Assessment of coastal surface water quality for irrigation purpose

Abstract

Abstract The study aimed to assess the coastal surface water quality for irrigation purposes through the analysis of the water samples of some selected estuaries, rivers, and ponds. The analysis results showed that the mean value of typical water quality parameters like electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium (Na+), and chloride (Cl−) ions exceeded the permissible limit of the Department of Environment (DoE), Bangladesh 2010, and FAO, 1985 for the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The Piper diagram indicated a Na-Cl water type, especially during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The water quality parameters in the areas showed a higher amount than the standard permissible limits, indicating that the quality is deteriorating. The water quality index values for domestic uses showed very poorly to unsuitable in most of the surface waters except pond water, especially during the pre- and post-monsoon periods. The surface water quality index for irrigation purpose usages was found to be high and/ or severely restricted (score: 0–55) during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The study observed that due to saline water intrusion, the water quality deterioration started from post-monsoon and reached its highest level during the pre-monsoon season, which gradually depreciates the water quality in coastal watersheds of Bangladesh.