Evaluation of Groundwater Quality and its Suitability for Drinking and

Agriculture use in Parts of District Erode, India

Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate factors regulating groundwater quality in an area with agriculture as main use. Fifteen
2
groundwater samples have been collected from Erode district. The Erode district covers an area of approximately km and
underlain by the Deccan Trap lava flows of upper Cretaceous to Eocene age. Rapid development in recent years has led to an
increased demand for water, which is increasingly being fulfilled by groundwater abstraction. A detailed knowledge of the
water quality can enhance understanding of the hydrochemical system, to achieve this; a hydrochemical investigation was
carried out in the study area. Groundwater samples were chemically analyzed for major physicochemical parameter in order to
understand the different geochemical processes affecting the groundwater quality. The analytical results shows higher
concentration of total dissolved solids (26.66%), electrical conductivity (26.66%), chloride (33.33%) total hardness (60%) and
magnesium (86.66%) which indicates signs of deterioration as per WHO and BIS standards. On the other hand, 40%
groundwater sample is unsuitable for irrigation purposes based on irrigation quality parameters. The study revealed that
application of fertilizer for agricultural contributing the higher concentration of ions in aquifer of Vaijapur.
Keywords: Groundwater pollution, agricultural activity, irrigation water quality, vaijapur area.

Introduction
Water is essential to the existence of man and all living
things. Groundwater occurs almost everywhere beneath the
earth surface not only in a single widespread aquifer, but also
in thousands of local aquifer systems. Mans activities such
as food production, nutrition are dependent on water
8
availability in adequate quantities and good quality . Water is
the most common and widespread chemical compound in
6,12
nature which is a major constituent of all living creatures .
The quality of water is of great importance as it is commonly
consumed and used by households. Ground water which
occurs beneath the earth surface is considered free from
contamination, hence usable but anthropogenic as well as
natural factors are affecting the quality as well as quantity of
10
this valuable resource . It has been estimated that once
pollution enters the subsurface environment, it may remain
concealed for many years, becoming dispersed over wide
areas of groundwater aquifer and rendering groundwater
18
supplies unsuitable for consumption and other uses . Water
chemistry differs depending on the source of water, the
degree to which it has been evaporated, the types of rock and
mineral it has encountered, and the time it has been in
15,2
.
contact with reactive minerals

Understanding the potential influences of human activity on

ground water quality is important for protection and
sustainable use of ground water resources, as well as
groundwater extraction has been increasing continuously to
keep pace with agricultural development in rural areas hence
the hydro geochemistry study was undertaken by randomly
collected 15 groundwater samples from dug wells and bore
wells covering entire Vaijapur taluka area to understand the
sources dissolved ions, and to assess the chemical quality of
the groundwater through physicochemical analysis. Ground
water in the study area is utilized for both agricultural and
drinking purposes hence hydro geochemistry is discussed in
order to understand water rock interaction process and to
investigate the concentration of the total dissolved
constituents present in the ground water with respects to the
standards of safe potable water.
Study area: Vaijapur taluka, located in the heart of the
drought-prone interior of Maharashtra State and situated at
the latitude of 1940 to 2015 north and longitude of 7435
to 7500 east covering an area of approximately 1510.5 sq.
km and fall in Survey of India Toposheet No. 46 L/16 and
having population 259601 as per 2001 Census.
25

Climate: The climate of the district is characterized by a hot

summer and a general dryness throughout the year except
during the south west monsoon season, which is from June to
September while October and November constitute the postmonsoon season. The average annual rainfall in Vaijapur
taluka is 504.5mm. About 83% of annual rainfall is received
during June to September. The variation in rainfall from year
to year is large and study area falls in drought prone area
hence is characterized by the erratic behavior of the rainfall.
Geology and Hydrogeology: The entire study area is
covered and surrounded mainly by basaltic lava flows
belonging to the Deccan volcanic province that flooded
during upper Cretaceous to Eocene age. The stratigraphic
sequence and lithology is as indicated given below.
Formation
Alluvium
Deccan
Trap

Age
Recent
Upper
Cretaceous
to Eocene

Lithology
Clay, Silt and Sand
Vesicular and Amygdule zeolitic
basalt and massive basalt inter
bedded with red bole

The prominent geological units observed in the study area are

the horizontally disposed basaltic lava flows and each flow
has distinct two units. The upper layers consist of vesicular
and amygdule zeolitic basalt whiles the bottom layer consists
of massive basalt. This basaltic lava flows are the only water
bearing formations in the area. The weathered and fractured
mantles of the traps are forming water table aquifers in the
area where ground water occurs under phreatic conditions. A
number of lineaments which are fracture zones have been
identified on the satellite imagery due to linear pattern,
exhibited by darker tone and straight drainage course. These
4
lineaments are favorable for occurrence of groundwater .

Material and Methods

The current study was designed to investigate the conditions
of groundwater contamination in the study areas. The hydro
geochemistry study was undertaken by randomly collected
15 groundwater samples from dug wells and bore wells
covering entire Vaijapur taluka during October 2009.
Samples were drawn with a precleaned plastic polyethylene
bottle. Prior to sampling, all the sampling containers were
washed and rinsed thoroughly with the groundwater. Water
quality parameters such as pH and electrical conductivity
1
(EC) were analyzed immediately . Other parameters were
later analyzed in the laboratories of P.G. Department of
Geology, Govt. Institute of Science. Total dissolved solids

(TDS) were computed by multiplying the electrical

conductivity (EC) by a factor (0.64). Total hardness (TH) as
CaCO3 and calcium (Ca) were analyzed titrimetrically, using
standard EDTA. Magnesium (Mg) was calculated by taking
the differential value between total hardness (TH) and
calcium (Ca) concentrations. Chloride (Cl)) was determined
titrimetrically by standard AgNO3 titration. The content of
Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K) in groundwater was
estimated flame photometrically, employing Elico Flame
Photometer.All parameters are expressed in milligrams per
litre (mg/l) and milliequivalents per litre (meq/l), except pH
(units) and electrical conductivity (EC). The electrical
conductivity (EC) is expressed in micromohs/cm (S/cm) at
0
25 C.

Results and Discussion

Three hundred and seventy two groundwater samples based
on well number and three hundred groundwater samples
based on village were drawn from the wells which included
hand pumps, piped water supplies and mini water supply
schemes and also open wells and analyzed for
physicochemical parameters. The sample results of the
physicochemical analysis of well based on well number in
different climates like normal , pre monsoon and post
monsoon are presented in tables-1, table-2 and table-3
respectively. The sample results of the physicochemical
analysis of well based on village in different climates like
normal , pre monsoon and post monsoon are presented in
tables-4, table-5 and table-6 respectively. Table-7, table-8
3
and table-9 shows the critical parameters exceeding the BIS
permissible limits along with the permissible limits for these
parameters based on well number in different climates up to
2011. Table-10, table-11 and table-12 shows the critical
3
parameters exceeding the BIS permissible limits along with
the permissible limits for these parameters based on well
number in different climates up to 2009. Table-13, table-14
and table-15 shows the critical parameters exceeding the
3
BIS permissible limits along with the permissible limits for
these parameters based on village in different climates up to
2011. Table-16, table-17 and table-18 shows the critical
3
parameters exceeding the BIS permissible limits along with
the permissible limits for these parameters based on village
in different climates up to 2009.
pH: pH is one of the important factor of ground water. In the
study area pH indicates the ground water is slightly alkaline.
Electrical Conductivity (EC): Conductivity is the measure
of capacity of a substance to conduct the electric current.
Most of the salts in water are present in their ionic forms and
capable of conducting current and conductivity is a good
indicator to assess groundwater quality. Electrical
conductivity is an indication of the concentration of total
dissolved solids and major ions in a given water body.

Table- 1
Physico-chemical sample parameters of well based on well number in Erode district (normal)

Well
No

PH

Cl
(mg/l)

TDS
(mg/l)

TH (mg/l)

Ca
(mg/l)

Mg
(mg/l)

Na (ppm)

KR

SAR

SSP

8.2

124

641

320

38

54.675

87

0.9387645

2.11623

48.42076

8.1

234

1030

480

28

99.63

159

1.2457886

3.157472

55.472212

7.7

383

1565

490

64

80.19

207

1.4356058

4.069131

58.942453

50

385

270

30

47.385

32

0.4135168

0.8473827

29.254468

7.9

376

1452

610

148

58.32

258

1.2504847

4.546604

55.565127

7.7

177

887

310

52

43.74

166

1.7338625

4.102899

63.421716

8.3

35

417

150

16

26.73

58

1.3573602

2.060581

57.579668

8.2

128

633

195

14

38.88

133

2.5151286

4.143904

71.551539

369

1403

430

12

97.2

327

2.9945055

6.860387

74.965612

10

8.2

837

2588

800

80

145.8

455

2.0150576

6.999511

66.833137

Miln

7.7

35

385

150

12

26.73

32

0.4135168

0.8473827

29.254468

Max

8.3

837

2588

800

148

145.8

455

2.9945055

6.999511

74.965612

Average

8.025

298.75

1164.5

417.08333

53.5

72.09

197.41667

1.6090081

3.8959163

57.185564

Table- 2
Physico-chemical sample parameters of well based on well number in Erode district (pre monsoon)

Well No

PH

Cl
(mg/l)

TDS
(mg/l)

TH
(mg/l)

Ca
(mg/l)

Mg
(mg/l)

Na
(ppm)

KR

RSC

SAR

SSP

8.2

124

641

320

38

54.68

87

0.9387645

2.11623

48.42076

8.1

234

1030

480

28

99.63

159

1.2457886

3.157472

55.472212

7.7

383

1565

490

64

80.19

207

1.4356058

4.069131

58.942453

50

385

270

30

47.39

32

0.4135168

0.8473827

29.254468

7.9

376

1452

610

148

58.32

258

1.2504847

4.546604

55.565127

7.7

177

887

310

52

43.74

166

1.7338625

0.8047532

4.102899

63.421716

8.3

35

417

150

16

26.73

58

1.3573602

1.343135

2.060581

57.579668

8.2

128

633

195

14

38.88

133

2.5151286

1.601264

4.143904

71.551539

369

1403

430

12

97.2

327

2.9945055

0.1016432

6.860387

74.965612

10

8.2

837

2588

800

80

145.8

455

2.0150576

6.999511

66.833137

Miln

7.7

35

385

150

12

26.73

32

0.4135168

0.8473827

29.254468

Max

8.3
8.0
25

837

2588
1164.
5

800
417.0
83

148

145.8

2.9945055

1.601264

6.999511

74.965612

53.5

72.09

455
197.4
2

1.6090081

0.4543383

3.8959163

57.185564

Average

298.75

Table- 3
Physico-chemical sample parameters of well based on well number in Erode district (post monsoon)

Well No

PH

Cl
(mg/l)

TDS
(mg/l)

TH
(mg/l)

Ca
(mg/l)

Mg
(mg/l)

Na
(ppm)

KR

RSC

SAR

1
2

7.5
7.5

262
78

915
356

420
205

64
34

63.18
29.16

150
48

1.1794307
0.7599747

0
0

3.185048
1.458902

7.5

390

1508

570

64

99.63

297

1.8150706

5.41292

7.4

28

262

185

30

26.73

21

0.3701745

0.6718802

7.2

362

1494

620

120

77.76

237

1.1984223

4.142282

7.5

220

1052

330

64

41.31

138

1.3104169

1.405719

3.306052

7.4

103

760

170

20

29.16

58

1.179821

2.401629

1.935624

7.8

496

1511

570

60

102.06

274

1.6907318

4.993663

7.5

305

1479

430

84

53.46

244

1.7750618

0.1077295

5.120879

10

7.3

1064

3192

960

80

184.68

575

2.1724346

8.074548

Miln

7.2

28

262

170

20

26.73

21

0.3701745

0.6718802

Max

7.8
7.46
67

1064

3192
1331.9
2

960
465.83
3

120
63.333
33

184.68

575
219.833
3

2.1724346

2.401629

8.074548

1.3328457

0.5263922

3.9206855

Average

366.7

76.545

SSP
54.1164
59
43.181
64.4769
12
27.0165
96
54.5128
35
56.7177
67
54.1246
73
62.8353
9
63.9647
67
68.4784
68
27.0165
96
68.4784
68
53.7433
28

Table- 4
Physico-chemical sample parameters of well based on village in Erode district (normal)

Village
No

PH

Cl
(mg/l)

TDS
(mg/l)

TH
(mg/l)

Ca
(mg/l)

Mg
(mg/l)

Na
(ppm)

206

1123

310

28

58.32

69

0.799351

44.42441

1.705142

8.2

124

641

320

38

54.675

87

0.938764

48.42076

2.11623

369

1403

430

12

97.2

327

2.994505

74.96561

6.860387

8.2

53

335

215

32

32.805

32

0.493789

33.05614 0.9496791

8.1

234

1030

480

28

99.63

159

1.245789

55.47221

3.157472

7.7

383

1565

490

64

80.19

207

1.435606

58.94245

4.069131

8.2

837

2588

800

80

145.8

455

2.015058

66.83314

6.999511

106

636

285

60

32.805

92

0.991326

49.7822

2.371746

8.2

149

701

155

20

25.515

198

4.350214

81.30916

6.920338

10

50

385

270

30

47.385

32

0.413517

29.25447 0.8473827

Min

7.7

50

335

155

12

25.515

32

0.4135168

29.254468

0.8473827

Max

8.2

837

2588

800

80

145.8

455

4.3502142

81.30916

6.999511

Average

8.06

251.1

1040.7

375.5

39.2

67.4325

165.8

1.5677919

54.246056

3.5997019

KR

SSP

SAR

Table- 5
Physico-chemical sample parameters of well based on village in Erode district (pre monsoon)
Village
No

PH

Cl
(mg/l)

TDS
(mg/l)

TH
(mg/l)

Ca
(mg/l)

Mg
(mg/l)

Na
(ppm)

206

1123

310

28

58.32

69

8.2

124

641

320

38

54.675

87

369

1403

430

12

97.2

327

8.2

53

335

215

32

32.805

32

8.1

234

1030

480

28

99.63

159

7.7

383

1565

490

64

80.19

207

8.2

837

2588

800

80

145.8

455

106

636

285

60

32.805

92

8.2

149

701

155

20

25.515

198

10

50

385

270

30

47.385

32

Miln

7.7

50

335

155

12

25.515

32

Max

8.2
8.0416
667

837
283.16
667

2588
1110.83
33

800

80
40.333
333

145.8

455

70.47

178.75

Average

392.5

SAR
1.7051
42
2.1162
3
6.8603
87
0.9496
791
3.1574
72
4.0691
31
6.9995
11
2.3717
46
6.9203
38
0.8473
827
0.8473
827
6.9995
11
3.6536
594

RSC

KR

SSP

0.1028161

0.7993513

44.424414

0.9387645

48.42076

0.1016432

2.9945055

74.965612

0.4937891

33.056144

1.2457886

55.472212

1.4356058

58.942453

2.0150576

66.833137

0.9913259

49.782203

3.701437

4.3502142

81.30916

0.4135168

29.254468

0.4135168

29.254468

3.701437

4.3502142

81.30916

0.6339444

1.7034709

54.418682

Table- 6
Physico-chemical sample parameters of well based on village in Erode district (post monsoon)

PH

Cl
(mg/l
)

TDS
(mg/l)

TH
(mg/l)

Ca
(mg/l
)

Mg
(mg/l)

Na
(ppm
)

SAR

1
2

7.3
7.5

234
262

1411
915

400
420

48
64

68.04
63.18

163
150

3.546315
3.185048

3
4
5
6

7.5
7.8
7.5
7.5

305
110
78
390

1479
596
356
1508

430
340
205
570

84
64
34
64

244
69
48
297

5.120879
1.628516
1.458902
5.41292

7.3

1064

3192

960

80

575

8.074548

7.7

138

856

330

54

53.46
43.74
29.16
99.63
184.6
8
47.38
5

RSC
0.304
6147
0
0.107
7295
0
0
0

138

3.30584

9
10
Miln

7.5
7.4
7.3

184
28
28

939
262
262

310
185
185

56
30
30

196
21
21

4.844518
0.6718802
0.6718802

Max

7.8
7.50
8333
3

1064

3192

960

323.
75

1247.
3333

441.2
5

84
57.6
6666
7

41.31
26.73
26.73
184.6
8

575
208.
0833
3

Village
No

Averag
e

72.39
375

KR

SSP

1.404688
1.179431

58.41456
54.11646

1.775062
0.640431
0.759975
1.815071

63.96477
39.0404
43.181
64.47691

2.172435

68.47847

1.361148

57.64772

2.014181
0.370175

66.8235
27.0166

0.3701745

27.016596

8.074548

0
1.405
013
0
0
1.405
013

2.1724346

68.478468

3.8329829

0.268
5309

1.336267

53.221287

Table -7
Exceeding the Permissible limit based on well number (normal) up to 2011

1
2
3

Parameter
pH
Chloride
TDS

BIS Permissible limit1998

6.5-8.5
1,000
2,000

No. of Sample exceeding

permissible limit
73
5
15

Percentage of Sample
exceeding permissible limit
19.62365591
1.344086022
4.032258065

4
5

Total Hardness
Calcium

600
200

43
3

11.55913978
0.806451613

6
7

Magnesium
Sodium

100
200

45
75

12.09677419
20.16129032

Sl.No

Table -8
Exceeding the Permissible limit based on well number (pre monsoon) up to 2011

1
2
3

Parameter
pH
Chloride
TDS

BIS Permissible limit1998

6.5-8.5
1,000
2,000

No. of Sample exceeding

permissible limit
114
1
9

Percentage of Sample
exceeding permissible limit
30.64516129
0.268817204
2.419354839

4
5

Total Hardness
Calcium

600
200

37
1

9.946236559
0.268817204

6
7

Magnesium
Sodium

100
200

35
61

9.408602151
16.39784946

Sl.No

Table -9
Exceeding the Permissible limit based on well number (post monsoon) up to 2011

No. of Sample exceeding

permissible limit
44
2
7

Percentage of Sample
exceeding permissible
limit
11.82795699
0.537634409
1.88172043

Sl.No
1
2
3

Parameter
pH
Chloride
TDS

BIS Permissible limit1998

6.5-8.5
1,000
2,000

4
5

Total Hardness
Calcium

600
200

41

11.02150538

6
7

Magnesium
Sodium

100
200

34
96

9.139784946
25.80645161


Table -10
Exceeding the Permissible limit based on well number (normal) up to 2009

1
2
3

Parameter
pH
Chloride
TDS

BIS Permissible limit1998

6.5-8.5
1,000
2,000

No. of Sample exceeding

permissible limit
1
6

Percentage of Sample
exceeding permissible limit
0.862068966
5.172413793

4
5

Total Hardness
Calcium

600
200

16
1

13.79310345
0.862068966

6
7

Magnesium
Sodium

100
200

16
28

13.79310345
24.13793103

Sl.No

Table -11
Exceeding the Permissible limit based on well number (pre monsoon) up to 2009

1
2
3

Parameter
pH
Chloride
TDS

BIS Permissible limit1998

6.5-8.5
1,000
2,000

No. of Sample exceeding

permissible limit
9
5

Percentage of Sample
exceeding permissible limit
7.75862069
4.310344828

4
5

Total Hardness
Calcium

600
200

15
-

12.93103448
-

6
7

Magnesium
Sodium

100
200

15
27

12.93103448
23.27586207

Sl.No

Table -12
Exceeding the Permissible limit based on well number (post monsoon) up to 2009

1
2
3

Parameter
pH
Chloride
TDS

BIS Permissible limit1998

6.5-8.5
1,000
2,000

No. of Sample exceeding

permissible limit
2
1
3

Percentage of Sample
exceeding permissible limit
1.724137931
0.862068966
2.586206897

4
5

Total Hardness
Calcium

600
200

24
-

20.68965517
-

6
7

Magnesium
Sodium

100
200

22
39

18.96551724
33.62068966

Sl.No

Table -13
Exceeding the Permissible limit based on village (normal) up to 2011

No. of Sample
exceeding permissible
limit
72
5
15

Percentage of Sample
exceeding permissible
limit
19.45946
1.351351
4.054054

1
2
3

Parameter
pH
Chloride
TDS

BIS Permissible limit1998

6.5-8.5
1,000
2,000

4
5

Total Hardness
Calcium

600
200

48
3

12.97297
0.810811

6
7

Magnesium
Sodium

100
200

46
74

12.43243
20

Sl.No

Table -14
Exceeding the Permissible limit based on village (pre monsoon) up to 2011

1
2
3

Parameter
pH
Chloride
TDS

BIS Permissible limit1998

6.5-8.5
1,000
2,000

No. of Sample
exceeding permissible
limit
113
1
9

Percentage of Sample
exceeding permissible
limit
30.54054
0.27027
2.432432

4
5

Total Hardness
Calcium

600
200

44
1

11.89189
0.27027

6
7

Magnesium
Sodium

100
200

35
60

9.459459
16.21622

Sl.No

Table -15
Exceeding the Permissible limit based on village (post monsoon) up to 2011

Percentage of Sample
exceeding permissible
limit
11.62162
0.540541
2.162162

1
2
3

Parameter
pH
Chloride
TDS

4
5

Total Hardness
Calcium

600
200

42
-

11.35135
-

6
7

Magnesium
Sodium

100
200

33
95

8.918919
25.67568

Sl.No

No. of Sample
exceeding permissible
limit
43
2
8

BIS Permissible limit1998

6.5-8.5
1,000
2,000

Table -16
Exceeding the Permissible limit based on village (normal) up to 2009

No. of Sample exceeding

permissible limit
1
6

Percentage of Sample
exceeding permissible
limit
0.862069
5.172414

1
2
3

Parameter
pH
Chloride
TDS

BIS Permissible limit1998

6.5-8.5
1,000
2,000

4
5

Total Hardness
Calcium

600
200

16
1

13.7931
0.862069

6
7

Magnesium
Sodium

100
200

16
27

13.7931
23.27586

Sl.No

Table -17
Exceeding the Permissible limit based on village (pre monsoon) up to 2009

No. of Sample
exceeding permissible
limit
10
5

Percentage of Sample
exceeding permissible
limit
8.62069
4.310345

1
2
3

Parameter
pH
Chloride
TDS

BIS Permissible limit1998

6.5-8.5
1,000
2,000

4
5

Total Hardness
Calcium

600
200

17
-

14.65517
-

6
7

Magnesium
Sodium

100
200

15
27

12.93103
23.27586

Sl.No

Table -18
Exceeding the Permissible limit based on village (post monsoon) up to 2009

Percentage of Sample
exceeding permissible
limit
1.724138
0.862069
2.586207

1
2
3

Parameter
pH
Chloride
TDS

4
5

Total Hardness
Calcium

600
200

24

20.68966
0

6
7

Magnesium
Sodium

100
200

21
39

18.10345
33.62069

Sl.No

No. of Sample
exceeding permissible
limit
2
1
3

BIS Permissible limit1998

6.5-8.5
1,000
2,000

Total dissolved solids (TDS): The total dissolved solids

(TDS) are the concentrations of all dissolved minerals in
water indicate the general nature of salinity of water. The
higher value of total dissolved solids is attributed to
application of agricultural fertilizer contributing the higher
16
concentration of ions in to the groundwater .

Calcium (Ca): Calcium is naturally present in water.

Calcium is a determinant of water hardness, because it can be
found in water as Ca ions.

Magnesium (Mg): A large number of minerals contain

magnesium; Magnesium is washed from rocks and
subsequently ends up in water. Magnesium has many
different purposes and consequently may end up in water in
many different ways. Chemical industries add magnesium to
plastics and other materials as a fire protection measure or as
filler. It also ends up in the environment from fertilizer
application and from cattle feed. In the study area the rock
type is basalt hence source of magnesium in the groundwater
is basaltic rock type.

Total hardness (TH): Total Hardness is considered as a

major character of drinking water. Hardness is defined as the
concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions. Calcium
(Ca) and magnesium (Mg) are dissolved from most soils and
rocks.

Chloride (Cl): Chloride originates from sodium chloride

which gets dissolved in water from rocks and soil. It is good
indicator of groundwater quality and its concentration in
groundwater will increase if it mixed with sewage or sea
water. The higher values of Chloride suggest leaching of
13
effluents from Agricultural fertilizer in to the ground water

Bicarbonate alkalinity (HCO3): Alkalinity is the measure

of the capacity of the water to neutralize a strong acid. The
Alkalinity in the water is generally imparted by the salts of

carbonates, silicates, etc. together with the hydroxyl ions in

20
free State .

Sodium (Na): Sodium is the sixth most abundant element in

The Earths crust and sodium stems from rocks and soils. Not
only seas, but also rivers and lakes contain significant
amounts of sodium. Concentrations however are much lower,
depending on geological conditions and waste water
contamination sodium compounds serve many different
industrial purposes, and may also end up in water from
industries.

Potassium (K): Potassium is an essential element for

humans, plants and animals, and derived in food chain
mainly from vegetation and soil. The main sources of
potassium in ground water include rain water, weathering of
potash silicate minerals, use of potash fertilizers and use of
surface water for irrigation. The European Economic
5
Community (EEC) has prescribed the guideline level of
potassium at 10 mg/l in drinking water. As per European
5
Economic Community (EEC) criteria, 26.66% samples
exceeding maximum permissible limit while 73.34% samples
of the study area fall within the guideline level of 10 mg/l.
Though potassium is extensively found in some of igneous
and sedimentary rocks, its concentration in natural waters is
usually quite low. This is due to the fact that potassium
minerals offer resistance to weathering and dissolution.

In the present investigation the ground water samples from

different part of the study area revealed that there is marked
variation in groundwater quality. The analytical results
shows higher concentration of total dissolved solids ,
chloride, total hardness , magnesium , sodium , pH and
calcium which indicates signs of deterioration as per WHO
4
(1984) and BIS standards.

Irrigation water quality: Groundwater is the main source of

irrigation in entire study area. Quality of water is assuming

great importance with the rising pressure on industries and

agriculture and rise in standard of living. The adequate amount
of water is very essential for proper growth of plants but the
quality of water used for irrigation purpose should also be well
within the permissible limit otherwise it could adversely affect
the plant growth. Questions have been raised as to the social
and environmental sustainability of this intensive mode of
crop production. The continuous use of poor quality water
without drainage and soil management may lead to saline and
sodic soil, particularly in clayey soils. The water used for
irrigation is an important factor in productivity of crop, its
yield and quality of irrigated crops. The quality of irrigation
water depends primarily on the presence of dissolved salts and
their concentrations. Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) and
Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) are the most important
quality criteria, which influence the water quality and its
suitability for irrigation.
Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR): The sodium adsorption
ration (SAR) indicates the effect of relative cation
concentration on sodium accumulation in the soil; thus,
sodium adsorption ration (SAR) is a more reliable method for
17
determining this effect than sodium percentage . Sodium
adsorption ration (SAR) is calculated using the following
formula:
+
2+
2+
1/2
SAR = [Na ] / {([Ca ] + [Mg ]) / 2}
Ions are expressed as milliequivalents per liter (meq/L). The
potential for a sodium hazard increases in waters with higher
sodium adsorption ration (SAR) values. 100% Sodium
adsorption ratios for groundwater samples of the study area
are less than 10 indicate excellent quality for irrigation and
samples fall in excellent (S1) category while nill % Sodium
adsorption ratios for groundwater samples of the study area
are within range 10-18 indicate good quality for irrigation
and samples fall in good (S2) category based on well number
and village in three monsoons (table 19).
Table - 19
Classification of groundwater on the basis of SAR, KR,
SSP and RSC
Parameter

Range

SAR

< 10
1018
1826
> 26
<1
>1
<50
>50
<1.25
1.25
2.50
> 2.5

KR
SSP
RSC

Water Class

Excellent (S1)
Good (S2)
Doubtful (S3)
Unsuitable (S4)
Good
Unsuitable
Good
Bad
Good
Doubtful
Unsuitable

Samples

All
05
05
05
05
4
4
2

%age

100
50
50
50
50
40
40
20

2+

2+

KR: Sodium measured against Ca and Mg is used to

11
calculate Kelleys ratio . The formula used in the estimation
+
of Kelleys ratio is expressed as, Kelleys Ratio (KR) = Na /
2+
2+
Ca + Mg .
A Kelleys Ratio (KR) of more than one indicates an excess
level of sodium in waters. Hence, waters with a Kelleys
Ratio less than one are suitable for irrigation, while those
with a ratio more than one are unsuitable for irrigation. 50%
Kelleys ratio (KR) values for the groundwater of study area
are less than 1 and indicate good quality water for irrigation
purpose while remaining 50% is more than 1 indicates the
unsuitable water quality for irrigation based on well number
and village in three monsoons (table 19).
SSP: The Soluble Sodium Percent (SSP) for groundwater
was calculated by the formula,
SSP =
Na x 100
2+
2+
+
Ca + Mg + Na
2+

2+

Where the concentrations of Ca , Mg

and Na are
expressed in milliequivalents per liter (epm). The Soluble
Sodium Percent (SSP) values less than 50 or equal to 50
indicates good quality water and if it is more than 50
indicates the unsuitable water quality for irrigation.. 50%
Soluble Sodium Percent (SSP) values for the groundwater of
study area are less than 50 and indicate good quality water
for irrigation purpose while remaining 50% is more than 50
indicate the unsuitable water quality for irrigation based on
well number and village in three monsoons (table 19).
Residual sodium carbonate (RSC): Waters containing a
carbonate plus bicarbonate concentration greater than the
calcium plus magne-sium concentration have what is termed
residual sodium carbonate
[RSC = (CO3 + HCO3) - (Ca + Mg)]
The potential for a sodium hazard is increased as Residual
sodium carbonate (RSC) increases, and much of the calcium
and sometimes the magnesium are precipitated out of
solution when water is applied to the soil. Salts become
concentrated when the soil dries out, as less soluble ions such
as calcium and magnesium tend to precipitate out and are
7
removed from the solution (Glover, 1996). Groundwater
having less than 1.25 or equal to 1.25 epm of Residual
sodium carbonate (RSC) is safe water for irrigation purpose,
water is having less than 1.25 to 2.5 epm of Residual sodium
carbonate (RSC) is marginally suitable for irrigation purpose
whereas water having more than 2.5 epm of Residual sodium
carbonate (RSC) is not suitable for irrigation purposes. Based
on Residual sodium carbonate (RSC) values, 40% samples of
study area having values less than 1.25 and were safe for
irrigation and 40% samples of study area having values
1.25-2.5 and were safe for irrigation and 20% samples of
study area having values greater than 2.5 and were safe for
irrigation based on well number and village in three
monsoons (table 19).

Table- 20
Performance result for different climate based on well and village in KR

Climate

Accuracy
(%)

Positive Predictive Value (%)

Negative Predictive Value (%)

Based on well 2011

95.9459

92.1

100

Based on well 2009

100

100

100

Based on village 2011

91.8919

86.84

97.22

Based on village 2009

100

100

100

Based on well 2011

81.0811

76.31

86.11

Based on well 2009

65.2174

50

81.81

Based on village 2011

97.2603

97.14

97.36

KR

Normal

Pre monsoon

100

100

100

Post monsoon

Based on well 2011

Based on village 2009

91.8919

93.33

89.65

Based on well 2009

91.3043

85.71

100

Based on village 2011

83.7838

84.09

83.33

Based on village 2009

78.2609

64.28

100

Table- 21
Performance result for different climate based on well and village in SAR

Climate
Normal

Pre monsoon

Accuracy (%)

Positive Predictive Value (%)

Negative Predictive Value (%)

Based on well 2011

SAR

95.9459

95.83

100

Based on well 2009

95.6522

100

Based on village 2011

94.5946

98.57

50

Based on village 2009

95.6522

100

Based on well 2011

98.6486

100

Based on well 2009

100

100

100

Based on village 2011

97.2973

98.63

Based on village 2009

95.6522

100

100

100

100

Post monsoon

Based on well 2011

Based on well 2009

100

100

100

Based on village 2011

95.9459

97.26

80

Based on village 2009

95.6522

100

100

Table- 22
Performance result for different climate based on well and village in SSP

Climate
Normal

Pre monsoon

Post monsoon

SSP
Based on well 2011
Based on well 2009
Based on village 2011
Based on village 2009
Based on well 2011
Based on well 2009
Based on village 2011
Based on village 2009
Based on well 2011
Based on well 2009
Based on village 2011
Based on village 2009

Accuracy (%)
85.1351
78.2609
87.8378
86.9565
78.3784
69.5652
93.2432
95.6522
91.8919
95.6522
94.5926
91.3043

Positive Predictive Value (%)

89.18
66.66
94.73
91.66
81.08
58.33
88.57
100
90.9
92.85
97.77
86.66

Negative Predictive Value (%)

81.08
90.9
80.55
81.81
75.67
81.81
97.43
90
93.33
100
89.65
100

Table- 23
Performance result for different climate based on well and village in RSC

Climate
Pre monsoon

Post monsoon

RSC
Based on well 2011
Based on well 2009
Based on village 2011
Based on village 2009
Based on well 2011
Based on well 2009
Based on village 2011
Based on village 2009

Accuracy (%)
94.5946
95.6522
95.9459
95.6522
95.9459
100
98.6486
95.6522

Positive Predictive Value (%)

93.93
95.23
96.77
100
95.31
100
100
94.73

Negative Predictive Value (%)

100
100
88.88
100
100
100
100
100

Performance Evaluation
The performance can be analyzed by the Nave Bayes (NB)
classifier which results shows concentration of signs of
21
3
deterioration as per WHO and BIS standards.

KR, SSP, SAR and RSC water classes has been implemented
and compared. The Performance of all these water classes in
different climates like normal, pre monsoon and post
monsoon have been analyzed.

Table-20, table-21, table-22 and table-23 shows the

performance results like accuracy , positive predictive value,
and negative predictive value based on well and village in the
range of years 2009 and 2011 with different climates like
normal, pre monsoon and post monsoon of KR,SAR,SSP and
RSC water classes.

From that results, post monsoon gives better accuracy in all

water classes like RSC, SSP, SAR and KR when compared
with other two climates in all water classes.

Conclusion
The analytical results shows higher concentration of total
dissolved solids (26.66%), electrical conductivity (26.66%),
chloride (33.33%), total hardness (60%), and magnesium
(86.66%) which indicates signs of deterioration as per
21
3
WHO and BIS standards.

5.

EEC (European Economic Communitites) Richtlinic des

Rates Vem., 15.7 1980 liber die qualitat Von Wasser fur
den
menschlichen
Gebrauch.
Amtslelatt
der
Europaischen gemeinschaft vom. 30-8 No. L 229, 11-29
(1980)

The groundwater of the rural Vaijapur aquifer exhibit

conductivities from 1200 to 16600 micromohs/cm. proper
drainage systems is required where electrical conductivity
(EC) is more than 1500 micromohs/cm. A few wells of the
study area record extraordinary values of conductivity and
chloride due to the application of fertilizer for agricultural
exhibiting the higher concentration of ions contributes to
groundwater degradation in varying degrees.

6.

Dojlido J., Chemia wody (chemistry of water), Warsaw:

Arkady (1987)

7.

Glover C.R., Irrigation Water Classification Systems,

Guide A-116, Las Cruces, NM 5C, 2 (1996)

8.

Howari F.M., Abu-Rukah Y. and Shinaq R.,

Hydrochemical analysis and evaluation of ground water
resources of north Jordan, Water Resources, 32(5), 555564 (2005)

On the other hand, 40% groundwater sample is unsuitable for

irrigation purposes according to Soluble Sodium Percent
(SSP) and Kelleys Ratio (KR). The data structure shows that
application of fertilizer for agricultural contributing the
higher concentration of ions in aquifer of Vaijapur.

9.

Amoako J., Karikari A.Y., Ansa-Asare. O.D., Physicochemical quality of boreholes in Densu Basin of Ghana,
Appl Water Sci, 1:4148 DOI 10.1007/s13201-0110007-0 (2011)

Recommendations: This study emphasizes the need for

regular groundwater quality monitoring to assess pollution
activity from time to time for taking appropriate management
measures in time to mitigate the intensity of pollution
activity.
The remedial measures include: i) Rain water harvesting
should be encouraged. Excess rain water stored should be
directed to recharging wells. ii) Encourage the framers to use
biofertilizers and biopesticides to avoid the soil, surface
water and groundwater contamination. iii) Awareness and
training programs should be conducted for the NGOs and
the local people for the sustainable use and management of
groundwater of the region. iv) A short term and long term
management action plan should be formulated for the
efficient use of groundwater resources and other natural
resources after taking into account the population
distribution, agricultural activities etc.

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