Ground water quality assessment among the selected blocks of Wayanad district, Kerala

Joshu Amirtharaj Richard, Sabi

Abstract

The present study was carried out to assess the ground water quality in various location of Sulthan Bathery block of Wayanad district. The samples were analyzed for their physico-chemical characteristics namely temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, total hardness, sodium, potassium, phosphate, sulphate, nitrate, chloride, iron. On comparing the results against water quality standards and standard values recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Nitrate and Phosphate are exceeding the permissible limit in most of the groundwater samples. The aggressive application of agrochemicals might be the reason for the leaching of nutrients. The indiscriminate use of agrochemicals should be avoided and promotion of use of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides should be encouraged