Groundwater Quality Assessment in Lingasugur Taluk, Karnataka Using Water Quality Index and Geographic Information System

摘要

The study of groundwater quality in Lingasugur taluk of Raichur district has resulted in a large hydrochemistry data which is here simplified with the water quality index (WQI) for better understanding of the overall quality parameters alongwith the categorized areal extent. A total of 116 groundwater samples have been collected in each season of pre-monsoon and post-monsoon to study the hydrochemistry as well as seasonal variation in the physico-chemical parameters. The collected groundwater samples were analyzed for physical characteristics, such as pH, EC and TDS alongwith the chemical major ions, like Ca~(2+), Mg~(2+), Na~+, K~+, Cl~-, SO_4~(2-), HCO_3~-, CO_3~(2-), NO_3~-and F~-. The correlation analysis has been carried out to understand the geochemical processing controlling ground-water geochemistry. The water quality index (WQI) values were categorized into six classes and mentioned the statistical data accordingly. The result suggests that the overall quality of the study area is suitable for irrigation and industrial use whereas only 6 and 4 of the water samples are suitable for drinking purposes during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, respectively. This study illustrates the usefulness of WQI and understanding the water quality alongwith the extent of the contamination.