Physico-Chemical Characterization of the Groundwater of Kotur Area Hyderabad, India

Abstract

Significant increase in industries has been observed in Kotur industrial area. Improper disposal of industrial waste in the area has resulted in water quality deterioration. Water samples were collected from various locations within the area and analysed for physiochemical parameters using standard methods (APHA) and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) respectively. High level of electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid, total hardness, calcium, sodium, chloride and magnesium were observed with relationships suggesting surface input. The concentrations of the cations range from 35 to 309mg/l for Ca, 13 to 106mg/l for Mg, 20 to 311 mg/l for Na and 2 to 8 mg/l for K.  87.5 % of the cations are in the order Ca > Na > Mg > K and Na > Ca > Mg > K respectively. The anions in the order Cl > HCO₃ > SO₄ > NO₃ were also observed. The high concentration of the physiochemical parameters reveal surface contamination originating from anthropogenic sources.

Keywords: Groundwater quality, physiochemical parameters, industrial waste, industrial area, contamination.