Application of multivariate statistical analysis and water quality index for quality characterization of Parbati River, Northwestern Himalaya, India

The present study is an attempt to accomplish the understanding of the factors impacting Parbati river water quality in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The main objective is to assess the overall water quality, to explore its hydrogeochemical characteristics including major ion contents and other chemical parameters using Water Quality Index (WQI), statistical techniques (principal component analysis) and conventional graphical representation such as Piper trilinear diagram, Durov. Eighteen surface water samples were collected from different altitudinal sites to analyze physico-chemical parameters for June 2019 and September 2019. Analytical outcomes of thirty-six surface water samples collected in Pre-monsoon and Post-monsoon seasons are well within the permissible limits as per BIS, 2012 and WHO 2011 for drinking and domestic purposes. Water quality characterization for the assigned use shows that maximum surface water samples fall under excellent to good water quality index and are suitable for drinking without conventional treatment. The Piper trilinear diagram classified 100% of surface water samples for both seasons’ falls in the fields of Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3− water type indicating temporary hardness. Abundance of ions in the water samples is in the order: anions HCO3−>Cl−>SO42−>NO3− and cations Mg2+>Ca2+>Na+>K+. PCA identifies that the surface water chemistry is influenced by natural factors as well as minor anthropogenic activities in both the seasons. The correlation matrix has been prepared to analyse and observe the significance of the factors on the assessment of river water quality. Periodic assessment of surface water samples of the Parbati river and adjoining areas should be carried out. This approach will help in finding out any contamination of water occurring due to rapid socio-economic development as well as explosion of tourism industry in the region. Present study will work as baseline database for any future work in the region.

Evaluation of Groundwater quality and suitability for irrigation using hydro-chemical process in Bhavani taluk, Erode District, Tamilnadu, India

In most regions of the present study area, Bhavani Taluk, groundwater quality is deteriorating at an alarming rate as a result of anthropogenic activities, however, little attention was given to groundwater quality and management. This research examines the quality of groundwater in Bhavani Taluk, Tamilnadu and compares its suitability for irrigation. The Bhavani region of Erode District, Tamilnadu is the most cultivated, with a considerable use of fertilizers and pesticides. Groundwater quality for irrigation purposes was assessed during the pre-monsoon season by collecting samples from 53 different locations. Physico-chemical parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, HCO3−, CO32−, Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+were measured in these groundwater samples. Irrigation quality measures such as salinity hazard, sodium hazard expressed as SAR, percentage of sodium (% Na), and permeability index (PI) were calculated to evaluate groundwater quality for agricultural irrigation. Based on the classification of Electrical conductivity (EC) most of the groundwater samples are falling under the permissible limit. As per the USSL diagram, the large majority of groundwater samples fall within the category of C3-S1 and the water is suitable for irrigation. Piper trilinear diagram interpretations were made to know the chemical type of the groundwaters. The piper diagram indicates that 50% of the groundwater sample were belongs to Mg2+, Ca2+, HCO3−, and Cl−. The groundwater samples fall under Class I category according to Doneen’s Classifications.

Characterization of the Groundwater Quality in Udham Singh Nagar of Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand

The Udham Singh Nagar district is affluent in fertile land, water resources, and even favoured for industrial advancement, thereby resulting in a rapid increase of industrialization and urban growth, which are the inevitable causes for groundwater contamination. During recent years the increased rate of urbanization and the establishment of Integrated Industrial Estate (IIE) at Pantnagar, Kashipur and Sitarganj area (of the district) have increased the demand for groundwater. A proper groundwater resource planning and monitoring on a regional scale is required to cope with the pace of rapid urbanization and industrialization along with dire irrigation needs. To suffice this strategy, the spatial distribution of water quality shall determine the kind of sustainable approach to be implemented in an area. The objective of this research is to assess the hydrochemical quality of the groundwater in Udham Singh Nagar district (areal extent 3055 Km2), Uttarakhand. The groundwater samples collected from the aquifer have shown anomalous values of Total Hardness (TH), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Magnesium (Mg2+), Iron (Fe2+), and Lead (Pb2+) on undergoing major elemental analysis which confirms about degradation in the groundwater quality. Moreover, the Piper Trilinear Diagram (PTD) has identified the hydrochemical facies, and characterization of groundwater. Based on the interpretation of TDS, most groundwater samples <500 mg/l dissolved solids, making it desirable for drinking. Therefore, this phenomenon attributes to suitable drinking water present in the aquifer of Udham Singh Nagar district, Uttarakhand.

Hydrogeology and origin of waters of the Panyam Volcanic Line springs, Jos Plateau, Nigeria

The PVL springs are used for both domestic and agricultural purposes. The seepage from the springs has resulted in producing a large expanse of wetlands and is therefore intensively use for dry season farming. The aim of this study was to determine the hydrogeological, hydrochemical characteristics, origin and their suitability for domestic and irrigation. The hydrogeology of the springs was determined by field mapping. The physico-chemical parameters were determined in the field and by laboratory methods. For the cation and anion analysis the ICP-MS and the wet methods were employed respectively. The stable isotope composition of oxygen (δ18O) and hydrogen (δ2H) were analyzed by Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer. The hydrochemical analysis revealed that the PVL springs waters are generally neutral with an average pH value of 7.3. The average TDS and EC values are 127.8mg/l and 246µs/cm respectively. These values fall within fresh water class. The average Mg2+,Ca2+, Na+ and K+ cation concentration values are 16.3mg/l, 15.8mg/l, 10.8mg/l and 5.58mg/l respectively. The average anions concentration of HCO3-, SO4 and Cl- are 140mg/l, 8.6mg/l and 3.4mg/l respectively. Piper trilinear diagram show that the spring waters is predominantly Mg-Ca-HCO3 water type with potable qualities based on WHO drinking water standards. The sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) and Sodium Soluble Percentage (SSP) values range between 0.44 to 0.84 and 26.4 to 54% respectively and falls within irrigation quality standards. Stable isotope compositions of δ18O and δ2H ranges from -3.60/00 to -4.90/00 and -200/00 to -280/00 respectively falls within the meteoric water composition. This is further affirmed by the δ2H versus δ18O plot on the correlation diagram with Standard Meteoric Water Line.

Hydrogeology and origin of waters of the Panyam Volcanic Line springs, Jos Plateau, Nigeria

The PVL springs are used for both domestic and agricultural purposes. The seepage from the springs has resulted in producing a large expanse of wetlands and is therefore intensively use for dry season farming. The aim of this study was to determine the hydrogeological, hydrochemical characteristics, origin and their suitability for domestic and irrigation. The hydrogeology of the springs was determined by field mapping. The physico-chemical parameters were determined in the field and by laboratory methods. For the cation and anion analysis the ICP-MS and the wet methods were employed respectively. The stable isotope composition of oxygen (δ18O) and hydrogen (δ2H) were analyzed by Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer. The hydrochemical analysis revealed that the PVL springs waters are generally neutral with an average pH value of 7.3. The average TDS and EC values are 127.8mg/l and 246µs/cm respectively. These values fall within fresh water class. The average Mg2+,Ca2+, Na+ and K+ cation concentration values are 16.3mg/l, 15.8mg/l, 10.8mg/l and 5.58mg/l respectively. The average anions concentration of HCO3-, SO4 and Cl- are 140mg/l, 8.6mg/l and 3.4mg/l respectively. Piper trilinear diagram show that the spring waters is predominantly Mg-Ca-HCO3 water type with potable qualities based on WHO drinking water standards. The sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) and Sodium Soluble Percentage (SSP) values range between 0.44 to 0.84 and 26.4 to 54% respectively and falls within irrigation quality standards. Stable isotope compositions of δ18O and δ2H ranges from -3.60/00 to -4.90/00 and -200/00 to -280/00 respectively falls within the meteoric water composition. This is further affirmed by the δ2H versus δ18O plot on the correlation diagram with Standard Meteoric Water Line.

Role of Ion Chemistry and Hydro-Geochemical Processes in Aquifer Salinization—A Case Study from a Semi-Arid Region of Haryana, India

In the present study, a total of sixty groundwater samples, twenty each for the pre-monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon seasons of 2018, were collected from selected locations in the Mewat district of Haryana, India. Electrical conductivity (EC) was measured at the site and total dissolved solids (TDS) were estimated. Samples were analysed for anions (chloride, sulphate, and bicarbonate) and cations (calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium). Multiple regression analysis was performed to analyse the data and report the dominant ions. Piper trilinear diagram and Gibbs plots were used to find out the water type and the factors controlling the chemistry of the groundwater, respectively. The saturation index of CaCO3, CaSO4 and NaCl was determined, using the PHREEQC MODEL. Sodium and calcium among cations, and chloride among the anions, had the highest degree of affinity and strong significance for all three seasons. The calcium–chloride water type dominated for all three seasons and Gibbs plot depicted that most of the Na+/Na+ + Ca2+ and Cl−/Cl− + HCO3− ratios show the weathering of rocks to form minerals as the major reason behind the ionic chemistry of the groundwater. The highest level of dissolution is encountered in the case of NaCl, followed by CaSO4, whereas CaCO3 depicts precipitation. The geochemical aspects of weathering, evaporation and ion exchange are the major processes responsible for high salinity, and anthropogenic activities are leading to its expansion. The findings from this study will be useful in management and remediation of groundwater salinity of the region.

Hydrogeochemistry and Overall Appraisal of Groundwater Status of Taldangra Block, Bankura District, West Bengal, India

South-western districts of the state of West Bengal, India are considered to be a significantly water-stressed area of the state because of unfavourable geological setting, subsurface lithology, soil cover and surface drainage pattern. Updated geohydrological data on micro-scale i.e., at subdivision or block-level are scanty for Bankura District, West Bengal. For the present study, a geo-hydrological survey was conducted in Taldangra block of Bankura District, West Bengal, during post and pre-monsoon session of 2017–18, to obtain an intense status on present groundwater quality of this water-stressed block. Variation of concentration of major affecting ions and spatial-temporal seasonal variations of water table elevation head and subsurface shift of predominant recharge and discharge zones of the block were demarked explaining the possible reasons. Suitability status of the groundwater for drinking, domestic and irrigation usages was also rated by the estimation of sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), permeability index (PI), Piper trilinear diagram.

Hydrochemistry and multivariate statistical analysis of the quality of water from Lake Bosomtwe for agricultural and human consumption

One of the six major meteoric lakes in the world, Lake Bosomtwe, is of great ecological significance for Ghanaians and the scientific community, most importantly for agricultural and human consumption. Water samples (n = 30) were collected to analyze the hydrogeochemical characteristics and water quality of the lake. Statistical methods including correlation, principal component, cluster analysis, Gibbs ratio, and the Piper–Trilinear diagram were used to analyze parameters. The Water Quality Index revealed that the lake water is not suitable for human consumption because measured pH, temperature, total dissolved solids, color, and bicarbonate exceeded their respective thresholds on all occasions. The calculated sodium absorption ratio (13.7–14.8) and soluble sodium percentage (94.43–95.43%) showed that the lake is not appropriate for irrigation as they exceeded their respective limit of 2 and 60%. The Gibbs ratio revealed that rock–water interaction is the underlying mechanism for water evolution. The Piper–Trilinear diagram revealed that alkalies earth and weak acids dominate the water chemistry of the lake. The dominant cation is sodium (82.22%), while the dominant anion is bicarbonate (79.39%). Five monitoring stations were identified, and the water quality was influenced by diverse anthropogenic and natural sources. The findings will provide a reference for policymakers and decision-makers at Lake Bosomtwe.

Assessment of Groundwater Quality of Bijnor District, India using Water Quality Index

In the present paper, geochemical characteristics of groundwater have been studied using Water Quality Index (WQI) and Piper trilinear diagram. The water quality index offers a quantitative representation of overall quality of water for any intended use and helps in pollution abatement programmes and management. Whereas, the Piper diagram shows graphical representation of the hydrochemical facies of a set of water samples. In the present work, twenty-five groundwater samples were collected from various locations in the Bijnor district. The samples were investigated for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, total hardness, fluoride and trace metals. The Piper trilinear diagram showed ++ - that groundwater of the district is Ca-Mg-HCO type. Ca and HCO were found dominant ions among cations and 3 3 anions, respectively. The WQI was found in the range of 71 to 86, which indicated that the samples fall under the fair to good category. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) checks were also applied to examine the water quality for the drinking purpose. The results revealed that most of the water quality parameters are within the permissible limits except iron and manganese. Based on the results, groundwater of the Bijnor district needs treatment for drinking purpose for the locations where the WQI is found below 75.

Piper-PCA-Fisher Recognition Model of Water Inrush Source: A Case Study of the Jiaozuo Mining Area

Source discrimination of mine water plays an important role in guiding mine water prevention in mine water management. To accurately determine water inrush source from a mine in the Jiaozuo mining area, a Piper trilinear diagram based on hydrochemical experimental data of stratified underground water in the area was utilized to determine typical water samples. Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA) was used for dimensionality reduction of conventional hydrochemical variables, after which mutually independent variables were extracted. The Piper-PCA-Fisher water inrush source recognition model was established by combining the Piper trilinear diagram and Fisher discrimination theory. Screened typical samples were used to conduct back-discriminate verification of the model. Results showed that 28 typical water samples in different aquifers were determined through the Piper trilinear diagram as a water sample set for training. Before PCA was carried out, the first five factors covered 98.92% of the information quantity of the original data and could effectively represent the data information of the original samples. During the one-by-one rediscrimination process of 28 groups of training samples using the Piper-PCA-Fisher water inrush source model, 100% correct discrimination rate was achieved. During the prediction and discrimination process of 13 samples, one water sample was misdiscriminated; hence, the correct prediscrimination rate was 92.3%. Compared with the traditional Fisher water source recognition model, the Piper-PCA-Fisher water source recognition model established in this study had higher accuracy in both rediscrimination and prediscrimination processes. Thus it had a strong ability to discriminate water inrush sources.