Hydrochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Water Quality using GIS based WQI Model in Surface Water Bodies of South Vellar Watershed, Tamil Nadu, South India

  • M. Lakshmi, R. S. SujaRose

Abstract

The present study investigates the spatial characteristics of water quality and hydrochemical properties in surface water bodies of South Vellar watershed, Tamil Nadu, South India. A Hydrochemical analysis was executed on 21 water samplings collected from ponds and pools during a post-monsoon period of 2019. The selected hydrochemical parameters such as pH, Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Calcium (Ca+), Chloride (Cl-), Sulphate (SO4²⁻), Magnesium (Mg²⁺), Sodium (Na⁺), Potassium (K⁺) were estimated using procedures of APHA standard protocols (et al. 2012). The major ionic sequence of the samples is indicated as Cl⁻ > Na⁺ > HCO3⁻ > Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > CO3²⁻ > SO4²⁻ >K based on their relative proportions. Wilcox diagram shows the lower sodium (Na+) in 21 samples, whereas, the higher level in 11 samples and falls under high salinity zones at the category of C3 and C4. Box and Whisker diagram indicates the lower content of sodium compared to calcium and chloride. GIS based WQI model is demarcated the spatial variability of water quality at the range of 12.21 to 78.96. This shows the good to excellent water quality in the villages include Karakathikkottai, Kodikulam, Manjakkudi. Similarly, the WQI value is higher in the water bodies associated with the built-up regions compared to other land uses. The WQI value is lower in the Karamangalam and Talanurareas that indicate the deteriorating water quality due to human-induced activities. Moreover, the same condition is noted in the Thattani and Ammapattinam tanks. The lower WQI value is noted in and around the villages of Mumpalai, Subramanyapuram, Seyyanam, Nilaiyur, VellurSiruvarai, and Kannakkur that shows the occurrence of poor water quality. Surface water bodies lay at a few hotspots of coastal belts show little evidence of seawater intrusion due to seasonal seepage flow processes. The primary database of this present study is useful for the sustainable management of surface water bodies on a long-term scale.

Published
2021-11-29
How to Cite
M. Lakshmi, R. S. SujaRose. (2021). Hydrochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Water Quality using GIS based WQI Model in Surface Water Bodies of South Vellar Watershed, Tamil Nadu, South India. Design Engineering, 490 - 505. Retrieved from http://www.thedesignengineering.com/index.php/DE/article/view/6975
Section
Articles