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Geochemical characterization of groundwater from an arid region in India

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Abstract

A study on the geochemical processes in arid region of western India (Kachchh district) was carried out using major, minor, trace metal data and isotopic composition (δ2H, δ18O) of groundwaters. Results indicate that the distribution of chemical species in groundwater of this district is controlled by leaching of marine sediments, dissolution of salts in root zone and incongruent dissolution of carbonate minerals. Common inorganic contaminants such as fluoride, nitrate and phosphate are within drinking water permissible limits. However, most of the samples analyzed contain total dissolved salts more than desirable limits and fall in doubtful to unsuitable category with regard to irrigational purpose. Trace metal data indicates no contamination from toxic elements such as arsenic and lead. An increased salt content is observed in groundwater at shallower depths indicating mixing with surface water sources. The chemical characteristics of the groundwater have found to be strongly dependent on the local lithological composition. Environmental isotopic data indicates that the groundwater is of meteoric origin and has undergone limited modification before its recharge. The processes responsible for observed brackishness are identified using chemical and isotope indicators, which are in agreement with subsurface lithology and hydrochemistry. These data though represent hydrochemical scenario of 2001 can still be used for understanding the long-term fluctuations in water chemistry and would be quite useful for the planners in validating groundwater quality models.

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Acknowledgments

The encouragement and support by Dr. Gursharan Singh, Associate Director (I), RC & I Group, B.A.R.C. is gratefully acknowledged. Thanks are also due to Dr. K.M. Kulkarni, Mr. G.N. Mendekar and National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for helping in sampling program. Mr. Arzoo Ansari  and Mr. Daniel are duly acknowledged for helping in preparing maps. Authors also wish to thank all the anonymous reviewers for their comments which helped in improving the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Isotope Applications & Radiopharmaceuticals Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 085, India

    Tirumalesh Keesari, U. P. Kulkarni, Archana Deodhar & U. Saravana Kumar

  2. Radioanalytical Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 085, India

    P. S. Ramanjaneyulu

  3. Analytical Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400 085, India

    A. K. Sanjukta

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  1. Tirumalesh Keesari
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  2. U. P. Kulkarni
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Correspondence to Tirumalesh Keesari.

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Keesari, T., Kulkarni, U.P., Deodhar, A. et al. Geochemical characterization of groundwater from an arid region in India. Environ Earth Sci 71, 4869–4888 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-013-2878-x

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