Research Article
Rajib Paul, Shreya Das, S.K.Na
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to assess the groundwater quality of Lefunga block, west Tripura district, Tripura, for irrigation and domestic purposes. Nine samples were collected from bore wells used for drinking and irrigation purposes. The water samples were analyzed for major cations like calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron and anions like chloride, bi-carbonate and sulfate. Samples were also analyzed for arsenic and fluoride concentration. The important constituents that influences water quality for irrigation such as Electrical conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Magnesium Adsorption Ratio (MAR), Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP) and Permeability Index (PI) were determined and compared with standard limits. The values of TDS range from 29.33 – 86.00 mg/L, SAR values range from 0.04 – 0.07, MAR values range from 33.56 – 53.68 and SSP range from 3.01 – 5.87. Results show that they all lie within the safe limits and thus largely suitable for irrigation purpose. Hence, the groundwater of this area is free from salinity hazard and has no adverse effect on soil properties. Furthermore, the water samples also fall within recommended limits and are found suitable for drinking purposes except one sample having high levels of iron and thus rendering it to be very poor for drinking purposes as per WQI classification.