Groundwater quality in the coastal stretch between Sirkazhi and Manampandal, Tamil Nadu, India using ArcGIS Software

• Published in: Arabian journal of geosciences Vol. 6; no. 6; pp. 1899 - 1911
• Main Authors: Thiyagarajan, M., Baskaran, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.06.2013
• Subjects: Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Original Paper; ISW, India, Tamil Nadu; ISW, India; GIS; Sirkazhi; Coastal zone; Water quality; Permissible limit; Manampandal
• ISSN: 1866-7511; 1866-7538
• DOI: 10.1007/s12517-011-0500-7

An attempt has been made in this research paper to understand the groundwater quality of coastal stretch from Sirkazhi to Manampandal of Nagapattinum district, Tamil Nadu (India). A total of 47 samples were taken for the baseline study. The water samples collected in the field were analyzed for electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), major cations like calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and anions like bicarbonate, carbonate, chloride, nitrate, and sulfate, in the laboratory using the standard methods given by the American Public Health Association. The groundwater locations were selected to cover the entire study area and attention was given to the area where contamination is expected. The expected groundwater contaminants were chloride, nitrate, TDS, Na, and K. The results were evaluated in accordance with the drinking water quality standards given by the World Health Organization. To know the distribution pattern of the concentration of different elements and to demarcate the higher concentration zones, the contour maps for various elements were also generated, discussed, and presented.