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Characterization of Groundwater in the Shallow and Deep Aquifers of an Agriculture-Dominated Tropical Subhumid to Semiarid Region, India: a Multivariate and GIS Approach

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Abstract

Hydrochemistry, sources of ions, identification of pollution hotspot, and potability of groundwater in shallow and deep aquifers of Palakkad and Chittur taluks (area = 1875 km2) of Bharathapuzha river basin, the largest river basin in Kerala, India, are discussed in this paper. The study area belongs to one of the rice bowls of the State. Geologically, the study area consists of Archaean crystallines, overlaid by laterite. Due to the unique geography, subhumid to semiarid climate, and intense agricultural activities, the quality of groundwater is a serious concern and warrants attention. For delineating the major ions and nutrients, water samples were analyzed for shallow (dug wells) and deep (bore wells) aquifers during monsoon (MON) and postmonsoon (POM) seasons. Physicochemical parameters showed distinct spatiotemporal variation and quality degradation, which was more prominent in deep groundwater. The relative abundance of cations and anions is in the order Na > Ca > Mg > K and HCO3 > Cl > CO3 for both the aquifers. The spatial distribution trend of parameters in deep and shallow aquifers showed a similar pattern indicating a common influence on water quality. Multivariate factor analysis (R-mode) employed in the study derived three main factors controlling the groundwater chemistry, viz. geogenic, anthropogenic, and pH. Among these, water chemistry is chiefly controlled by the geogenic factor and partly by the other two. It is also reflected well in the correlation analysis of various parameters. Since the eastern part of Chittur taluk in the study area is more impacted by anthropogenic and climatic influences, a pollution hotspot has been identified in this region through the application of Geographic Information System (GIS) overlay analysis. Thus, the study reveals agrochemical, climatic, and geologic influences on the chemistry and quality of groundwater.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank University Grants Commission, New Delhi, India, for funding in the form of a major research project (No:- F.30-101/2004 (SR)).

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  1. Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kerala, Trivandrum, India

    N. Kannan & Sabu Joseph

  2. Kerala State Pollution Control Board, Trivandrum, Kerala, India

    A. M. Sheela

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  1. N. Kannan
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Kannan, N., Joseph, S. & Sheela, A.M. Characterization of Groundwater in the Shallow and Deep Aquifers of an Agriculture-Dominated Tropical Subhumid to Semiarid Region, India: a Multivariate and GIS Approach. J Indian Soc Remote Sens 49, 1853–1868 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12524-021-01356-z

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