| Popis: |
In many Asian megacities, millions of human inhabitants are dependent on groundwater for fulfilling daily water demand due to lack of public water supply and infrastructure. Many of these megacities are situated on alluvial plains which are more susceptible to contamination also. The present study has been carried out in Jhajjar District, Haryana, a part of Indo-Gangetic Plain, India. Indo-Gangetic plain, harbour one of the most productive alluvial aquifer of the world and plays an important role in Indian economy. After green revolution, in a large part of Indo-Gangetic plain groundwater salinization and contamination has been reported. In past few decades, groundwater in Jhajjar district is continuously degraded by fluoride, sulphate, chloride, salinity, etc. problems. So, the present study aims to assess the groundwater quality of the alluvial aquifer of Jhajjar district using integrated approach. Hydrochemistry in integration with stable isotopes (δ18O and δD), GIS and multivariate statistical analysis has been to decipher the sub-surface geochemical processes taking place. Twenty-one groundwater samples were collected and a total 14 hydro-chemical parameter and water stable isotopes (δ18O and δD) has been analyzed. Hierarchical clustering of hydro-chemical and isotopic data classified the water in three groups, varying from fresh to brackish/salt waters. Sampling location with higher salinity is showing enriched fluoride signature. Depletion in water level, insufficient flushing with freshwater is affecting fresh-saline water interface which favors the dissolution and mobilization of salts from the unsaturated zone as well as pollution in aquifer. Understanding the recharge processes and the groundwater dynamics is critical to assess the vulnerability and protection of groundwater resources. |
