Integrated Multi-Model Approach for Assessing Groundwater Vulnerability in Rajasthan’s Semi-Arid Zone: Incorporating DRASTIC and SINTACS Variants

Abstract

Groundwater pollution in Rajasthan, India, poses significant challenges due to the region’s heavy reliance on this resource for drinking and irrigation. Given the increasing water scarcity and overexploitation, this study assesses the susceptibility of groundwater pollution in this semi-arid area. We applied and compared vulnerability mapping methods, DRASTIC and SINTACS, and their modified versions. These methodologies considered various geological and environmental factors such as depth-to-water table, recharge, aquifer conductivity, soil, and topography. The modified versions also integrated land use and temperature data for enhanced sensitivity. Validation was achieved by comparing contaminant data from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), India, focusing on primary contaminants such as fluoride, nitrate, chloride, and total dissolved solids (TDS). The results strongly align with the modified methodologies and observed groundwater ion values. Specifically, more than half of the 300 sample points analyzed indicated TDS values exceeding the permissible 300 ppm limit, with over 80 points surpassing 500 ppm. The vulnerability was classified into the following five categories: very low; low; medium; high; and very high. Notably, 30.53% of the area displayed “very high” vulnerability under the modified DRASTIC model. Districts like Jalore, Pali, Sirohi, and Jodhpur emerged as highly vulnerable zones, while areas within Udaipur, Kota, and Jaipur, among others, showed very high vulnerability. This research highlights the importance of conducting groundwater vulnerability assessments, especially for regions grappling with water scarcity like Rajasthan. The findings from this research are pivotal in guiding sustainable ground water resource management, as well as advocating continual monitoring and effective groundwater conservation strategies in the region.