Hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater from semiarid region of western India for drinking and agricultural purposes with special reference to water quality index and potential health risks assessment

Abstract Increase in demand for water for domestic, agricultural and industrial needs has led to overexploitation as well as contamination; hence, it is unremittingly important to monitor and maintain the health of waters. In view of this, a study was carried out wherein a total of 57 groundwater samples from Upper Bhima Basin of western India were collected and analysed for understanding the drinking and agricultural suitability with special reference to water quality index and potential health risks assessment. Analysed physicochemical parameters indicated that the groundwater quality is not suitable in most of the villages for drinking and agricultural purposes. However, pH, TDS, HCO3−, SO42−, Cl− and F− parameters were below the permissible limit; conversely, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, and NO3− contents have been found more than the Indian standards (BIS). The dissemination of ions in the qualitative analysis revealed the dominance order as Ca2+ &gt; Na+ &gt; Mg2+ &gt; K+ and HCO3− &gt; SO42−− &gt; Cl− &gt; NO3−. Using Piper’s diagram, the groundwater types were found to be majorly Ca2+–HCO3−, Ca2+–Na+–HCO3_ , Ca2+–Mg2+–Cl− and Ca2+–Cl− groups. From the Gibbs plot, it is observed that the samples fall between rock dominance and evaporation dominance zones. Based on irrigation indices such as permeability index, residual sodium carbonate, the groundwater is unsuitable for irrigation. In addition to that, water quality index values revealed that 49% of water samples are found unfit for drinking. Further, health risk assessment study carried out using United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) guidelines showed that children are at higher health risk than men and women in the study region.</jats:p

Remote Sensing Based Assessment of Agricultural Droughts in Sub-Watersheds of Upper Bhima Basin, India

Drought assessment for agricultural sector is vital in order to deal with the water scarcity in Ahmednagar and Pune districts, particularly in sub-watersheds of upper catchment of the River Bhima. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro-radiometer (MODIS) satellite data (2000, 2002, 2009, 2014, 2015 and 2017) for the years receiving less rainfall have been procured and various indices were computed to understand the intensity of agricultural droughts in the area. Vegetation health index (VHI) is computed on the basis of vegetation moisture, vegetation condition and land surface temperature condition. Most of the reviewed area shows moderate to extreme drought conditions.</jats:p

Temporal variations in hydro-geochemistry and potential health risk assessment of groundwater from lithological diversity of semi-arid region, Western Gujarat, India

AbstractThe temporal changes in hydro-geochemistry of groundwater from lithological diversity of Amba Dongar area were assessed from human health risk point of view. In view of this, 104 samples were collected in post- (POM) and pre-monsoon (PRM) seasons to understand the ionic concentrations and seasonal variations in major cations and anions. Based on concentration of physicochemical parameters it is inferred that groundwater quality is good for drinking and most of the parameters are within allowable limit of the World Health Organisation (WHO). However, EC, TDS, Ca2+ and HCO3− exceed the desirable while NO3 and F content are found beyond the permissible limits. The results 33% and 15% samples for nitrate and 60% and 63% samples for fluoride in POM and PRM, respectively, are above permissible limits of WHO, indicating a high health risk to inhabitants. The Piper’s trilinear diagram depicts Ca2+–Mg2+ HCO3− as major water type in both the seasons and the plots diagram that the chemical rock weathering and rock–water interaction are responsible for modifying the groundwater chemistry. Further, the total hazard index indicates that children have higher risk than adults in both. Hence, antipollution filters and rainwater recharging structures are recommended as an action to be taken to lessen the health hazard.</jats:p