Chemical characterization and assessment of groundwater quality for irrigation purpose in Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

The chemical characteristics of seventy seven groundwater samples collected from totally different locations of Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, India, were analysed to review numerous quality parameters for their suitability to irrigation purpose. The groundwater samples were analysed for chemical properties viz. pH, electrical conductivity, K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3-, NO3-, Cl-, SO42-, F- and B-. The range of pH and EC were 7.1 to 8.0 and 0.23 to 1.49 dsm-1, respectively. The concentration of K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3-, NO3-, Cl-, SO42-, F- and B- were within the recommended limits prescribed for irrigation water in most of the locations. The Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+ were the dominant cations, whereas HCO3-, NO3- and Cl- were the dominant anions within the groundwater. Calculated total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, total hardness, carbonate hardness, non-carbonate hardness and excess alkalinity in groundwater samples were within the suggested limits for irrigation water. The suitability of groundwater for irrigation purpose was assessed by various criteria like magnesium ratio (MR), sodium percentage (Na %), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), permeability index (PI) and Kelly’s index (KI). The values of MR, Na%, RSC, SAR, PI and KI showed that the groundwater was good and appropriate for irrigation purposes in the study area.