Hydrogeochemical characteristics and multivariate statistical approach for monitoring groundwater quality scenario in the vicinity of industrial area of western Himalaya, India

ABSTRACT

In the present investigation, 50 groundwater samples were collected from Udham Singh Nagar District of Kumaun Himalaya in the pre-monsoon season and 15 physicochemical parameters were analysed using standard procedures. Here, we represent the chemistry of major cations and anions to know the overall water quality and hydrogeochemical characteristics controlling the solute acquisition processes and sources of elements in the study area. The analytical results revealed that in the groundwater samples, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ were the dominant cations and ${\mathrm{HCO}}_{3^{-}}$ was the most dominant anion in the study area. In all the groundwater samples, the content of alkaline earth metals (Ca²⁺+ Mg²⁺) exceeded the mean content of alkalis (Na⁺ +K⁺). In 62% of groundwater samples, the value of weak acid (${\mathrm{HCO}}_{3^{-}}$) exceeded the content of strong acid (Cl⁻ + ${\mathrm{SO}}_{4^{2-}}$). Piper diagram, molar ratios and statistical techniques indicated that weathering of carbonate and silicate minerals mostly managed the solute acquisition process with very less involvement of human activities. Most of the groundwater samples were found suitable for potable and domestic purposes except for a few locations nearby SIKDKUL or other industries (the eastern and western part of the study area). Correlation analysis revealed the dependency of WQI values on Fe and Mn content.

KEYWORDS:

• Factor analysis
• geochemistry
• groundwater
• physicochemical parameters
• Piper diagram
• water quality index

Data availability statement

All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kshitindra Kumar Singh

Mr. Kshitindra Kumar Singh, M.Sc. is Scientist at Central Institute of Mining& Fuel Research, Dhanbad under the aegis of CSIR (New Delhi). He has 20 years of research experience in area of water pollution due to mining and allied industrial activities. His area of research is hydro geochemical characteristics and water quality assessment for suitable for potable and irrigation purpose.

Geeta Tewari

Dr. Geeta Tewari, Ph.D. is Professor at Department of Chemistry, D. S. B. Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. Her research work focusses on water, soil and natural product chemistry.

Mamta Bisht

Dr. Mamta Bisht, Ph.D. from Uttarakhand, India is an Assistant Professor at School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun. Her research focusses on the health and environmental risk related to environment pollution.

R. K. Tiwary

Dr. R K Tiwary, Ph.D. is former Senior Scientist at Central Institute of Mining& Fuel Research, Dhanbad under the aegis of CSIR (New Delhi). He has 32 years of research experience in area of water pollution due to mining and allied industrial activities. His key area of research is water quality assessment including biomonitoring, pollution abatement and water quality modeling, preparation of Environmental impact assessment and Environmental Management plan of coal and non-coal mining projects.

Suresh Kumar

Dr. Suresh Kumar, Ph.D. is Chemist, Central Ground Water Board, Patna, India. His research focusses on investigations on the Air Environment, Contaminant Hydrogeology, Geochemistry of F^- & As, movement of groundwater through the subsurface and its interactions with the ore body/minerals.

Kiran Patni

Dr. Kiran Patni, Ph.D. is Assistant Professor in the School of Allied Sciences at Graphic Era Hill University, Bhimtal Campus, Uttarakhand, India. Her area of research interest is water analysis and environmental chemistry.

Aabha Gangwar

Aabha Gangwar M.Sc., is a Research Scholar at Department of Chemistry, D. S. B. Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. Her area of research is the natural product chemistry, soil and water analysis.

Bhawana Kanyal

Bhawana Kanyal, M.Sc., is a Research Scholar at Department of Chemistry, D. S. B. Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. Her area of specialization is the natural product chemistry and environmental pollutants monitoring.