Mapping and assessing impacts of land use land cover and climate conditions on groundwater quality using RS & GIS

Abstract

Groundwater is an essential source for drinking purposes; hence, a qualitative analysis is necessary for groundwater resources. This study aims to assess the impacts of dynamic land use land cover (LULC) and climatic conditions on groundwater quality for drinking purposes. The investigative analysis of research used the water quality index (WQI) to analyze the groundwater quality and the source identified using the LULC map and climatic conditions. It extends an integrated and combined approach of different aspects. It provides a comprehensive understanding of how the various factors influence groundwater quality. The total area is classified as excellent, good, poor, very poor, and unfit for consumption based on the WQI. The results concluded that only 10.17% of the area has excellent drinking water quality, 19.97% has good water quality, 9.013% and 5.73% have poor and very poor water quality, respectively, and 55% of the water is unfit for consumption. The results indicated that the areas with agricultural expansion, urban development, and some natural conditions such as topographic features and high soil erodibility led to high total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity levels, and heavy metals. The main factors of LULC that lead to groundwater contamination include agricultural expansion and urban development. On the other hand, climatic conditions, such as variations in temperature and precipitation, also influenced groundwater quality. The research aids in examining different perspectives, which will lend a hand to water and land managers to make suitable decisions for sustainable development plans to conserve an economically important region.