Journal of Geological Society of India (Online archive from Vol 1 to Vol 78)

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Hydrogeochemistry and Groundwater Quality in the Coastal Sandy Clay Aquifers of Alappuzha District, Kerala


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1 Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 581, India
     

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Groundwater qualities of coastal aquifers in the Chennam-Pallippuram Panchayath of Alappuzha district, Kerala have been extensively monitored in summer from January to May, 2007 to assess its suitability in relation to domestic and agricultural uses. The water samples (n=36) were analyzed for various physico-chemical attributes like temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), Na, K, Ca, Mg, alkalinity, hardness, silica, chloride, salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS) and sulphate (SO4 2-). Values of most of these parameters fall within permissible limits. Major ionic relationships indicate that weathering reactions have insignificant role in the hydrochemical processes of the shallow groundwater system. Hydrogeochemical processes controlling the water chemistry are precipitation rather than rock- water interaction. Various determinants such as Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), Percent Sodium (Na %), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), and Kelley's Ratio revealed that most of the samples are suitable for irrigation.

Keywords

Hydrogeochemistry, Groundwater Quality, Alappuzha, Kerala.
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  • Hydrogeochemistry and Groundwater Quality in the Coastal Sandy Clay Aquifers of Alappuzha District, Kerala

Abstract Views: 184  |  PDF Views: 0

Authors

T. M. Manjusree
Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 581, India
Sabu Joseph
Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 581, India
Jobin Thomas
Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 581, India

Abstract


Groundwater qualities of coastal aquifers in the Chennam-Pallippuram Panchayath of Alappuzha district, Kerala have been extensively monitored in summer from January to May, 2007 to assess its suitability in relation to domestic and agricultural uses. The water samples (n=36) were analyzed for various physico-chemical attributes like temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), Na, K, Ca, Mg, alkalinity, hardness, silica, chloride, salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS) and sulphate (SO4 2-). Values of most of these parameters fall within permissible limits. Major ionic relationships indicate that weathering reactions have insignificant role in the hydrochemical processes of the shallow groundwater system. Hydrogeochemical processes controlling the water chemistry are precipitation rather than rock- water interaction. Various determinants such as Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), Percent Sodium (Na %), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), and Kelley's Ratio revealed that most of the samples are suitable for irrigation.

Keywords


Hydrogeochemistry, Groundwater Quality, Alappuzha, Kerala.

References