Groundwater Salinity

Saline groundwater occurs in the Karha River basin area. Groundwater is one of the major resource
for the peoples of River area for domestic and agricultural purpose. The groundwater samples from
study area were collected in the period of post-monsoon (POM) and pre-monsoon (PRM) seasons.
The various physico-chemical parameters such as pH, Electrical conductivity, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+,
total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), HCO3
-, Cl-, and SO4
2- were determined using
standard procedures of APHA. The results of analysis were compared with the drinking water quality
standards of Indian Standard Institute (BIS) and World Health Organization (WHO). For suitability of
groundwater for agricultural purposes, groundwater data was compared with standard parameter of
FAO. The average annual values of the electrical conductivity of groundwater ranged from 504 to
8624 μS/cm in the study period. In Karha River basin area the salinity of groundwater was
considerable. 24% samples were EC up to 750 μS/cm which is low salinity and suitable for all
purposes such as drinking, domestic and agricultural. In rest of the area 76% groundwater samples
showed high to very salinity (EC > 2250 μS/cm). Higher saline water is not suitable for drinking,
domestic and agricultural purpose. The soluble sodium percentage values ranged from 7.68 to
92.83%. 18% groundwater samples from the study area showed higher soluble sodium percentage
(>60%), indicating, groundwater in the study area was doubtful to unsuitable for irrigation purpose.