Characterisation and quality assessment of groundwater with a special emphasis on irrigation utility: Thirumanimuttar sub-basin, Tamil Nadu, India |
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| Authors: | M Vasanthavigar K Srinivasamoorthy R Rajiv Ganthi K Vijayaraghavan V S Sarma |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Earth Sciences, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
2. National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, 500 007, Andhra Pradesh, India
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| Abstract: | Thirumanimuttar sub-basin is of particular importance in the study of groundwater quality due to the release of effluents from industries, agricultural, sewage and urban runoff, brining considerable change in water quality. An investigation was carried out by collecting a total of 194 groundwater samples for two seasons to decipher hydrogeochemistry and groundwater quality for determining its suitability for agricultural purposes. The water is neutral to alkaline in nature with pH ranging from 6.78 to 9.22 with an average of 7.37. Higher electrical conductivity (EC) was noted in NW and mid-downstream parts of the study area. Higher NO 3 ? was observed during post-monsoon (POM) due to the action of leaching and anthropogenic process. The piper plot reveals the dominance of Na+?CCl? and Na+?CHCO 3 ? , mixed Ca2+?CNa+?CHCO 3 ? , mixed Ca2+?CMg2+?CHCO 3 ? and Ca2+?CSO 4 ? types of hydrogeochemical facies. Higher total hardness in the groundwater is due to the effect of dyeing and bleaching industries discharging effluents affects the quality of water. Residual Sodium Carbonate value indicates 56% of the samples are not suitable for irrigation purposes in both seasons. Higher sodium percentage is noted during PRM indicating the dominance of ion exchange and weathering. Higher sodium adsorption ratio was observed during POM indicating the effect of leaching and dissolution of salts into the aquifer matrix. USSL plot indicates 15% of samples record high salinity to medium sodicity. The Permeability Index indicates water is moderate to good for irrigation purposes. In general, groundwater in the study area is influenced by both natural and anthropogenic activities. |
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