Pollution Research Paper

Vol 37, Issue 1, 2018; Page No.(240-244)

A SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF HYDROGEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ATHIYANNOOR BLOCK, KERALA STATE, INDIA

ANOOP S., RAJESH REGHUNATH AND VIVEKANANDAN K.L.

Abstract

Evaluation of the quality of water for domestic and agricultural purposes is an inevitable process prior to the development of water resources. Hydrogeochemistry is the primary factor to determine the suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes. A detailed study has been carried out for the groundwater resources of Athiyannoor block, Trivandrum district, Kerala. The study area spreads around 72 km2. Groundwater is the major source for domestic and agricultural activity in this area. Groundwater samples were collected from 83 open wells during post monsoon period in the year 2014. It is found that low groundwater pH is the major problem in the study area. Low pH can cause gastrointestinal disorders like hyper acidity, ulcers, stomach pain, burning sensation, etc in the users. The interaction of the lateritic aquifer with the circulating groundwater may be the reason for the lower pH values. Piper’s trilinear diagram shows that noncarbonate alkalies exceeds 50% of total ions, ie, alkalies (Na and K) exceed alkaline earths (Ca and Mg) and strong acids (Cl and SO4) exceed weak acid (HCO3). Suitability of groundwater for irrigation was evaluated based on Sodium Percent, Sodium Adsorption Ratio, Residual Sodium Carbonate and US salinity diagram. Majority of the groundwater samples are found to be suitable for agricultural purposes. A total of fifteen groundwater samples were analysed for trace metals using ICPMS. It is found that all trace metal constituents except aluminium fall within the permissible limits of BIS.

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