SakambariJ. Ind. Geophys. Padhi, Union R. Rangarajan, ( July 2017 K. ) Rajeshwar, Sahebrao Sonkamble and V. Venkatesam v.21, no.4, pp: 260-270 Assessment of Hydro-geochemical Evolution Mechanism and Suitability of Groundwater for Domestic and Irrigation Use in and Around Ludhiana city, Punjab, India Sakambari Padhi1, R. Rangarajan*2, K. Rajeshwar3, Sahebrao Sonkamble2 and V. Venkatesam4 1Post-doctoral researcher, Department of Environment systems, Graduate school of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan 2Scientist, Groundwater division, CSIR-NGRI, Hyderabad 3Scientist, Vimta Lab, Hyderabad 4Hydrogeologist, Central Groundwater Board, Central Region, Nagpur *Corresponding Author:
[email protected] ABSTRACT Groundwater and surface water samples in and around Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Ludhiana were collected and analyzed for physico-chemical characteristics. The groundwater in the study area was found to be controlled by rock-water interaction, carbonate mineral (calcite and dolomite) weathering and ion exchange processes. The water facies were mainly of Ca-Mg-HCO3 and Na-HCO3 types, showing fresh water characteristics. All the groundwater samples were found to be with in the safe limits with respect to the dissolved solids, major cations, major anions and trace elements making it suitable for domestic use. However, the hardness may affect the acceptability of this groundwater for drinking. Most of the groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation, considering salinity hazard, sodicity hazard and bicarbonate hazard. However, magnesium hazard is found to persist in 63% of groundwater samples. The canal water is found to be of good quality for irrigation. Key words: Hydro-geochemical evolution, Water quality, Domestic and Irrigation use, Salinity hazard, Sodicity hazard, Bicarbonate hazard, Magnesium hazard.