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The long-term average annual soil loss (A) and sediment yield (SY) in a tropical monsoon- dominated river basin in the southern Western Ghats, India (Muthirapuzha River Basin, MRB; area: 271.75 km²), were predicted by coupling the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and sediment delivery ratio (SDR) models. Moreover, the study also delineated soil erosion risk zones based on the soil erosion potential index (SEPI) using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique. Mean A of the basin is 14.36 t ha-1 year-1, while mean SY is only 3.65 t ha-1 year-1. Although the land use/land cover types with human interference show relatively lower A compared to natural vegetation, their higher SDR values reflect the significance of anthropogenic activities in accelerated soil erosion. The soil erosion risk in the MRB is strongly controlled by slope, land use/land cover and relative relief, compared to geomorphology, drainage density, stream frequency and lineament frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Muthirapuzha watershed (MW) is one among the major tributaries of Periyar - the longest west flowing river in Kerala, India. A morphometric analysis was carried out to determine the spatial variations in the drainage characteristics of MW and its 14 fourth order sub-watersheds (SW1-SW14) using Survey of India topographic maps and Landsat ETM+ imagery. The study revealed that the watershed includes a sixth order stream and lower order streams dominate the basin. Results did indicate that rainfall has a significant role in the drainage development whereas structure and relief of rocks dictate the drainage pattern. The asymmetry in the drainage distribution is correlated with the tectonic history of the Munnar plateau in the late Paleocene age. The watershed is moderate to well-drained and exhibited a geomorphic maturity in its physiographic development. The shape parameters revealed the elongated nature of MW and drainage network development in the watershed. Further, the analysis provided significant insight into the terrain characteristics. This study strongly brings to light, (a) the tendency of the watershed to soil loss and (b) the hydrological makeup of the sub-watersheds, which combined helped to formulate a comprehensive watershed management plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study on geochemical evolution of groundwater is taken up to assess the controlling processes of water chemistry in the Western Delta region of the River Godavari (Andhra Pradesh), which is one of the major rice-producing centers in India. The study region is underlain by coarse sand with black clay (buried channels), black silty clay of recent origin (floodplain) and gray/white fine sand of modern beach sediment of marine source (coastal zone), including brown silty clay with fine sand (paleo-beach ridges). Groundwater is mostly brackish and very hard. It is characterized by Na > Mg > Ca:HCO > Cl > SO > NO , Na > Mg > Ca:Cl > HCO > SO , and Mg > Na > Ca > or < K:HCO > Cl > or > SO facies. The ionic relations (Ca + Mg:HCO , Ca + Mg:SO + HCO , Na + K:TC, Na + K:Cl + SO , HCO :TC, HCO :Ca + Mg, Na:Cl and Na:Ca) indicate that the rock weathering, mineral dissolution, evaporation and ion exchange are the processes to control the aquifer chemistry. Anthropogenic and marine sources are also the supplementary factors for brackish water quality. These observations are further supported by Gibbs mechanisms that control the water chemistry. Thus, the study suggests that the initial quality of groundwater of geogenic origin has been subsequently modified by the influences of anthropogenic and marine sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemistry of groundwater in the coastal region between Chirala and Ongole of Andhra Pradesh, India shows pollution to varying extent. The relative contribution of ions in six zones divided based on TDS indicates unsuitability of groundwater here for drinking, irrigation and industrial use. The water is brackish except in first zone and further alkaline. TDS is less than 1,000 mg/L in first zone, while it is more in other zones. This classification of groundwater into zones is also investigated by hydrogeochemical facies, genetic classification, mechanisms of groundwater chemistry and geochemical signatures. Hydrogeochemical facies of Na+>Mg2+>Ca2+:HCO3- >Cl->SO42- is observed from zone I, while that of Na+>Mg2+>Ca2+:Cl->HCO3- >SO42- from second to sixth zones. The genetic classification of groundwater in first and second zones is HCO3- type and supported by good drainage conditions, while zones III to VI belong to Cl- category evident from poor drainage scenario. The location of six zones on mechanisms of groundwater chemistry supports sluggish drainage conditions of second to six zones, while predominate rock-water interaction in first zone. The geochemical signatures (HCO3- :Cl->1 and Na+:Cl- < 1) also endorse the pollution. The quantities of chemical species (Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3- , Cl-, SO2- , NO3- and F-) and TDS in all zones are far greater than the stipulated limits for drinking. The United States Salinity Laboratory plots discriminated the suitability of groundwater in second to sixth zones for irrigation after only special soil treatment. Higher concentrations of TDS, HCO3- , Cl- and SO42- in all zones render it unsuitable for industry too. This information is crucial for public and civic authorities for taking up strategic management plan for preventing further deterioration of hydrogeochemical environmental conditions of this part of the coastal region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrochemical investigation of open well and river water samples of Thuthapuzha Sub-basin of Bharathapuzha, Kerala, was carried out to determine the spatial and temporal variations in the physico-chemical parameters. The suitability of water for drinking and irrigation purposes and the processes controlling the water chemistry were also assessed. The study area experiences a humid tropical climate and heavy rainfall of ~ 3830 mm/year. Thirty-five open well and nine river water samples were collected during the pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The chemical properties of the river water samples were dominated by alkaline earths and weak acids (CaHCO3 type). Even though majority of the open well samples belonged to CaHCO3 type, few samples belonged to NaCl, mixed CaMgCl and mixed CaNaHCO3 water type. The groundwater and river water chemistry of the region was influenced by the chemistry of the host rock rather than precipitation and evaporation. Except pH and the total iron concentration, all other physico-chemical parameters of the open well samples of the study area were within the acceptable limit of drinking purposes. The physico-chemical parameters of the entire river water samples were within the acceptable limit for drinking purpose. The entire open well and river water samples were suitable for irrigation purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]