Author(s): Sahajpreet Kaur Garewal, Avinash D. Vasudeo
Linked Author(s): Sahajpreet Kaur Garewal
Keywords: Groundwater, GIS, vulnerability, DRASTIC, pollutants
Abstract: Groundwater is fairly a ubiquitous resource. Increased exploitation, environmental degradation and usages of chemicals have threatened the groundwater quality and presently the aforesaid are the major issues faced by water resources engineers over the world. The possible contaminants in groundwater are practically unlimited; a wide range of pollutants are found in groundwater causing adverse effect on environment. The concern related to groundwater quality generally focuses on the impact of pollutants and quality degradation on human health. Proper management of groundwater is a primary concern, if done meticulously would ultimately lead to a cleaner and healthier environment. Assessment of groundwater vulnerability is one of most significant tool for planning, management and taking necessary remedial action on the affected areas. The present study evaluates the groundwater vulnerable zones of Nagpur city, using DRASTIC method within GIS environment. The groundwater quality and level data of Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) within Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) limits are used to analyze the extent of groundwater contamination in the city. It was observed that all the studied parameters, such as F, Na, TDS, pH, EC, TH, Mg and Cl, were within permissible limit, except some isolated pockets but concentration of nitrate was above permissible limit and its presence mostly found in various parts of the city. Medial city Nagpur, which is not a prime hub of industries, is facing groundwater pollution. This may be due to typical stratigraphy or hydro-geology of the area and disposal of untreated city waste. From this study, it was found that for further prevention of the groundwater pollution, necessary remedial measure should be taken in the highly vulnerable zone of city and waste of the city should be handled properly
Year: 2017