Analyzing Anthropogenic Impact on Groundwater Quality in an agriculturally advanced region of Northern India
Suresh Chand RAI, University of Delhi, India
Anant GAUTAM, University of Delhi, India
The present study attempts to analyze the impact of anthropogenic activities on the groundwater quality of the Doaba region of Punjab which is undergoing a very fast rate of agricultural, industrial, and infrastructural development. Various indices such as water quality index (WQI), weighted arithmetic water quality index (WAWQI), and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) have been used to assess the groundwater suitability for domestic purposes. Indices such as residual sodium carbonate, sodium adsorption ratio, permeability index, %sodium hazard, kelly ratio, magnesium hazard, potential salinity, synthetic harmful coefficient, and irrigation coefficient have been used to assess the groundwater suitability for irrigation. Since it is difficult to decide the suitability of groundwater for irrigation based on these indices individually, a composite groundwater quality index for irrigation has been proposed in the study which transforms all the nine indices to a single value for each sample. Results reveal that the groundwater of Shahkot, Nakodar, and Balachaur blocks have been found unsuitable for domestic use due to chemical leaching from fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural and industrial wastes. Whereas, the groundwater of Sultanpur Lodhi, Lohian Khas, Bhulath, Shahkot, Nakodar, Phagwara, and Balachaur blocks have been found unsuitable for irrigation. Long-term water accumulation in aquifers and continuous use of ions groundwater rich in sodium-ion for a long time has a significant impact on the soil porosity and permeability, leading to a reduction in crop production and yield. The findings conclude that it is imperative to the quest for groundwater quality in a region that is intensively cultivated and undergoing a fast rate of development. This will help in strategic planning and management for the conservation of groundwater resources to meet the needs and demands of the future generation.
Mots clés : Anthropogenic activities, Groundwater quality, Over-extraction, Composite groundwater quality index for irrigation, Multicriteria analysis
A103477SR