Study of Hydro-Chemical Groups of Groundwater in Different Geomorphic and Geological Settings of Sarada River Basin, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

An attempt has been made to study the hydrochemistry of groundwater in Sarada River Basin (SRB).The groundwater samples were collected from dug wells and bore wells which have been analysed for cations and anions in the study area. The river basin is divided into six sub-basins for the purpose of study. The six hydrochemical groups namely sodium bicarbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, calcium bicarbonate, sodium sulphate, and magnesium chloride, according to their dominant cations and anions were observed and studied in different types of rock formations, soil groups, geomorphic settings, slopes and groundwater aquifers in the area of the investigation. The hydrochemical data indicated that the groundwater was contaminated in the southern part of lower Sarada River Basin by sub-surface sea water intrusion, pollution due to the industrial wastes discharged by existing sugar factories and chemical contamination due to over use of fertilizers and pesticides in the areas of intense irrigation could be identified. In many locations maximum parameters were within the permissible limits and some were beyond the limits of drinking water standards. However, most of the groundwater of the SRB is found suitable for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes.