Evaluation of ground water quality in rural habitations near agricultural activity by physicochemical characterization to assess their potentials for application

P. Satyanarayana and P. V. S.

Abstract

Water is a significant natural resource which is vital for the survival of all ecosystems on the planet of the earth. Agricultural activities with their intensive utilization of agro chemicals pose a significant potential for negative impact on the quality of ground water. Expansion and intensification of cultivation are among the predominant global changes of this century. Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has contributed to the tremendous increase in food production over the past 50 years. The purpose of the present study is to provide a better understanding of the impact of agricultural activities on ground water quality in rural habitations near agricultural activity in East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Impacts have been assessed through the systematic collection of ground water samples in the study areas and characterized for a range of physicochemical parameters viz., pH, EC, TDS, TH, Ca2+,Mg2+,TA,Na, K, Cl-, SO4 2-, PO4 3-,F-, NO3 - and also for determining the irrigation parameters to evaluate the quality of ground waters for assessing their potentials for application. The research results revealed that waters are slightly alkaline. Higher values of EC in case of certain water samples indicate their saline nature. Higher TDS levels indicate the presence of soluble solids in waters. Higher values of TH indicate the encrustation of waters on water supply systems and make the waters unsuitable for domestic purposes.