Journal
SUSTAINABILITY
Volume 13, Issue 13, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/su13137053
Keywords
anthropogenic activities; over-extraction; groundwater quality; composite groundwater quality index for irrigation
Funding
- University Grants Commission
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In this study, groundwater suitability for domestic and irrigation purposes was analyzed in the Bist-Doab region using various indices. The results indicated that groundwater quality was affected by anthropogenic activities, with some blocks unsuitable for domestic use and southwestern parts unsuitable for irrigation. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of groundwater quality was emphasized for strategic planning and management of groundwater resources in the region.
In the present study, groundwater suitability for domestic and irrigation purposes was analyzed in the alluvial aquifers of the Bist-Doab region of Punjab, India, using various indices such as WQI, WAWQI, MCDA, RSC, SAR, PI, %Na, KR, MH, PS, K, and K-a. Since it is difficult to assess the suitability of groundwater for irrigation based on various indices individually, a composite groundwater quality index for irrigation (CGQII) was used in the study which transforms nine indices to a single value for each sample. Results reveal that the groundwater of a few blocks was found unsuitable for domestic use due to chemical leaching from fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural and industrial wastes. Whereas, the groundwater of mainly southwestern parts was found unsuitable for irrigation due to long-term water accumulation in aquifers and continuous use of sodium-ion-rich groundwater. The findings conclude that anthropogenic activities have played a significant role in making groundwater unfit for domestic and irrigation purposes in the study area. The present study also emphasizes continuous monitoring and evaluation of groundwater quality, which will help in strategic planning and management for the conservation of groundwater resources in the region.
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