Title: Hydro-geochemical characteristics of groundwater of Sirhind Nala sub-basin (Ghaggar river basin, India) in relation to salinity hazard

Authors: Arun Kumar, Madhuri S. Rishi, Naresh Kochhar, Suman Mor

Addresses: Ground Water Cell, Agriculture Department, Punjab 160022, India. ' Department of Environment and Vocational Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India. ' CAS in Geology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India. ' Department of Environment and Vocational Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India

Abstract: Hydro-geochemical investigation of groundwater of Sirhind Nala sub-basin of the Ghaggar river basin (Southwest Punjab) has been carried out to study the distribution and sources of various dissolved ions. The levels of EC indicated that high salinity of groundwater was confined to small patches. The variations in EC levels seem to be related to non-flushing of water entrapped by clay beds, predominant in the region. High concentrations of SO₄²⁻, K⁺, NO₃⁻ and Cl⁻ indicated influence of anthropogenic activities. Furthermore, the groundwater was also assessed for its suitability for drinking purposes. The present study reveals that the water quality of the Sirhind Nala sub-basin has significantly deteriorated; which makes it unfit for drinking, as well as for agricultural purposes.

Keywords: groundwater salinity; electrical conductivity; sodium absorption ratio; residual sodium carbonate; Punjab; India; hydro-geochemical characteristics; dissolved ions; drinking water; water quality; water pollution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2011.040965

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2011 Vol.8 No.1/2, pp.62 - 77

Published online: 24 Jan 2015 *

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