjacent inland areas. Post-monsoon coastal samples reveal a higher concentration of NO~-_3, SO~(2-)_4 and PO~(3-)_4 than pre monsoon samples, which can be attributed to anthropogenic sources. Microbiological analysis confirms the presence of faecal coliform bacteria in the water samples, making the water unhygienic for drinking and other domestic purposes.