Groundwater quality assessment in an industrial hotspot through interdisciplinary techniques

Dependency on groundwater has increased due to unprecedented growth of industries as well as settlements. Therefore, assessment of groundwater quality to determine its impact on human and environment has become essential. The major objective of this study was to frame a methodology for complete assessment of groundwater quality in a highly industrialized area comprising of iron, steel, fertilizer, cement, chemical, heavy machinery manufacturing, thermal power, coal mining, and allied industries. Physico-chemical parameters of water samples were analyzed from strategic locations during pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The primary analysis through the water quality index showed 50% of the sampling locations in pre-monsoon and 65% in post-monsoon seasons have very poor quality. Hence, the health risk calculated through hazard index indicates that the water is unsafe for drinking. Chemical indices such as sodium percentage, sodium adsorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, permeability index, and magnesium hazard suggest that the water can be used for irrigation. High corrosivity ratio at 90% sampling locations specifies its unsuitability for use in industrial production. Factor analysis and other statistical methods justified that the pollution of groundwater was attributed to geogenic, as well as anthropogenic, activities. This research demonstrates the usefulness of interdisciplinary techniques for complete assessment of groundwater quality and representation of complex data set into a presentable and understandable form for proper communication with public, regulatory authorities, as well as policy makers, responsible for water management.