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Characterization of Mechanisms and Processes Controlling Groundwater Recharge and its Quality in Drought-Prone Region of Central India (Buldhana, Maharashtra) Using Isotope Hydrochemical and End-Member Mixing Modeling

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Abstract

A thorough study on understanding of groundwater recharge sources and mechanisms was attempted by integrating the hydrogeological, geochemical and isotopic information along with groundwater dating and end-member mixing analysis (EMMA). This study was necessitated due to prolonged dryness and unavailability of freshwater in semi arid Deccan trap regions of Central India. In addition, groundwater resources are not characterized well in terms of their geochemical nature and recharge sources. The hydrogeochemical inferences suggest that aquifer I consists of recently recharged water dominated by Ca–Mg–HCO3 facies, while groundwater in aquifer II shows water–rock interaction and ion exchange processes. Presence of agricultural contaminant, nitrate, in both aquifers infers limited hydraulic interconnection, which is supported by unconfined to semi-confined nature of aquifers. Groundwater in both aquifers is unsaturated with respect to carbonate and sulfate minerals indicating lesser water–rock interaction and shorter residence time. This inference is corroborated by tritium age of groundwater (aquifer I: 0.7–2 years old and aquifer II: 2–4.2 years old). Stable water isotopes (δ2H, δ18O) suggest that groundwater is a mixture of rainwater and evaporated water (surface water and irrigation return flow). EMMA analysis indicates three groundwater recharge sources with irrigation return flow being the dominant source compared to others (rainwater and surface waters). A conceptual model depicting groundwater chemistry, recharge and dynamics is prepared based on the inferences.

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Figure 1

(modified from CGWB 2013)

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Source: https://www.indiawaterportal.org and https://www.worldweatheronline.com

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Acknowledgments

Authors acknowledge the constant support by Dr. P.K. Pujari, Associate Director, Radiochemistry and Isotope Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai. The authors would like to appreciate the help rendered by staff of Vivekanand Ashram (Mehker) and Isotope Hydrology Section, IRAD, BARC (Mumbai), during field sampling. This project was undertaken as a part of ‘Advance Knowledge and RUral Technology Implementation’ (AKRUTI) program initiated by the Department of Atomic Energy with a mission to ‘Empower Villages with Science & Technology (S&T) based eco-friendly work plan for sustainable Techno-Economic growth of rural sector.’

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  1. Isotope Hydrology Section, Isotope and Radiation Application Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, India

    Tirumalesh Keesari, Annadasankar Roy, Hemant Mohokar, Diksha Pant & U. K. Sinha

  2. Homi Bhabha National Institute, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India

    Tirumalesh Keesari, Annadasankar Roy & Diksha Pant

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  1. Tirumalesh Keesari
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Correspondence to Tirumalesh Keesari.

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Keesari, T., Roy, A., Mohokar, H. et al. Characterization of Mechanisms and Processes Controlling Groundwater Recharge and its Quality in Drought-Prone Region of Central India (Buldhana, Maharashtra) Using Isotope Hydrochemical and End-Member Mixing Modeling. Nat Resour Res 29, 1951–1973 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-019-09550-0

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