Groundwater hydrochemistry in the crystalline laterites/forest loams of Kasargod district, Kerala, India

Abstract

Groundwater quality assessment for drinking and irrigation purposes in the specific hot spot areas of Kasargod District, Kerala, India, was conducted during July 2009 to January 2011. Groundwater samples were examined and quantified for the major cations and anions, microbiological parameters, irrigation quality parameters such as sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual Mg/Ca ratio and %Na. Most of the ground samples were acidic in nature and the fluoride concentrations exhibited below the desirable limit. Concentration of iron exceeds the desirable limit of 0.3 mg/l during monsoon 2009 and pre-monsoon 2010. The competitive and non-competitive ion relationship between the major ions was authenticated by the correlation study.