Application of Corrosion Indices to Unconfined Aquifer Samples of Mahoba District, U.P. State, India for Domestic Purposes

This paper attempts to use the various indices available to assess the degree of corrosivity and calcite formation of groundwater sampled from Indian Mk. II handpumps in the district of Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh, India. Langelier Saturation Index, Ryznar Stability Index, Puckorius Scaling Index, Larson-Skold Index, and Potential to Promote Galvanic Corrosion were among the indices employed in the study. Corrosivity of groundwater would cause materials used in construction of pipes to leach into drinking water since the same is used for both household activities and drinking purposes. Calcite formation limits the convey potential of pipes, reducing the amount of effort necessary to manually pump out the required quantity of groundwater from the aquifer. One hundred and five samples were gathered from Indian Mk. II handpumps tapping shallow aquifers (up to 35 mbgl) from various locations for analysis of basic parameters such as pH, TDS, EC, and ions such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, carbonate, bicarbonate, sulphate and others. Overall, the majority of groundwater samples show a tendency to deposit calcium carbonate within pipes, with chlorides and sulphates not interfering with natural film formation in pipes and the likelihood of galvanic corrosion, while a minority of samples show the opposite. The information derived from various corrosion indices can also be used prior to the construction of industries that demand strict water quality criteria for production, and regions free of corrosive potential of groundwater can be identified for future infrastructure investment.