ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY FOR DRINKING IN DERABASSI REGION

Abstract

Ground water is an elite source of fresh water around the globe. With the edification of the human world the value of this resource has increased whereas the quality of it has been compromised. Devaluation of groundwater quality due to anthropogenic activities is increasing atfrightening rate in most parts of the Punjab, different land use pattern lead to the contamination of groundwater but limited work has been carried out on groundwater quality and monitoring. This paper focuses on the overall groundwater quality and contrasts on its suitability for drinking and irrigation purpose in the region. The suitability of groundwater quality of 12 sites in the areas surrounding industrial belt in Derabassi in Mohali district in state of Punjab was assessed for drinking purpose at an interval of 15days for 5 months, on the various water quality parameters.Standard methods are applied for physicochemical analysis of groundwater samples.Physiochemical parameters concentrations including pH ,EC ,cations (Ca²+,Mg²+,Na+,K+),anions(HCO³ -, Cl-, SO₄²-, NO³-),TDS, TH, and heavy metals (Cu,Pb ,Cd Cr ,Mn ,Fe,F- and Zn) were determined in groundwater samples. Most of the samples analyzed were above the Guidelines set by both national (BIS) and international (WHO, 2011) bodies for drinking water. Reasons of high levels of pollution can be attributed to the disposal of untreated waste of industries and sewage. Regular monitoring of groundwater should be done to minimize the health effects.