Analysis of Groundwater Quality of Borough X (10), Kolkata for assessment of Pre-Monsoon and Post Monsoon Variation

Abstract

The evaluation of groundwater quality is the key towards ensuring and monitoring the nature of groundwater. Hence, it turns out to be essential to direct a legitimate and detailed evaluation for the maintenance of groundwater quality, and for further improvement in the water quality of the aquifer. An attempt has been made to understand the changes in the physiochemical characteristics of groundwater for pre-monsoon and post-monsoon period of Borough X (10) of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal. The study area covers nearly 15.716 km 2 region of the city, serving a population of nearly 389461, which is nearly 8.66 % of the total population of the city. The groundwater quality of the region is under constant threat primarily to several anthropogenic activities which has
steadily increased over time. The analysis of physiochemical parameters such as pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Electrical Conductivity, Turbidity, Chloride, Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Nitrate, Iron, Arsenic, and Fluoride provides a detailed outlook into the several parameters involved. The Borough consists of 12 wards of which 20 samples were collected from each ward pre-monsoon on March, 2018 and post-monsoon on September, 2018 and a comparative analysis was executed. The study shows a slight but noticeable improvement in the groundwater quality of the region post the monsoon period. This phenomenon could be noted primarily due to the dilution of the groundwater with rainwater which had been received by the aquifer in the monsoon season via infiltration.