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The main aim of the study is to present an assessment report of radon concentration in the underground water of Bokaro district, Jharkhand, India. Water samples were collected from tube-wells at 100 different locations scattered throughout the district. The radon (222Rn) concentration level varies widely between 3.5 and 598.9 Bq/l with an average value of 145.8 Bq/l. In this paper, total annual effective dose of the samples and associated excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were estimated also to assess the health risk due to the consumption of the radon rich water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escalated groundwater contamination around the world developed the idea of aquifer vulnerability, which has widely been employed globally to safeguard groundwater from contamination. Several extensive studies have been done to evaluate the degree of groundwater vulnerability using various techniques. However, a comprehensive assessment of existing literature in order to identify major research gaps associated with aquifer vulnerability is still required. The current study provides a critical overview of several groundwater risk assessment methodologies, including the GIS-based DRASTIC and modified DRASTIC methods, application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning techniques, and integrated approach for both intrinsic and specific vulnerability assessment. The study discusses validation of DRASTIC model and its comparison with a few other methodologies as well. The paper also highlights the international approach (time dimension in groundwater vulnerability, integrated process based and isotopic studies, etc.) that needs to be practiced rigorously on a larger scale in India. A descriptive summary of the literature indicates that a multidisciplinary and integrated framework such as understanding contaminant type, uncertainties in vadose zone need to be implemented in a much more comprehensive way, especially in India. A conceptual framework that is both reasonably adaptable and scientifically sound must be created for specific vulnerability assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very high uranium concentrations of ⁓3000 μgL−1 or more have been found in groundwater held in the granitic aquifers of four villages in eastern Karnataka, India. The highest uranium concentration was 8649 μgL−1 (calculated 218.7 BqL−1) and a maximum radon activity of 101.4 BqL−1. The ingestion doses of uranium for males and females of all age groups are very much higher compared to the corresponding dose calculated for World Health Organization and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board recommended concentrations of 30 and 60 μgL−1for drinking water. It is therefore recommended that alternative sources for drinking water need to be made to meet United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 6 to ensure good health from safe drinking water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing safe drinking water for the entire world's population is essential for ensuring sustainable development. The presence of harmful compounds in aquifers, majorly toxic elements, is a serious environmental concern around the globe. This research aimed to quantify for the initial period the amounts of toxic elements in freshwater in the Dehradun Industrial Region of Uttrakhand, India, as well as the associated health risks. The PTEs (potentially toxic elements) Fe, Cd, Mn, Cu, Cr and Pb, Zn, Ni is measured by AAS and compared to BIS and WHO requirements for drinking safety. The order of mean trace element values in all groundwater samples were determined as Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Co > Cd > Pb. HPI was discovered to be higher than high class during the research period (HPI > 30), but under the severe contamination criterion of 100. Iron's MI and PI values were consistently over the threshold limit during the research period, and certain toxic elements were discovered exceptionally near the threshold limit, indicating a severe future influence on groundwater quality. According to PCA (principal component analysis), CM (correlation matrix), and potential health hazard, maximum levels of toxic elements in groundwater in the Dehradun region are attributed to land use patterns, anthropogenic activity, industrial activity, fertilizer and pesticide leaching, and residential waste into the aquifer system. The findings of this study could aid local planners and policymakers in preventing health risks from contaminated aquifers through the deployment of suitable monitoring and mitigation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater resources are essential for drinking water, irrigation, and the economy mainly in semiarid environments where rainfall is limited. Currently, unpredictable rainfall due to climate change and pollution on the Earth's surface directly affects groundwater resources. In this area, most people depend on groundwater resources for irrigation and drinking purposes, and every summer, most of the area depends on groundwater in a semiarid environment. Hence, we selected two popular methods, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and multiple influence factor (MIF) methods, which can be applied to map groundwater potential zones. Nine thematic layers, such as land use and land cover (LULC), geomorphology, soil, drainage density, slope, lineament density, elevation, groundwater level, and geology maps, were selected for this study using remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. These layers are integrated in ArcGIS 10.5 software with the help of the AHP and MIF methods. The map of the groundwater potential zones in the study area revealed four classes, i.e., poor, moderate, good, and very good, based on the AHP and MF methods. The groundwater potential zone area is 241.50 (ha) Poor, 285.64 (ha) moderate, 408.31 (ha) good, and 92.75 (ha) very good using the AHP method. Similarly, the MIF method revealed that the groundwater potential classes were divided into four classes: 351.29 (ha) poor, 511.18 (ha), moderate, 123.95 (ha) good, and 41.78 (ha) very good. The results were compared to determine which methods are best for planning water and land resource development in specific areas that have basaltic rock and drought conditions. Both groundwater potential zone maps were validated with water yield data. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) model results are found to be 0.80 (good) and 0.93 (excellent) using the MIF and AHP methods, respectively; hence, the AHP method is best for delineation of groundwater potential zone maps and groundwater resource planning. The present study's framework and the results will be valuable for improving the efficiency of irrigation, conserving rainwater and maintaining the ecosystem in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demarcated the most vulnerable regions within the Poiney sub-basin (Tamil Nadu state in India) with respect to the groundwater quality. An index-based vulnerability assessment was carried out by measuring the physico-chemical variables such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, magnesium, sodium, chloride, sulphate, bicarbonate and fluoride in the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon samples. Water quality index varied across the sub-basin due to differences in the water quality induced by anthropogenic activities related to land use practices and presence of industries. The MT3D engine coupled with visual MODFLOW identified that sulphate released from tanneries and leather factories is the main effluent contaminating the groundwater. Model reveals that both the flow and contaminant transport is towards southeast with maximum and minimum calculated head of 201.82 mg/l and 265.92 mg/l and calculated sulphate concentration of 394.40 mg/l and 46.79 mg/l respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater availability in upland villages in southern India has reduced drastically during the last two decades. Most farmers believe this is entirely due to the decrease in rainfall. The current work presents participatory system dynamics modeling of crop-water-income dynamics and root cause analysis in one such village to quantify the long-term effects of groundwater withdrawal and other agricultural practices. Groundwater overexploitation was identified as the most significant cause of the crisis. Causal loop diagrams, stocks and flows diagrams, and scenario analysis were developed through focused group discussions and individual meetings with stakeholders. Multiple 'what-if' scenarios suggested by stakeholders were simulated and analyzed. Notably, less water-intensive, chemical-free farming emerged as an ecologically and economically sustainable strategy. A post-project survey indicated that 90% of stakeholders felt that the framework enhanced their understanding of the problem, encouraged unbiased exploration of new ideas, and raised their commitment to subsequent action plans. It is an easily replicable framework for adoption by farmers and policymakers to address the groundwater crisis and promote sustainable farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the groundwater spring potential zone (GSPZ) was identified using an integrated approach of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS), analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and fuzzy-AHP based on multicriteria decision-making (MCDM). Thus, ten associated factors with groundwater springs have been considered: slope, drainage density, lineament density, geomorphology, lithology, soil texture, land use and land cover, rainfall, groundwater level, and spring discharge. The analysis output was categorized into low, moderate, and high. The result of the AHP model shows the area under the high potential zone (16.61%), the moderate potential zone (60.42%), and the low potential zone (22.61%). The result of the fuzzy-AHP model shows that the area falls under the high potential zone (30.40%), moderate potential zone (41.29%), and low potential zone (22.61%). The validation results showed fuzzy-AHP with the area under the curve 0.806, which is slightly better than 0.779 of AHP. So, the resulting GSPZ map confirms that the thematic layers used in the study have a significant role in groundwater spring occurrence and distribution. It was recommended that any groundwater spring rejuvenation or protection activities must be implemented in medium to very high potential zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater recharge is essential for managing surface and subsoil water resources. Not only for supplying people with daily drinking water, groundwater use for agricultural land and people's livelihood is also continuously increasing. As a result, there has been a decline in groundwater supply in various parts of the world, and it is highly desirable to identify the potential groundwater zones for specific sustainable development. This study aims to use an easy-to-use tool package named Landslide Sustainability Mapping Tool pack (LSM tool Pack) for preparing potential groundwater zone based on R and ArcGIS software integration. This tool uses five modules for processing. Among them, the Feature selection (FS) module brings a novel approach, determining the best subset feature for demarcating the groundwater potential zone. As a result, this best factor subset is used as an input of this tool pack. Additionally, PE modules evaluate the performance of proposed models in statistical performance metrics. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was obtained with the integration of Performance Evaluation (PE) modules and ARC maps, which helps visual interpretation in evaluating models. This study uses the LSM tool Pack in the Rupnarayan river basin to map the potential groundwater zone based on fourteen controlling factors selected through the FS module, which will further help the local government to make a substitute policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper delineates the groundwater potential zones (GWPZ) within the Tadri River Basin in the Western Ghats of India, using analytical hierarchical process (AHP) and geoinformatics-based techniques. Eight discrete parameters (slope, rainfall, drainage density, lineament density, lithological units, geomorphological units, soil types and land use, and land cover classes) were selected and weighted according to their influence on groundwater availability and combined in a hierarchical manner to obtain the resulting GWPZ map. This was classified into five classes (very good, good, moderate, low and very low) depending upon the relative groundwater availability within each. Excellent GWPZ were present in the lower part of the Tadri Basin and along the Western Ghats' foothills beside the coast while the pediment-pediplain complex had less viability. The GWPZ map was validated using the area's average groundwater depth and well density, via the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under curve (AUC), which elicited an accuracy of 79% and 82.1%, respectively. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the basin's lithology, land use/land cover, drainage density and lineament density had the most impact in GWPZ delineation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is the second largest store of freshwater in the world. The sustainability of the ecosystem is largely dependent on groundwater availability, and groundwater has already been under tremendous pressure to fulfill human needs owing to anthropogenic activities around various parts of the world. The footprints of human activities can be witnessed in terms of looming climate change, water pollution, and changes in available water resources. This paper provides a comprehensive view of the linkage between groundwater, climate system, and anthropogenic activities, with a focus on the Indian region. The significant prior works addressing the groundwater-induced response on the climatic system and the impacts of climate on groundwater through natural and human-instigated processes are reviewed. The condition of groundwater quality in India with respect to various physicochemical, heavy metal and biological contamination is discussed. The utility of remote sensing and GIS in groundwater-related studies is discussed, focusing on Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) applications over the Indian region. GRACE-based estimates of terrestrial water storage have been instrumental in numerous groundwater studies in recent times. Based on the literature review, the sustainable practices adopted for optimum utilization of groundwater for different purposes and the possible groundwater-based adaptation strategies for climate change are also enunciated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of pollutants and groundwater quality has attracted much attention worldwide as it is directly linked to human health. In view of this, groundwater samples were collected from a part of Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India, to assess groundwater pollution levels and groundwater quality, using Water Pollution Index (WPI) and Water Quality Index (WQI), respectively. Groundwater chemical composition results indicated that groundwater quality was characterized by alkaline and very hard categories with Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > K+: HCO3 - > Cl - > SO42 - > NO3 - > F - facies. TDS, TH, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3 - , Cl - , NO3 - , and F - were above the recommended threshold limits in 100%, 100%, 35%, 100%, 100%, 100%, 100%, 95%, 85%, and 75% of groundwater samples, respectively, for drinking purposes. The geochemical diagram showed base exchange water type (Na+–HCO3 - ) in 50% of groundwater samples resulting from weathering and dissolution of plagioclase feldspars under the influence of soil CO2 and ion exchange process. The remaining groundwater samples showed saline water type (Na+–Cl - ) due to the influence of evaporation, sewage sludge, septic tank leaks, irrigation-return flows, agrochemicals, etc. Ionic relationships of Ca2+/Na+vs HCO3 - /Na+, Ca2+/Na+vs Mg2+/Na+, higher Na+ than Ca2+, and occurrence of CaCO3 concretions further supported geogenic processes that alter groundwater chemistry. The positive linear trend of TDS vs Cl - + NO3 - /HCO3 - and the relationship of TDS with TH showed anthropogenic input as the main factor, causing groundwater contamination. The WPI indicated two categories of water quality: moderately polluted water (WPI: 0.75–1.00) and highly polluted water (WPI: > 1.00) in 60% and 40% of groundwater samples, which were 81.49% and 18.51% of the study area, respectively. Hierarchical cluster analysis identified three clusters: Cluster I (pH, F - , Ca2+, K+, NO3 - , Na+, and SO42−), Cluster II (TH, Mg2+, Cl - , and HCO3 - ), and Cluster III (TDS) support WPI. Following WQI, 75% and 25% of groundwater samples fell under poor groundwater quality type (WQI: 100–200) and very poor groundwater quality type (> 200), respectively, especially due to the increased concentrations of Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO32−, Cl - , NO3 - , and F - ions, thereby increasing salinity (TDS) and hardness (TH) in groundwater. Spatially, they covered 85.84% and 14.06% of the study area. The quality of this groundwater is not suitable for drinking purposes. Therefore, the present study suggests preventive measures (safe drinking water supply, desalinization, defluoridation, denitrification, calcium food, and rainwater harvesting) to protect human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aggressive cultivation practised across the Indian subcontinent to meet the growing food demands results in the groundwater at many places being severely affected by salinity, and this is a recognised hazard of agricultural belts. Evaluating spatial variations of salinity hazards is important for managing agricultural activity and implementing suitable and timely remedial measures. A precise representation of spatial variations of groundwater salinity using electrical conductivity (EC) can help identify potential sources and evaluate their severity and spatial impact. Simple spatial interpolation schemes, viz., inverse distance weighted (IDW) and trend surface analysis (TSA) are evaluated with over 250 EC measurements in groundwater during two seasons from saline-impacted regions of northwest India. Considering the three performance metrics, namely, correlation coefficient, root mean square error and mean absolute error, IDW scheme was adjudged better than TSA for both seasons. Interpolation by TSA and contour plot using OriginLab® software resulted in unrealistic (negative) values of EC, whereas IDW was free from such limitations. Errors associated with IDW-based interpolated EC values for this site would be 320–415 μS/cm for pre-monsoon and 630–800 μS/cm during post-monsoon seasons. Refined EC map generated using seasonal IDW interpolation scheme would facilitate timely and cost-effective remediation of salinity hazard, impact assessment of point and non-point sources on salinity hazard. Research highlights: Simple algorithms were examined for spatial interpolation of groundwater EC; IDW was adjudged better over TSA. Seasonal influence on interpolation parameters for EC was highlighted. IDW parameters ascertained from systematic search in this study are different from reported default values in commercially available software. Whereas TSA or default interpolation with OriginLab® resulted in negative(unrealistic) EC values, IDW results were consistent. Refined EC map generated using seasonal IDW interpolation scheme would facilitate: timely and cost-effective remediation of salinity hazard; impact assessment of point and non-point sources on salinity hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in potable water can cause severe human health disorders. Present study examined the fitness of groundwater for drinking purpose based on the occurrence of nine PTEs in a heavy pilgrim and tourist influx region of the Garhwal Himalaya, India. The concentrations of analyzed PTEs in groundwater were observed in the order of Zn > Mn > As > Al > Cu > Cr > Se > Pb > Cd. Apart from Mn and As, other PTEs were within the corresponding guideline values. Spatial maps were produced to visualize the distribution of the PTEs in the area. Estimated water pollution indices and non-carcinogenic risk indicated that the investigated groundwater is safe for drinking purpose, as the hazard index was < 1 for all the water samples. Assessment of the cancer risk of Cr, As, Cd, and Pb also indicated low health risks associated with groundwater use, as the values were within the acceptable range of ≤ 1 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−4. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to describe the various possible geogenic and anthropogenic sources of the PTEs in the groundwater resources although the contamination levels of the PTEs were found to pose no serious health risk. However, the present study recommends to stop the discharge of untreated wastewater and also to establish cost-effective as well as efficient water treatment facility nearby the study area. Present work's findings are vital as they may protect the health of the massive population from contaminated water consumption. Moreover, it can help the researchers, governing authorities and water supplying agencies to take prompt and appropriate decisions for water security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the selected study region of Sonbhadra district, coal burning and mining activities are dominant. Previous studies reported F contamination in very few groundwater samples of this region. A detailed study is required to estimate the fluoride in groundwater of this area. Hence, a total of 128 groundwater samples were collected during post- and pre-monsoon seasons in the year 2017 to estimate the F−, its geochemistry, and health risk assessment from Renukoot and Anpara industrial clusters of Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, India. The pH of groundwater samples varied from slightly acidic to alkaline during both seasons. Almost all the major cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+) and major anions (HCO3−, Cl−, SO42−, and F−) values in groundwater samples of both clusters were found within the permissible limit of World Health Organization (WHO) and Beauro of Indian standards except F− in both seasons. The scatter plots of F− with Ca2+, Na+, HCO3−, and pH are used to explain the release mechanism of fluoride in groundwater. Saturation indices (SI) calcite versus SI fluorite and SI dolomite versus SI fluorite plots of both clusters used to check the involvement of these minerals in fluoride enrichment of aquifers. F− contamination in groundwater due to coal burning in coal mining and thermal power plant dominated region is discussed globally and locally both. The non-carcinogenic health risk due to consumption of fluoride-contaminated water is estimated by using target hazard quotient (THQ). THQ values of F− showed that children are at high risk than adults in both clusters of the study area during both seasons. Pictorial representation is used to show the dental fluorosis cases in children of the study region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to examine the spatio-temporal and seasonal fluctuation of groundwater levels in an eastern Indian semi-arid region. Also, it attempted to investigate the involvement of different significant groundwater usage factors in causing such variations and trends. Furthermore, by evaluating temporal patterns and the influence of the crucial drivers, generate meaningful predictions for raising community awareness about the future. A combination of statistical, spatial analysis, and machine learning techniques were used to fulfill the objectives. Overall, the findings revealed that the south-eastern corner (consisting of Bundwan and Barabazar Blocks), the far western region (especially Jhalda I and II Blocks), and some of the eastern Blocks are most vulnerable to groundwater scarcity. The monitoring stations in this region are typically suffering a significant declining trend in groundwater level, with a substantial amount of Sen's Slope. In contrast, the centrally positioned Blocks have lesser susceptibility. The MLR analysis and spatial thematic maps demonstrate a strong association between this spatial pattern of declining groundwater table and the groundwater drivers in consideration. Thus, it is acceptable to suggest that drivers from the human world must be included in the groundwater management planning of the Purulia district. Finally, the predictions from the time series confirm that if no interventions are implemented, the average groundwater level will decline by 2.5 m by 2030. Therefore, Purulia urgently requires a realistic plan to prevent future generations from becoming refugees in their own land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) method was validated as per SANTE/12682/2019 guidelines for gas chromatography–mass spectrometric (GC–MS) determination of thirty-six multiclass pesticides in environmental waters. Seasonal (summer, monsoon, and winter) effects on the magnitude of pesticide residues in environmental water (river, pond, and tube well) of six different urban areas of Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts (New alluvial zone, Eastern India) was monitored for subsequent risk assessment. Total 288 water samples (96 each of river, pond, and tube-well) irrespective of locations and seasons were monitored for multiclass multi pesticide residues during the experiment. Each sample (750 mL) was extracted with ethyl acetate/dichloromethane (8:2) liquid–liquid partitioning and filtration (0.22 μm nylon filter paper) and total residue was reconstituted in acetone (1 mL) for GC–MS analysis with developed and validated method resulting satisfactory recovery percentages (77.84–118.15%). The maximum no. of organochlorine (OC) and organophosphorus (OP) pesticide residues were dominated in river and pond water irrespective of seasons and monitoring sites. About 74% of river water samples were found to be contaminated with concerned pesticides in variable magnitudes. Monsoon (July to October) season was highly alarming with the highest presence of total pesticide residues in different types of environmental waters. Risk quotient (RQ) [acute and chronic] was also evaluated in pond and river water as sometimes used for drinking purposes. RQ value (5900) of total endosulfan indicates the highest risk of chronic toxicity to river fishes. Seven water samples from tube-wells were also monitored and found to be contaminated with butachlor and chlorpyriphos in non-significant amounts (< 0.1 ng mL−1), irrespective of seasons and sites, thus safe for consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines various features of energy and groundwater irrigation nexus in a highly irrigated ecosystem of north western India. The study is based both on primary and secondary sources of data. Electric tube-wells account for about 72 percent of the total tube-wells population and consume about 40 percent of the total electricity consumption. Power subsidies account approximately 46 percent of the total subsidies disbursed which stimulate the groundwater development. The area irrigated by means of tube-wells has enlarged from 22 to 58 percent. Rice and sugarcane crops are the key consumers of energy both in terms of average energy consumption as well as per hectare of cultivated land. The average use factor of tube-wells is about 7.5 times high during kharif than in rabi season. Farmers have yielded high economic productivity under all crops with the exception of rice than other states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh and pure water has an important role to play for healthy life. Currently, in many studies higher concentrations of contaminants like calcium, sodium, nitrate, lead, chromium, arsenic, fluoride etc. have been reported that makes the water unfit for its direct consumption. Sources and release mechanism of many such pollutants is still not known. These sources can be anthropogenic or geogenic. This paper deals with one of such contaminants namely fluoride and emphasizes on its release from various minerals viz. Gypsum, fluorite, tourmaline, actinolite, plagioclase, biotite, quartz, kayanite, epidote and orthoclase under different pH environment. It has been noted that maximum fluoride has been released from the fluorite at all pH environment (acidic, normal and alkaline) of water while minimal fluoride was released from kayanite. However, orthoclase, tourmaline and biotite can release fluoride in considerable amount. The attempts were also made to compare the release of fluoride from modern sand (Ganga sediments) with ancient sand (from sandy aquifer) under different pH condition. Outcome of studies shows that maximum fluoride released from the sand at the pH range of 6.1 to 8.2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safe management and disposal of chromite ore processing residue (COPR) is an unsolved global problem. In spite of several global research efforts, the problem of safe management of COPR and redemption of dump sites has remained unsolved. There is a high risk for all living beings in and around the COPR dump sites due to prevailing significant amount of Cr(VI) content in the COPR. The problem is more acute during monsoon, due to highly soluble nature of Cr(VI) present in COPR. There is a need for finding a holistic solution to the problem of dumps sites of COPR through scientific development. The present paper reviews and analyzes the current status with various remediation methods available through published reports and patent literature. Various methods such as physical, chemical treatment, fixation, phytochemical and biological methods have been reviewed. Present review includes treatment of COPR, contaminated soils and groundwater contaminated with Cr(VI). In this regard, case studies of the existing dump site of COPR in SIPCOT, Ranipet, India and SA7, New Jersey site, USA, are presented, which have relevance and necessitate designing, developing and testing a comprehensive solution to the unresolved global problem with high local relevance. Health and environmental risks related to Cr(VI) pollution and permissible limits as per standards are also described. Anion exchange method for removal of Cr(VI) from contaminated groundwater has also been discussed. This would pave way for novel approach towards holistic technology solution to COPR challenge leading to "Green chromium based industries." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater governance has become an intractable policy issue, which has many implications for the living standards and well-being of millions of rural poor in South Asia. Groundwater governance is complex as it is influenced by various hydrogeological, sociopolitical and socioeconomic factors. Unregulated groundwater extraction rates in South Asia have depleted the aquifers causing a raft of socioeconomic, environmental and human health problems. This paper analyzes de facto rights in groundwater markets and other emerging 'groundwater-sharing institutional arrangements' in India. Using a multi-dimensional property rights model, the paper decomposes de facto groundwater rights while drawing insights and broad policy lessons. The findings indicate that there is much scope for enhancing the 'small group groundwater sharing' governed by social regulatory measures. Moreover, distortionary subsidies for agriculture in general and groundwater development, in particular, have had an adverse impact of the resource use and merit further attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approach has been made in this study to delineate the groundwater potential zones of the Varuna river basin, Uttar Pradesh, India, using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and multi-influence factor (MIF) techniques. The present groundwater estimation exhibits an increase in the draft (10%) due to expansion in population, agricultural extent, and industrialization, which ultimately causes water table depletion. This backdrop justifies the need for this particular analysis in the multilayer aquifers of the central alluvial zone. The shallow aquifers are silty and unconfined, whereas the deeper aquifers are coarse, sandy-gravelly, and semi-confined. Basement faults and highs often control the thickness of aquifers in the subsurface. The study considered an integrated approach of AHP and MIF methods with remote sensing and GIS approaches. Various themes (land use/land cover (LULC), soil type, geology, elevation, slope, rainfall, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), drainage density, recharge rate, groundwater depth) determined by considering different conditioning factors and eventually employed for computation of groundwater potential index (GWPI) and classified for identifying the groundwater potential zones (GWPZ). Two methods applied to capture the results in a more tangible form as the AHP model works on building a pair-wise comparison matrix to relate conditioning factors to each other. Still, the MIF model considered interrelations among the conditioning factors. The GWPZ of the study area generates with overlay weighted sum method by integrating all thematic layers. The resulting groundwater potential index map is categorized into three groundwater potential zones, namely good, moderate, and poor. Ultimately, by constructing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for both the groundwater potential models, determine the efficiency of performances and the GWPZ map validated using yield data collected from wells scattered over the study area. The findings of the present paper have important implications for ensuring exploration and sustainability groundwater plans in that particular area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sandstone-type uranium deposits (STUDs) are the most important global source of uranium. However, it is unclear why STUDs have a non-random distribution in time and space. It is generally thought that STUDs are formed by the circulation of groundwater in sandstone rocks. The groundwater is typically oxidized and sourced from local precipitation, which suggests the regional climate may have a role in the formation of STUDs. The groundwater circulation is mainly affected by basin evolution, which means that regional tectonism may also control the formation of STUDs. In this study, the author examined STUDs in Asia, and compiled previously reported ages for STUDs and compared these with the uplift history of the major ore-hosting regions and the late Mesozoic–Cenozoic climatic evolution of Asia. Apart from a few uranium deposits in the Transural region, most of the STUDs in Asia were formed during the Late Cretaceous to Quaternary, and can be classified into three stages: Late Cretaceous–early Paleogene (80–50 Ma; stage I), Oligocene–mid-Miocene (25–17 Ma; stage II), and late Miocene–present (8–0 Ma; stage III). The formation of STUDs in Asia was closely related to regional uplift caused by India–Eurasia collision, subduction of oceanic plates, and increased humidity during greenhouse climate periods and intensification of the Asian Monsoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, groundwater irrigation potential zones are identified by measuring an integrated irrigation water quality index using a GIS platform in the Vishwamitri River Basin (VRB) region, Gujarat, India. Classification of different irrigation potential zones is about the collective paraphernalia of thematic maps, namely, electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Na+, Cl−, and HCO3−, which principally regulate the groundwater quality for irrigation. The EC, SAR, and chloride values are > 3000 µS/cm, > 9 meq/L, and > 10 meq/L, respectively, indicating 98.78%, 41.78%, and 84.88% of the total area, respectively, belong to groundwater both hazardous and unsuitable for irrigation. Similarly, 39.55% of the total area is unsuitable for irrigation due to its high Na+ concentration. The permeability, porosity, and infiltration risk usually appear when excessive sodium ions reduce the rate of flow of irrigation water which moves in the lower soil zones. Similarly, high bicarbonate and chloride concentrations have been denoted to hamper the development of several crops causing symptoms analogous to lime-induced chlorosis due to toxic effects of the salt. The final irrigation potential map is marked by four levels, such as "most suitable," "moderately suitable," "moderately unsuitable," and "unsuitable for irrigation." Approximately, 56.69% of the total VRB region are covered with unsuitable for irrigation purposes. In such areas, irrigation must be avoided in usual conditions, and the halophytes, namely, Khati palak (Atriplex stocksii), Lamb's quarters (Chenopodium album), and Rudravanti (Cressa cretica) should be recommended with high soil permeability and proper drainage facilities. The soil must be highly permeable for groundwaters with high salinity and sodicity. Based on this study, policymakers and environmental managers can estimate the resource implications for drinking and irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is one of the important sources available for drinking, agricultural, domestic, and various other purposes in the study area. Study area is having agricultural importance and is famous for Basmati rice production in the world. In order to assess water suitability for irrigation and drinking purposes, 25 sampling sites were selected and water samples were collected from handpumps, borewells and motors from May 2022 to June 2022. Fifteen physico-chemical parameters and water quality index (WQI) was calculated to assess the drinking water suitability. The results obtained then compared with the BIS (2012) and WHO drinking water guidelines. For irrigation water suitability, irrigation water quality index (IWQI) and other indices were calculated. Heavy metal health risk assessment was also evaluated using target hazard quotient (THQ), carcinogenic risks (CR), non-carcinogenic risks, heavy metal pollution index (HPI), etc. Study found 60% of water samples under poor category of WQI. All water samples were found suitable for irrigation purposes according to different indices except for permeability index for which only 32% samples were found suitable. IWQI classifies 52%, 32%, and 12% of water samples under moderate, low, and no restriction category respectively. Groundwater of the study area found to be contaminated with copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) while low contamination of zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As) was found according to heavy metal evaluation index (HEI). High contamination of chromium (HPI= 9740.8) and lead (HPI=188) was recorded as per HPI. HQ value for men, women, and children in case of zinc were found safe while HQ values for copper and lead in all population groups were found at risk. Overall, the study area was found highly contaminated with the lead, copper, and chromium concentrations. Thus, study recommends regular monitoring of the groundwater of study area as well as treatment before using this water for drinking purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatio-temporal hydrogeochemical assessments of groundwater resources were carried out for the valley region of Manipur in India to investigate its quality status and suitability criteria for irrigational and potable uses. The assessment was carried out for 140 spatially distributed groundwater samples collected during 2018–2021 for pre- and post-monsoon seasons. To assess and comprehend the hydrogeochemical behavior of underlying aquifers and controlling factors for groundwater quality in the region, groundwater quality indices and statistical tools were used. Assessment of in situ parameters such as pH, TDS, salinity, and EC under field conditions reveal that the values exceed concentration in many locations. Most of the samples fall in the category of hard to very hard water. Moreover, observation of both positive and negative oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) and low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in groundwater samples indicates aquifers are of recent unstable geologic formations. Similarly, elevated concentrations of F−, Cl−, HCO3−, and Fe3+ greater than the prescribed standards of the World Health Organization in many samples indicate the unsuitability of the groundwater sources for potable uses. The geochemical interactions were found to be dominated and controlled by the rock-weathering geochemical process that contributes to HCO3−-Ca2+-type water, followed by HCO3−-Na+, Cl−-Ca2+, and mixed-type water in both seasons. Spatio-temporal geospatial vulnerable groundwater zone mapping using interpolation techniques carried out in the ArcGIS platform identifies the aquifers based on the water quality and pollution indices. The study's significant findings can provide baseline information that can supplement the government's planning and management initiatives to deal with the current water security challenges in the region as groundwater uses are increasing due to various hydroclimatic phenomena in the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, subsurface characteristics within the complex formation of the Shilabati basin system of West Bengal, India, extending over an area of 3888 km2, have been estimated using a cost-effective piezometer and MIKE FEFLOW package based on a steady-state numerical model. Pore size and fine particle content of streambeds are affected by two opposing flow contraptions. Such opposite flow conditions are likely to affect the hydraulic conductivity of the streambed. However, analogies of the hydraulic conductivity (Kh) of streambeds for losing and gaining streams have not been well documented in the recent past. The Kh value from the piezometer has been highest at the Dakshin Pairachali site (6.765 m/day), with the stream gaining water from the discharge of the local aquifer. Analysis of the stream-aquifer interaction using the FEFLOW model has allowed us to understand the groundwater water head of the basin ranging from 160.33 to 0.32 m.a.s.l (meters above sea level). The present study also constitutes the first attempt for the identification of suitable sites for the implementation of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) technology in West Bengal, India, to manage extreme drought events. The suitable sites have been identified by means of three fuzzy multi-criteria decision analysis based on nine criteria: river discharge, moisture content, porosity, drainage type, rainfall, land use type, geology, aquifer material, and hydraulic conductivity. To design a radial collector well and infiltration gallery for the selected site in an anisotropic, homogeneous, unconfined, and semi-infinite aquifer near a fully penetrating stream, a pumping test has been conducted to optimize a safe yield of 12.096 MLD (megaliters per day). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in potable water can cause severe human health disorders. Present study examined the fitness of groundwater for drinking purpose based on the occurrence of nine PTEs in a heavy pilgrim and tourist influx region of the Garhwal Himalaya, India. The concentrations of analyzed PTEs in groundwater were observed in the order of Zn > Mn > As > Al > Cu > Cr > Se > Pb > Cd. Apart from Mn and As, other PTEs were within the corresponding guideline values. Spatial maps were produced to visualize the distribution of the PTEs in the area. Estimated water pollution indices and non-carcinogenic risk indicated that the investigated groundwater is safe for drinking purpose, as the hazard index was < 1 for all the water samples. Assessment of the cancer risk of Cr, As, Cd, and Pb also indicated low health risks associated with groundwater use, as the values were within the acceptable range of ≤ 1 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−4. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to describe the various possible geogenic and anthropogenic sources of the PTEs in the groundwater resources although the contamination levels of the PTEs were found to pose no serious health risk. However, the present study recommends to stop the discharge of untreated wastewater and also to establish cost-effective as well as efficient water treatment facility nearby the study area. Present work's findings are vital as they may protect the health of the massive population from contaminated water consumption. Moreover, it can help the researchers, governing authorities and water supplying agencies to take prompt and appropriate decisions for water security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is a crucial natural resource for providing reliable and long-lasting water supplies across the globe. The integrated approach used in the current study involved the use of multiple techniques to assess groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) and identify suitable areas for artificial recharge sites. The methods used in the study were a combination of geographic information system (GIS), analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (Fuzzy-AHP) to accomplish this goal. The study considered multiple thematic maps, such as drainage density, elevation, geomorphology, slope, curvature, topographic wetness index (TWI), geology, distance from the river, land use and land cover (LULC), and rainfall, to determine the GWPZs. AHP and Fuzzy-AHP were used to weight thematic maps based on their relative importance in controlling groundwater availability and recharge, and then a weighted overly analysis in a GIS environment was utilized to derive the final GWPZs map. After completing the weighting of thematic maps, both AHP and Fuzzy-AHP models categorized GWPZs into low, moderate, and high categories in the study area. In this study area, GWPZs were classified as poor, moderate, and high using both the AHP and Fuzzy-AHP models. According to the AHP model, 5.41% of the area's GWPZs were categorized as poor, 70.68% as moderate, and 23.91% as high. The Fuzzy-AHP model, on the other hand, categorized 4.92% as poor, 69.75% as moderate, and 25.33% as high. To validate these results, the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) were used to explore the prediction accuracy, resulting in an accuracy rate of 70.1% for AHP and 71% for Fuzzy-AHP. These findings suggest that the Fuzzy-AHP model is effective in accurately identifying GWPZs in this area. Additionally, using remote sensing (RS) and GIS, the current study created a map by overlaying the lineament and drainage maps to determine suitable locations for artificial recharge. One-hundred-forty suitable locations for artificial recharge sites were identified based on Fuzzy-AHP. The study's reliable findings assist decision-makers and water users in the research area to use groundwater resources sustainably. This information aids in sustainable planning and management of groundwater resources, ensuring their availability and sustainability for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil and natural gas production has been an important economic booster in the recent past. However, unconventional methods have risen environmental health concerns. This study presents preliminary results of heavy metal concentrations in water (surface and groundwater) around oil and natural gas drilling sites in East-West Godavari districts of A.P, India. A total of 36 samples, 24 surface water (SW) and 12 groundwater (GW), were collected to evaluate the distribution of pH, EC, TDS, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Zn, and radiogenic elements (U, Th). Results acquired were treated with principal component analysis (PCA)/factor analysis (FA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and regression coefficient analysis to identify a collective contamination source. Mean concentrations obtained for surface and groundwater were 7.60 and 7.34 for pH, 4048 and 2964 mg/L for TDS, 8.50 and 5.91 µs/cm for EC, 11.5 and 10.7 μg/L for As, 14.6 and 10.8 μg/L for Cr, 0.60 and 0.70 μg/L for Cd, 18.6 and 29.1 μg/L for Cu, 3.00 and 4.20 μg/L for Mo, 19.9 and 24.8 for Ni, 15.2 and 13.4 μg/L for Pb, 4.60 and 3.10 μg/L for Th, 1.00 and 8.30 μg/L for U, and 187 and 348 μg/L for Zn respectively. FA recognized four factors accountable for data structure elucidating 86.23% of the total variance in SW, four factors in GW explaining 91.6%, and permitted to assemble particular parameters based on collective features. As, Cd, Cu, Mo, Pb, and U were linked and well-ordered by diverse origins with related influence from anthropogenic and geogenic sources. This study describes the importance and efficacy of multivariate statistical methods for evaluation and understanding the data to get better evidence about the water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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River morphometry is a useful approach in basin analysis which helps to interprets fluvially originated landforms. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the morphometric and morphotectonic parameters along with prioritization for soil erosion and water availability in Chite Lui watershed. Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is a useful approach to find out soil erosion and ground water potential zone with an aim to achieve successful management of a watershed. It helps to examine the susceptibility zone in watershed. The present paper documents the delineation of 14 sub-watersheds in Chite Lui River at 3rd order stream. Its prioritization has been performed using several morphometric parameters namely drainage density, elongation ratio and many other parameters using Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP). Sub-watersheds are ranked from 1–14 based on soil erosion and groundwater potential zones. The Chite Lui watershed is a fifth order drainage basin with a total area of 52.7 km2. The tectonic parameters of the watershed as the asymmetry value is 34%, indicates the structural control over the area either by uplift or tilting. The hypsometric integral value is 0.5 and the valley width height ratio is 0.05 which also suggest tectonic activity in the area. Sinuosity related many parameters along with geomorphic indices like stream power index (SPI), stream gradient index (SL) and topographic wetness index (TWI) were also calculated to suggest the watershed health. The present paper shows that the morphometric analysis is highly relevant and efficient in delineating susceptibility zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study characterises the quality of groundwater for the Ludhiana district of Punjab, India by analysing water samples collected from 152 locations spread across 3767 km2. The samples were analysed for 18 parameters consisting of pH, EC, TDS, TA, TH, major anions and cations. The parameter values have been used to calculate the drinking water quality index of the study area which suggests that 2.6, 57.9, 32.9, 4 and 2.6% of the samples fall under the excellent, good, poor, very poor and unsuitable categories, respectively. The sequence of abundance for ions (in meq/l) as revealed from the laboratory tests is Na+ (37.1%) > Ca2+ (30.8%) > Mg2+ (29.1%) > K+ (2.8%) for cations and HCO3− (80%) > Cl¯ (8.9%) > CO32− (6.5%) > SO42− (3.9%) > NO3−, F−, PO43− (< 1%) for anions. The spatial variability of these parameters has been depicted through the use of interpolation maps. Evaluation of different ionic ratios indicates that carbonate weathering and silicate weathering are both significantly affecting the groundwater chemistry with a slight dominance of carbonate weathering. Also, the ion exchange process is taking place in the area as confirmed by CAI index values. In terms of saturation index, the groundwater is undersaturated with respect to halite, fluorite and sylvite, whereas it is supersaturated for calcite, dolomite and aragonite minerals. The principal components in PCA explained 75.4% of the total variance with 29.1 and 28.3% contributions from PC1 and PC2. Both of these components indicate towards the geogenic and anthropogenic influence on groundwater mineralization of the area. The analysis suggests that groundwater for the study area is suitable for drinking in most of the region expect in a few places. Such a study could be used to understand the current status of groundwater quality in the area, the results of which can be used to prevent further contamination and sustain the resource for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Reth River is a ground water fed river of Central Ganga Plain, ~107 km long and drains ~391.71 km2. It flows through an incised valley until confluences with the Gomati River. Incision of the river valley has been investigated by using a longitudinal profile, escarpment height and morphology of the valley. The study was executed using Toposheet of scale 1 : 50 000 of Survey of India (SOI) and decadal satellite imageries, with GIS techniques to estimate the properties of basins. The mean bifurcation ratio of the basin is 5.49, but variation between the successive stream orders suggests that the study area is tectonically controlled. The drainage density (0.66), stream frequency (0.46), constant of channel maintenance (1.51) and length of overland flows (0.80) indicate of the high surface rock permeability, low surface runoff, high infiltration rate, and least erodible properties respectively. The drainage texture (0.30) suggests a very coarse texture and smooth topography. RHO coefficient value (0.13) indicates the low capacity of water. The elongation ratio (0.45), circulatory ratio (0.28) and form factor (0.16) indicate that the basin is highly elongated due to shallow relief. The downstream variation of escarpment heights indicates an increasing downstream trend of escarpment heights. According to aerial views of 46 years, oxbow lakes are formed through several processes, such as (i) a flow separation zone at the entrance of the channel creating a sediment plug, (ii) sediment sorting by flow gradients and decantation in the ponded areas. The drainage basin shape (3.02) indicates the basin is tectonically active. River longitudinal profile ranges are from 124 to 102 m amsl. This indicates the 4th-order river with dendritic pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poor groundwater quality through the leaching of contaminants from depleted landfill is a concern to the scientific community. Therefore, the role of landfills on groundwater quality cannot be neglected in an urban area. The factors influencing the leaching of trace metals in groundwater are soil profile, geochemical and environmental condition of disposed of refuse materials, groundwater-table depth, and climatic factors. This research work delineates landfill role in contaminating groundwater through the chemical speciation of trace metals. Analyzed groundwater quality data indicate most of the samples were classified under Ca2+-Na+ type cation and Cl− type of anion hydrogeochemical facies. The investigations of the mineral equilibrium indicate equilibrium with silicate minerals, which favors kaolinite formation. Saturation index indicates that hematite, goethite, chrysotile, dolomite, ferric-hydroxide, hydroxyapatite, jarosite-K, cerussite, vivianite, and willemite are reactive minerals in the aquifer water and control their hydrogeochemistry. The study of chemical speciation of trace metals indicates the high possibility of oxidation-reduction, ion-exchange, and chemical-weathering reaction mechanism, which causes the release of trace metal ions and further contaminated aquifer water through leaching. It also justifies through study of contaminant movement in vertical profile of the soil. The chemical speciation of trace metals indicates a reducing atmosphere in the aquifer due to the dominance of Fe2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, and Cu2+ ions in aquifer water. Mn2+ and Zn2+ concentration decreases with depth, while Fe2+ and Pb2+ ion concentration low in the middle layer of the aquifer indicate the contribution through anthropogenic input since it is not available in geology of study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is the most abundant liquid freshwater on earth. Rapid urbanization in developing nations (like India) has led to increased groundwater withdrawal, adversely affecting the physicochemical characteristics. Ranchi district, Jharkhand, is a part of the smart city mission development plan of the government of India. Hence, to ensure safe and clean drinking water, it is necessary to assess groundwater quality and devise development plans. Seventeen physicochemical properties and metal(loid)s contents were analyzed to determine the groundwater quality. Various pollution indices such as water quality index (WQI), metal evaluation index (MI), heavy metal pollution index (HPI), and modified degree of contamination (mCd) are evaluated using arithmetic weighted value index and presented in a map using Arc GIS inverse distance weighting interpolation method. Chemometric analyses such as correlation, principal component, and cluster analysis were done to identify the source and determine the pollution state. A multiple linear regression model is employed to predict the impact of heavy metal and metalloid concentration on the WQI of the region. WQI shows that groundwater quality in Khelari (100.95) and Bundu (92.52) regions are highly degraded, whereas MI and HPI suggest that Ormanjhi (MI = 53.98) and Rahe (HPI = 109.20) are highly affected by metal contamination. The mCd suggests that Ormanjhi (97.15) has the highest degree of contamination. The contaminant sources were natural (geogenic processes) and anthropogenic (mining and industrial emissions). The high metal(loid)s concentration may soon result in groundwater quality degradation in the metal-affected regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of terrestrial water bodies and underground water interaction is crucial in the effective management and development of aquifer resources as the process affects both the quantity and quality. For the current work plan, 32 water samples were gathered from rivers, lake, pond, swamp and groundwater located in an alluvial plain of Dimapur Valley of Nagaland, India, to investigate the possible mechanisms of terrestrial water bodies and groundwater interaction adopting multivariate statistical procedure and hydrochemistry. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) resulted in two major clusters and five sub-clusters based on their similarities on ionic composition reflecting ion interaction between the surface water and groundwater. The results were supported by PCA, which signified the stream and groundwater hydrochemistry by the sub-clusters. Graphical ionic plots indicated that the provenance of dissolved ions was identified as physical weathering and disaggregation of rock mechanism especially from sedimentary rocks and subsequent ion exchange process. Spatial distribution of hydrochemical facies showed that the Chathe River in its upstream reach was characterized by a similar water type (Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3−) with the surrounding groundwater indicating the process of chemical interaction. The hydrogeologic section along with the water table inferred that the Chathe River exists as an influent river while the Dhansiri River flows as an effluent river. The isotope δ18O− values suggested that the terrestrial water bodies got recharged through underground water. The overall study, thus, provided insights into the mechanism of terrestrial water bodies and underground water interaction in the area of interest which will help in designing suitable effective strategic action plans to stakeholders for the development of water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic factors are contaminating crystalline aquifers more rapidly than natural sources and affecting human health in many states in India. Since a large population depends on untreated groundwater, identifying the sources of this contamination and assessing the related human health risk are essential to ensure a good-quality water supply. Nitrate is one of the most widespread means of groundwater contamination in many parts of India. Coimbatore and Tirupur districts are the most rapidly growing industrial urban areas in southern India. This paper deals with nitrate contamination and possible health risks for children and adults in the Coimbatore and Tirupur districts based on 93 groundwater samples. To achieve this goal, classical hydrochemical and deterministic hazard identification methods coupled with spatial mapping technologies were applied. A wide variation in nitrate concentration, between 1 and 415 mg/L, was observed, with 37% of the samples exceeding the WHO permissible limit of 50 mg/L. The distinct concentrations of nitrate and other ions observed spatially can be attributed to the diverse geochemical and land use settings in the study area. The bivariate plots of NO3 with other ions suggested that the principal origin of nitrate in this study is related to the excess application of fertilizers and sewages. The spatial variation of NO3, in comparison with the land use map, confirmed these results. The values of hazard quotient (HQ) via ingestion exceeded the critical value, one in 40% in males, 42% in females, and 45% in children. However, HQ values via oral pathways are within one and pose no exposure risk. Thus, the hazard index corresponds to HQingestion only. The health risk was in the increasing order of male>female>children, and shows that body weight is the most critical factor that is influencing the health impact to children as compared to adults. The spatial variation of hazard index values showed that groundwater quality is highly polluted with NO3 in the north and northeastern parts of the study area, mainly due to intensive agricultural practices, and poses critical health concerns. Considering the increasing population and higher dependencies on groundwater, immediate and sufficient measures are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of groundwater chemistry and its related health hazard risk for humans is a prerequisite remedial measure. The semi-urban region in southern India was selected to measure the groundwater quality to know the human health risk valuation for different age groups of adults and children through oral intake and skin contact with elevated concentrations of fluoride ( F - ) and nitrate ( NO 3 - ) groundwater. Groundwater samples were collected from the semi-urban region for pre- and post-rainfall periods and resolute its major ion chemistry. The pH values showed the water is alkaline to neutral in nature. Total dissolved solid (TDS) ranged from 201 to 3612 mg/l and 154 to 3457 mg/l. However, F - concentration ranges from 0.28 to 5.48 mg/l and 0.21 to 4.43 mg/l; and NO3− ranges from 0.09 to 897.28 mg/l and 0.0 to 606.10 mg/l elevating the drinking water standards of F - in 32% and 38% samples and for NO 3 - about 62% and 38% during pre- and post-rainfall seasons, respectively. The fluoride-bearing minerals are the main sources of elevated concentrations of F - and excessive use of chemical fertilizers as the chief source of NO3− concentration in the aquifer regime. Water quality index (WQI) ranged from 18.3 to 233 and 12.97 to 219.14; 20% and 22% showed poor water quality for pre- and post-rainfall seasons with WQI ≥ 200. Piper plot suggests that 46% and 51% of samples signify carbonate water type ( Ca 2 + - HCO 3 - ), and 32% and 28% of groundwater samples show ( Ca 2 + + Na + + HCO 3 - ) type water for pre- and post-rainfall seasons respectively. Gibbs' plot suggests the dominance of water–rock interaction in the aquifer system. Further, the principal component analysis (PCA) revealed three and four components which explain 74.85% and 79.30% of the variance in pre- and post-rainfall seasons with positive loading of EC, TDS, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, K+, SO 4 2 - , Cl−, and HCO 3 - due to mineral weathering and water–rock interactions altering the chemistry for an elevated concentration of F - and NO 3 - in groundwater. Cluster analyses of chemical variables observed four clusters with a linkage distance of 5 to 25 with a linkage between different variables displaying predominant ion exchange, weathering of silicate and fluoride-rich minerals, salinization of the water, and a high value of NO 3 - concentration, resulting from fertilizers. The hazard quotient (HQ) through ingestion (HQing) and dermal (HQder) pathways of F− and NO3− was observed higher than its acceptable limit of 1.0 for different age groups indicating the non-carcinogenic effect on human health. Effective strategic measures like defluoridation, denitrification, safe drinking water supply, sanitary facilities, and rainwater harvesting structures are to be implemented in the area for improvement of human health conditions and also bring awareness to the local community about the health hazard effects of using high concentrated F - and NO 3 - water for daily uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and analyse the water quality in the Tulsishyam region in terms of corrosive and scaling properties. Thermal water samples (TWS), groundwater samples (GWS), and riverwater samples (RWS) were collected and analysed for a variety of geochemical parameters in various locations throughout the Tulsishyam region. The pH of such thermal springs ranges between 7.1 and 7.4, suggesting that they are neutral, and the temperature ranges between 39 and 42 °C. To determine the corrosive and scaling properties of water, various indices such as the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), the Puckorius Scaling Index (PSI), the Ryznar Stability Index (RSI), and the Larson Index (LaI) are used. According to the indices described previously, all water samples are extremely corrosive to intolerably corrosive with a significant abrasion rate. The chemical composition of the fluids is also investigated in relation to the weathering processes. Sulphate has a significant negative link with chlorine and a weak correlation with bicarbonate, whereas chlorine has a moderate correlation with bicarbonate, according to multivariate analysis. Industrial usage of water samples from the study area should be limited due to the aggressive nature of the water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollution of various environmental components, such as air, water, and soil, is caused by industrialization and urbanization in urban agglomerates. This study provides information about groundwater quality and the levels of heavy metals in the surface soils of Gurugram city. The groundwater and soil samples were analyzed for various chemical parameters. Heavy metals in groundwater and soil were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Groundwater samples show higher electrical conductivity (EC), bicarbonates (HCO3−), and chlorides (Cl−). Water quality index (WQI) indicates that groundwater is not suitable for drinking purposes. Most of the groundwater samples surpassed the prescribed limits for heavy metals. While in the case of soil, Cd, Ni and Cr were found above the average background value for soils. Contamination factors (CF) and Pollution load index (PLI) for various heavy metals in soil were found to vary from 0.006 to 20.9 and 0.64 to 1.93, respectively. The 70% of samples found with PLI >1, indicate deterioration of soil quality. Three soil samples have a high ecological risk index (ERI) with values of more than 600. Average value of geo-accumulation index (Igeo) varies in the order Cd>Pb>Cu>Zn>Ni>Cr>Fe with average value 3.43, 1.73, 0.86, 0.029, −.23, −1.2 and −7.14, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA), a multivariate statistical technique, shows that the first three principal components (PC) account for 84.99% of the variance in groundwater samples. In soil samples, the first two PCs account for 76.97% of the variance. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) shows three clusters for groundwater samples and two clusters for soil samples. The study area shows higher pollution levels and needs an improved environmental management plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to inspect the spatial distribution, source identification, and risk assessment of groundwater arsenic (As) in different blocks that lie on the opposite banks of river Bhagirathi (a distributary of river Ganges), Murshidabad, West Bengal, India. It has been observed that the blocks that lie towards the eastern bank of river Bhagirathi have elevated arsenic and comparatively more reducing groundwater (lower oxidation–reduction potential and high iron). About 66% of groundwater samples across the district have arsenic concentration higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit. Speciation of groundwater arsenic reveals that about 90% of arsenic species were present as arsenic (III). Further, principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to identify the controlling factors that favor the release of arsenic. PC1 comprises EC, TDS, As, Fe, TOC, and HCO3− with moderate loadings, which suggests microbially mediated degradation of organic matter (OM), helps in reductive dissolution of arsenic-bearing Fe–Mn oxyhydroxides. Results pointed out severe groundwater arsenic poisoning; hence, a health risk assessment was performed for the exposure of arsenic in groundwater, using incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) models coupled with Monte Carlo simulations. On the eastern bank of river Bhagirathi, incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) due to oral exposure (5th to 95th percentile values) ranged from 1.30538E − 04 to 9.31398E − 03 with a mean of 2.84194E − 03 for adults, which is 2841 times higher than the USEPA high safety risk guidelines of one in 1 million. The outcomes of the results will be useful for the policymakers and regulatory boards in defining the actual impact and deciding the pre-remediation goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paleochannels are riverine geomorphic features, which are either buried or shifted due to tectonic, climate, and anthropogenic activities. In general, these channels serve as potential groundwater repositories, and their identification can help in developing potable groundwater sources. Here, the results of transient electromagnetic (TEM) study carried out near and around the Khari river basin of the tectonically active Kachchh intraplate region, western India are presented. The TEM investigations at 22 sites along three traverses have been carried out in the river basin that cut the present-day river channel and its presumed paleochannel. The geoelectric sections of the three profiles decipher information down to 300–350m and suggest a multilayer aquifer system. The sub-surface model infers a deeper confined aquifer at variable depths from 100–150m associated with the river as well as its paleochannel. The paleochannel aquifer is observed to be buried under 15–20m thick unconsolidated sediments that overlie a Mesozoic sandstone layer of the Bhuj Formation. The resistivity sections across the paleochannel suggest a relatively fresh aquifer layer with higher storage capacity. A vertical bedrock offset of 100–120m and the discontinuity of lithostratigraphic layers observed from the study suggest the dominant tectonic control in the formation of the paleochannel that correlated with the location of the reactivated splay of the Katrol Hill Fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was intended for assessing the contamination level of various heavy metals in surface soil and groundwater around the automobile workshops situated at different locations in the Kollam District of Kerala state, India. The procured soil and groundwater samples were analyzed for cadmium, zinc, iron, lead, nickel, chromium, copper, manganese, and arsenic using atomic absorption spectrophotometer by following standard procedures. The contamination level of these metals was assessed using the pollution indices like enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), and pollution load index (PLI). The results revealed that the concentrations of all analyzed metals in the surface soils of the automobile workshops were higher than the control. On the contrary, the concentration of no heavy metal in the groundwater was either equal to or higher than the limit prescribed by WHO. However, the concentration levels of Fe, Pb, Cu, and Zn were either equal to or higher than the control values. Based on the Igeo, CF, and EF, it was found that the contamination intensity of the heavy metals in soil decreased in the following order: Fe > Pb > Cd > As > Cr > Zn > Cu > Ni > Mn. From the results of PLI, it was interpreted that the sampling sites S2, S4, and S5 were highly polluted. Non-contamination of underground water from the age-old workshops is the uniqueness of the present study against the other studies, which were completed in alluvial formations with inverse results. In the studied region, the groundwater is stored in the hard rock formations and its hydraulics remains different from alluvial aquifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Himalayan region faces significant challenges in groundwater resource management due to the relief, precipitous slope, and rocky surface, leading to a lower infiltration into subsurface groundwater. Moreover, the region faces significant challenges due to the decline in its quantity and deterioration in quality, exacerbated by urbanisation, land-use change, over-abstraction, poor administration, and mismanagement. Therefore, the present study adopted the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and geospatial techniques to identify groundwater potential sites in the Rudraprayag district, the Indian Himalayan Region. We used expert knowledge to assign weights, then normalised by AHP eigenvector. The final index was developed using the weighted overlay method and specific criteria, including geomorphology, geology, slope, relief, drainage density, lineament density, dissection index, precipitation, and land use/land cover (LULC). We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the estimated area under the curve (AUC) for validation. The groundwater potential results show that the very few areas are potentially good (1.4%, 26.81 km2) and moderately good (17.70%, 350.9 km2), while 61.35% (1216.61 km2) areas are moderate to poor groundwater potential. The results show that plain to the nearly plain surface of the valley floor and the vicinity of perennial river (Alaknanda and Mandakini River valleys) areas are most potentially best sites for groundwater development. The groundwater potential sites proposed in the study can help farmers, regional planners, and local governments make more precise decisions to determine the groundwater development sites for installing hand pumps and tube wells for regular water supply. The study results have implications for developing a sustainable groundwater management plan to reduce the risk of water scarcity, improve the efficiency of water use, and restore and protect water-related ecosystems in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Groundwater resources are depleting at an alarming rate all over the world. Therefore, ensuring water security is the foremost priority of every nation. This paper presents a simple methodology to estimate groundwater recharge from rural ponds and to study the impact of climate change and urbanization on the recharge potential. It was found that built-up in the study area has increased by 51% since 2002 as a consequent of which, the total area occupied by ponds has decreased by 11%. This has resulted in a decrease in the recharge volume from these ponds by 14.74%. Thus, there is an urgent need to rejuvenate and maintain natural ponds and lakes, which is much more economical than constructing artificial percolation tanks and injection wells as discussed in the report. This study will also help various Government initiatives of rejuvenation of natural ponds and lakes in identifying those ponds which need to be revived based on their size, amount of surface runoff stored by the ponds and the volume of groundwater recharge through seepage from the bed of ponds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the water quality status of the Sadar block in Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh, India, was calculated by Water Pollution Index (WPI) using 15 groundwater quality parameters (pH, turbidity, EC (electric conductivity), TDS (total dissolved solids), salinity, total hardness, Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, Na+, Cl−, F−, SO42−, HCO3−, and NO3−) at 40 different study locations. It is found that 10%, 25%, and 65%, of samples, fall under the good, moderately polluted, and highly polluted category, respectively. Irrigation suitability of groundwater has also been evaluated by using irrigation suitability parameters, i.e., Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Permeability Index (PI), Kelly Ratio (KR), Percentage Sodium (% Na), and Magnesium Hazards (MH). Based on the analysis, it was determined that most of the samples were suitable for irrigation in the area. Irrigation practices are found to be unsuitable for Kelly's ratio of 37.5%, MH 60%, and RSC 55% samples. WPI and Pearson's correlation matrix (PCA) have suggested a significant linear relationship among the water quality parameters based on the test results. The Gibbs plot indicates that the majority of samples fall under the "evaporation dominance" category while the rest fall under the "rock weathering dominance" suggesting that the complex geochemical mechanisms are active in the study area. This study would be very helpful to government authorities and it would aid them to suggest alternate drinking water resources in affected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been excessive use of groundwater resources owing to dwindling water resource potentialities across the globe. As a result, efficient water resource management has become inevitable. However, locating the groundwater potential zones in dry and mountainous regions of many developing countries which lack suitable economic and human resources is challenging. The integrated approach of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) can offer a solution to this problem as it is useful to fetch first-hand information and has wider applicability. The present study focuses on delineating of groundwater potential zones in Pohru Watershed, of Jhelum Basin-Western Himalaya, India by integrating RS, GIS and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Seven thematic layers, namely lithology, geomorphology, soil, land use/land cover, slope, drainage density and lineament density have been used in this study. The parameters were weighted using AHP according to their importance in determining the groundwater potential. Five major groundwater potential zones were identified as: Very High (18.14%), High (18.17%), Moderate (19.03%), Low (41.75%) and Very Low (2.88%). The findings reveal that High and Very High Potential Zones are concentrated in the alluvial plains and the adjoining fluvio-lacustrine deposits/ Karewas. However, the highly or moderately dissected hills and the mountain ridges mostly comprise of Low and Very Low groundwater potential zones. The residual hills comprise of Medium and Low groundwater potential zones. The analysis of location and water depth of groundwater wells in the study area was found in accordance with the mapped groundwater potential zones, which validates our study. The Area Under Curve (AUC) value of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve for AHP method was calculated as 0.7037, which corresponds to the prediction accuracy of 70.37%, indicating Moderate to High predictability of groundwater recharge zones for the study region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy efficient ground water harvesting is one of the key issues faced by the developing nations like India in the agricultural sector. In most of the Indian agricultural land, the depth of the bore well reaches 450 to 500 m below the ground water level. The existing pumps using the induction motor (IM) as the prime over may no longer be the best choice as there is a shift in the best operating point, delivering at low flow rate and significant head losses. Also, under low water table regions, usage of IM results in higher number of impeller stages which significantly increases the cost of the system with reduced torque constraints. Hence, this research work investigates the 15 kW submersible tubular brushless permanent magnet motor (STBLPM) as an alternate candidate for submersible tubular induction motor (STIM) which is designed to operate in bore well at 4000 rpm to meet the higher head requirements specifically for low water table regions. FEM analysis has been used for the optimization and efficiency prediction of the STIM and proposed STBLPM. An energy efficient 15 kW STBLPM has been implemented in real-time and the test results are validated with the outcomes of the FEM analysis. The improvement in efficiency of STBLPM is approximately 8% compared to the conventional STIM which pays way for a substantial quantum of energy conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]