Assessment of groundwater quality and determination of hydrochemical evolution of groundwater in Shillong, Meghalaya (India)

Deterioration of surface water quality in various parts of India due to increasing urbanization has led to the extensive usage of groundwater for various domestic and irrigation needs, thereby raising concerns over its quality. However, there are very few studies focussing over the issue of groundwater quality in North-Eastern region of India. In order to make an assessment of the quality of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes, this study was carried out in Shillong-the Capital City of Meghalaya State in North-East India during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons of 2018. Standard sampling and analytical procedures were followed for groundwater quality assessment. Minimal variation was observed in the water quality of pre- and post-monsoon seasons. However, the study found that groundwater samples are having acidic pH and presence of nitrate is also reported. Some of the samples also showed the presence of mercury, nickel, and cadmium. The presence of these contaminants could be attributed to the industrial activities in the state. Overall, the groundwater quality was found suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes after conventional treatment. Hydrochemical studies further inferred that groundwater properties in the region are influenced by the rock weathering along with the atmospheric precipitation.

Automated summary

The study found that groundwater samples from Shillong, India exhibited acidic pH, presence of nitrate, as well as some heavy metals like mercury, nickel, and cadmium. Despite this, after conventional treatment, the groundwater quality was deemed suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes. Hydrochemical studies indicated that groundwater properties in the region are influenced by both rock weathering and atmospheric precipitation.