Groundwater quality characterisation of Himalayan State Uttarakhand, India and its suitability assessment for drinking and irrigation purpose

The study comprised characterisation of Groundwater of Himalayan State Uttarakhand India at 46 locations and its suitability assessment for drinking and irrigation purpose. Samples from each of 13 districts datasets are obtained from web site of Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board and data analysis is performed for physicochemical as well as heavy metals for the year 2022 and 2023 (pre-monsoon and post-monsoon in each year) was compiled and the average of each parameter from each location is analysed. The average of each parameter was compared mainly with the Indian Standards. From the analysis of the data, it is revealed that none of the sample exceeded the permissible limit and hence groundwater is fit for drinking purpose. Out of the eight heavy metals analysed, As, Hg, Cr and Cd were not detectable at all samples and Cu was found only in 63% samples and was observed above the acceptable limits. Pb is detected only at three locations which are mainly the industrial locations, and was found to be above the prescribed limits. Zn and Fe are found in all samples. Zn is always found below the acceptable limit though Fe is always detected above the prescribed limits. Ionic analysis revealed that the water is suitable for irrigation purpose. In all the samples, the amount of ions detected was in the following order: CO₃ > HCO₃ > Ca > Mg > SO₄ > Cl > Na > K. In the water from each of the sample location, alkaline earth metals exceed over alkalis and are mainly calcium and bicarbonate type. Physicochemical parameters are found to have a negative correlation with metals in most of the cases. However, metals show positive correlation with each other.

Graphical abstract