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Indian Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 3 No. 5 (May 2010) ISSN: 0974- 6846

Geochemical evaluation of groundwater quality in selected areas of , A.P., G. Udayalaxmi, D. Himabindu and G. Ramadass Centre of Exploration Geophysics, Osmania University, Hyderabad–500 007, India [email protected]

Abstract This paper examines the quality of groundwater in a 40 sq km region comprising Osmania University and surrounding areas in the north eastern part of Hyderabad city in India. 171 groundwater samples from bore wells in the region have + + 2+ 2+ - - 2- - 2- been analyzed for ionic concentrations of K , Na , Ca , Mg , F , Cl , SO4 , HCO3 and NO3 . Parameters such as pH, total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), permeability index (PI), residual carbonate (RC), electrical conductance (EC) and groundwater quality index (GWQI) have been evaluated, contoured and analyzed to determine the areas of contaminated groundwater. It is inferred from Wilcox plot and Piper trilinear diagram, the samples in the study area falls under C3S1 class and characterized by alkaline. It was found the groundwater in the entire region is too hard for drinking. Groundwater contamination in the study area is attributable to different sources; in the southern part of the study area, it is due to proximity to the river Musi that acts as a carrier of domestic and industrial effluents. In and around and Mallapur, the effluents discharged from the several industries are responsible for polluting the groundwater in the region. Regions such as Jamai Osmania, and Lalapet are very densely populated and it is the domestic sewage in this area that is the primary cause of groundwater contamination.

Keywords: Geochemical analysis, groundwater quality index (GWQI), Hyderabad.

Introduction terms of population, area and land use, and with its As the distribution of surface sources of water is so heterogeneous demographic profile, is cosmopolitan in its uneven as to be inadequate, in many parts of the country truest sense. The study area has an approximate extent the dependence on groundwater is almost total. This is of 40 sq kms and lies in Ranga Reddy district between especially true in regions of arid to semi-arid type of latitudes 17.3750 (17o22’30”N) and 17.50 (17o30’N) and climate where average annual rainfall is less than 100 cm longitudes 78.50 (78o30’E) to 78.60 (78o 37’E) in degrees and the scope of aquifer recharge is limited. Thus, (Survey of India toposheet number 56K/11/NW). Fig.1 is groundwater continues to be exploited at ever increasing a location map of the study area. Physiographically, the rates, especially in the rapidly expanding urban areas of area represents flat topography with gentle slope. The the country. But rapid urban sprawl and industrialization drainage pattern; it varies from dentritic to sub- have the unfortunate fallout of environmental pollution. In parallel/rectangular trellis. the absence of appropriate waste management Geochemical analyses strategies, many human activities and their by-products In the present study 171 ground water samples were have the potential to pollute surface and subsurface collected from bore wells located in parts of the city in water. Industrial effluents, and wastes from urban Dec 2007. The geographic coordinates of the locations of infrastructure, agriculture, horticulture, transport and these samples were determined using a GPS and are discharges from abandoned mines and deliberate or shown in Fig.1. These samples were analyzed for + + 2+ - - 2- accidental pollution, all eventually affect the water quality. constituents like pH, TDS, K , Na , Mg , F , Cl , SO4 , 2- 2+ - The pollutants from the stream may move slowly in to the NO3 , Ca , TH, HCO3 and E.C by standard methods in ground, thus affecting the quality of groundwater. the geochemical laboratory of the National Geophysical Depending on various natural and cultural factors, the Research Institute (NGRI), as per the standard procedure quality of groundwater in terms of its physical, chemical for American Public Health Association (Browen et al., and organic characteristics is variable, determining its 1974; APHA, 1985; 1998). Apart from the above, the suitability for different purposes– domestic, agricultural or sodium absorption ratio (SAR), permeability index (PI), industrial. This paper studies the extent and degree of residual carbonate (RC), alkalinity and the groundwater groundwater contamination in a part of the city of quality index (GWQI), were also determined. Table 1 Hyderabad from geochemical analysis of groundwater summarized the evaluated statistical parameters namely samples. minimum (min), maximum (max), mean and standard Study area deviation (S.D) values for each of the measured Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, is located constituents of the groundwater samples from study area. between latitude 17o 15’N to 17o35’N and longitude pH: The pH an aqueous solution is measure of the 78o20’E to 78o37’E. It is the sixth largest city of India number of hydrogen ions or protons present and (2001). It is one of the fastest growing metropolises in measured with a pH meter (Hem, 1985). It is expressed Research article “Groundwater quality in Hyderabad” Udayalaxmi et al. ©Indian Society for Education and Environment (iSee) http://www.indjst.org Indian J.Sci.Technol. 547

Indian Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 3 No. 5 (May 2010) ISSN: 0974- 6846 as the negative logarithm the Table 1. Statistics of groundwater quality analysis in µS/cm) are observed over hydrogen-ion concentration in OU and surrounding areas of Hyderabad, Dec 2007 Jamai Osmania, north of water. The pH of the analyzed (all values in mg/l except pH & E.C). Nacharam and around samples in the study area (Fig. Parameter Min Max Mean S D Mallapur. Such anomalous 2a) varies from 6.2 to 8.65 pH 6.2 8.65 7.54 0.440 values arise from various against permissible limits of 6.5 EC (µS/cm) 222.9 5086.9 1898.4 868.02 anthropogenic activities and to 8.5 (BIS, 1983). The TDS (mg/l) 29.9 2330 1044.53 421.55 geochemical processes Na+ (mg/l) 2.5 455 122.8 80.3 measure of pH is on a scale of + prevailing in the region (Sujatha 0-14 wherein pH less than 7 is K (mg/l) 0.2 28.4 6.8 4.39 & Reddy, 2004). Mg++ (mg/l) 10 525 93.5 98.8 acidic and greater than 7 is ++ Total dissolved solids (TDS): alkaline (basic) and exact 7 is Ca (mg/l) 16 860 192.9 149.78 The weight of the residue Cl- (mg/l) 30 1020.0 287.8 192.5 neutral. Thus the groundwater -- consisting of pollutants SO4 (mg/l) 14 361.2 111.6 68.97 samples are, at places slightly - (dissolved ions) left behind after HCO3 (mg/l) 30 622.2 275.5 144.6 more basic than acceptable - all the water from a water NO3 (mg/l) 0.1 326.0 77.5 69.86 limits. Values of over 8 are F-(mg/l) 0.0 7.0 1.7 1.11 sample is evaporated is a noticed near Uppal, , TH 117.9 3712.3 862.5 723.7 measure of the TDS and gives Pedda cheruvu and Nadimi SAR 0.0 8.5 2.2 1.55 the general nature of cheruvu. Similarly, values less RC (me/l) -71.0 1.8 -12.6 14.3 groundwater quality and extent than 7 occur near Jamai of contamination (Annon, 1946; Osmania, northeast of and around Mallapur. Robinnove, 1958; Davis & de Wiest, 1966; AWWA, E.C: Electrical Conductivity (EC) depends upon 1971). The permissible limit (BIS, 1983) for TDS is about temperature, ionic concentration and types of ions 500 mg/l. In general, TDS values of <1000 mg/l are present in the water (Hem, 1985). Thus the EC gives a considered as fresh water and values >1000 mg/l are qualitative picture of the quality of groundwater. The considered brackish. The TDS values vary between 29.9 maximum permissible limit of EC in groundwater (BIS, to 2330 mg/l with mean value of 1044 mg/l. The 1983) is 1500 µS/cm. It varies from about 222 to 5086 measured TDS values in the study area contoured with µS/cm with the mean value of 1898 µS/cm in the study an interval of 100 mg/l are shown in Fig. 2c. Except for area (Fig. 2b). Except for the region between Pedda the region to the northwest of Moulali where TDS values cheruvu and Uppal, and small regions off Moulali and of <500 are observed, in the industrial zones (Nacharam Mallapur, the entire study area has values of EC that & Mallapur) and several residential zones high exceed permissible limits. Anomalous peaks (>3000 concentrations ranging between 1500-2300 mg/l are Fig. 1. Location map of groundwater samples for observed. The higher concentrations were due to geochemical analysis in OU & Surrounding areas, Hyderabad leaching of solid wastes from ground surface as well as enhanced seepage from lakes during monsoon. In Kapra cheruvu 0 2 km general, the TDS concentration were found to 68 66 17.48 67 125 6465 134 increase downstream, possibly due to topography 126 Sample location 69 71 70 7475 gradient, deposition of silt due to erosion and floods RK Puram Lake 72 77 along drainage channels and tanks, as also due to 170128 78 127 88 Safilguda 80 industrial and municipal waste disposal (Freeze & Nadimi81 cheruvu8579 129 17.46 82 91 95 130 Miryalguda159 87 cheruvu89 84 86 Cherry, 1979). 132 - 83 53 Chloride (Cl ): Chloride concentration of the 92 93 90 54 2850151 42 27 groundwater samples in the study area is varying 225246 4148 29 21Mallapur47353949 44454336513740 3823 26 from 30 to 1020 mg/l, with average value of 287mg/l. 96 97 169 142 30 120 17.44 24 5894 104 25 Patelcheruvu60 The WHO limit for chloride in groundwater is < 250 101 63 62 99 Nacharam57 1055556 100 102131 10359 168 Tarnaka 61146 mg/l. Surprisingly, concentration values exceeding 98 156 113 141 20 108 166 1934 111107 109 Osmania University33 Pedda106 cheruvu this figure are observed over the entire study area 32 112

Latitude in in Degrees Latitude 133 119 155 Budhnagar 110115 149 163 164 145 (Fig. 2d), except Moulali and a small pocket near 16 118 17.42 137 Boduppal. Chloride concentrations in the 31 Uppal 121 167 189 152 144 Nalla cheruvu 17 10 11 162 140 136 1 groundwater samples were found to vary from <50 to 12 15 122 139 3 Mohini cheruvu14 124 7842 13 116 123 56 135 250 mg/l near Moulali and south of Pedda cheruvu to 157 150 161 Ramanthapuram 165 143154 250 to 500 mg/l south of Jamai Osmania, south of

17.4 138 Musi River 171 Boduppal and off Nadimi cheruvu. Chloride 153 147 158 concentrations appear to be elevated in the downstream side of the lakes in the area; peak values

114 of 500-1000 mg/l were observed in the southern part 17.38 117 of the study area, and north of Pedda cheruvu. So, it 78.51 78.53 78.55 78.57 78.59 is concluded that a large part of the investigated area, Longitude in Degrees Research article “Groundwater quality in Hyderabad” Udayalaxmi et al. ©Indian Society for Education and Environment (iSee) http://www.indjst.org Indian J.Sci.Technol. 548

Indian Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 3 No. 5 (May 2010) ISSN: 0974- 6846 especially so in the southern part, is polluted, whereas in IDA Mallapur, Nadimi Cheruvu and Lallaguda (Fig. 2f). the northern part the extent of chloride contamination is High nitrate values noticed in the vicinity of water bodies relatively irregular (Sunitha et al., 2002; Satish Kumar et indicates lake water seepage into the groundwater al., 2007). regime. Similarly, in the urbanized and industrial zones, 2- Sulphate (SO4 ): Sulphates in Fig. 2. Contour maps of (a) pH (b) Electrical conductivity (E.C.) groundwater in excess of the (c) Total dissolved solids (TDS) (d) Chloride (e) Sulphates (f) Nitrates in OU & surrounding WHO limit of 150 mg/l are areas of Hyderabad. pH seen at several places in the (a) (b) Electrical Conductivit y study area. High sulphate Kapra cheruvu Kapra cheruvu 5000 concentration causes GI 17.48 17.48 RK Puram Lake 8.5 RK Puram Lake 4500 irritation. Concentrations Safilguda Safilguda Nadimi cheruvu Nadimi cheruvu 4000 17.46 s 17.46 exceeding 500 – 600 mg/l es 8.2 e e e 3500 r Mallapur gr Malla pur impart a bitter taste and may eg e d 17.44 7.9 d 17.44 3000 Nacharam n Nacharam cause laxative effects in some n i i Pedda cheruvu Boduppal e Pedda cheruvu Boduppal 2500 d e d Osmania University individuals (Raghunath, 1987). u Osmania University 7.6 u t 17.42 it 17.42 2000 ati Nalla cheruvu at Nalla cheruvu The sulphate concentration in L L 7.3 1500 Ramanthapura m Ra manthapuram the groundwater samples in in Latitude degrees 17.4 in Latitude degrees 17.4 1000 7 the study area was found to 500 vary from 14 mg/l to 361.2 17.38 6.7 17.38 mg/l, with mean value of 111 78.51 78.53 78.55 78.57 78.59 78.51 78.53 78.55 78.57 78.59 Longitude in degrees Longitude in degrees mg/l (Fig. 2e). Peak Scale 0 2km Chloride (mg/l) concentrations of over 250 (c) TDS(mg/l) (d) mg/l occur near Jamai Kapra cheruvu Kapra cheruvu 1000 17.48 Osmania, and in the 17.48 240 0 RK Puram La ke RK Puram Lake 900 s Safilguda southwest corner of the study e Safilguda Nadimi cheruvu e Nadimi cheruvu 210 0 s 800 r 17.46 e 17.46 area and are attributable to eg e d 180 0 gr 700 n Mallapur e Mallapur domestic sewage. Slightly i d e 17.44 n 17.44 600 d Nacharam 150 0 i Nacharam lower concentrations of 190- u e it Pedda cheruvu d Pedda cheruvu Boduppal 500 at Boduppal u Osmania University 230 mg/l (attributable to L Osmania University 120 0 it at 17.42 17.42 L Nalla cheruvu 400 industrial effluents) are evident in Latitude degrees Nalla cheruvu

900 in Latitude degrees 250 near Nacharam, Mallapur and Rama nthapuram Ramanthapuram 17.4 17.4 Pedda cheruvu. 600 200 2- 300 100 Nitrate (NO3 ): Nitrate in 17.38 17.38 0 natural water is due to organic 78.51 78.53 78.55 78.57 78.59 0 78.51 78.53 78.55 78.57 78.59 sources or from industrial and Longitude in degrees Longitude in degrees agricultural chemicals (Feth, Sulphates (mg/l) Nitrates (mg/l) 1966). While nitrogen is an (e) (f) Kapra cheruvu Kapra cheruvu essential constituent of protein 17.48 17.48 350 315 in all living organisms, nitrate RK Puram Lake RK Puram Lake Safilguda Safilguda Nadimi cheruvu 300 Nadimi cheruvu 270 concentrations of greater than 17.46 es 17.46 es e 45 mg/l (WHO limit) can cause e 250 gr 225 gr Mallapur e Mallapur e d cyanosis or blue baby d 17.44 n 17.44 Nacharam 200 i Nacharam 180 n e syndrome among infants ei Pedda cheruvu Boduppal d Pedda cheruvu Boduppal d Osmania University u Osmania University u 150 it 135 17.42 at 17.42 (Young et al., 1976; Vigil et al., it L Nalla cheruvu at Nalla cheruvu in Latitude degrees L 1965) and development of 100 90 Latitude in degrees in Latitude degrees Ramanthapuram Ramanthapuram 17.4 17.4 50 cancer in adults (Gass, 1978; 45

WHO, 1984).The 0 17.38 17.38 0 concentration of nitrate values 78.51 78.53 78.55 78.57 78.59 78.51 78.53 78.55 78.57 78.59 in the study area varying from Longitude in degrees Longitude in degrees 0.1 to 326 mg/l, with a mean high nitrate concentrations result due to solid wastes from value of 77.5 mg/l. The limit of nitrate concentration for sewage and septic tanks and industrial effluents. drinking water is specified as 45 mg/l (BIS, 1983). It is Fluoride (F-): The concentration of fluoride in the study observed that nearly 90% of groundwater from the study area (Fig. 2g) varies from 0 mg/l to about 7 mg/l (Table 1). area is exceeding the permissible limit. While highs of The permissible limit of fluoride in drinking water is 0.6 to >200 mg/l are observed over Peddacheruvu, Uppal, 1.2 mg/l (BIS, 1983). While it is <0.6 mg/l near Jamai Nacharam and south of Ramakrishnapuram, relatively Osmania, Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE) and lower values (< 200 mg/l) are seen near Jamai Osmania Lalaguda, it is >4 mg/l north of Uppal, near Mallapur, Research article “Groundwater quality in Hyderabad” Udayalaxmi et al. ©Indian Society for Education and Environment (iSee) http://www.indjst.org Indian J.Sci.Technol. 549

Indian Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 3 No. 5 (May 2010) ISSN: 0974- 6846

Lalapet and Nacharam. High fluoride concentration is of over 200 mg/l are considered excessive. Except for seen in the region between Pedda cheruvu and Patel small pockets southwest of Mallapur, northeast of cheruvu, and adjacent to the Nacharam area. The Osmania University and south of Nadimi cheruvu, over effluents from the several industries in the region the rest of the study area, calcium concentration is >150 contribute to the high levels of pollution. Elevated fluoride mg/l (Fig. 2j). The mean value of calcium concentration is concentrations are also observed in the lakes in the 192.9 mg/l. Peak concentrations of >300 mg/l are seen downstream side. According to UNESCO specifications, near Osmania University, Lalaguda and north of Moulali. water containing more than 1.5 mg/l of fluoride can cause Near Mallapur, extremely high calcium concentration mottled tooth enamel in children. Excess fluoride may (>600 mg/l) is noticed. The heavy civil constructions and also lead to flourosis that can result in skeletal damage. rapid industrialization and urbanization in the area Potassium (K+): Ionic potassium occurs at fairly low contribute to the high concentration of Ca in the concentrations in groundwater (Sravanthi & Sudarshan, groundwater of the region (Somasundaram et al., 1993). 1998) and is derived from weathering of the mostly stable Fig. 2. Contour maps of (g) Fluoride (F) (h) Potassium (K) (i) Sodium (Na) (j) Calcium (Ca) orthoclase, microcline feldspars (k) Magnesium (Mg) (l) Alkalinity in OU &surrounding areas of Hyderabad. (h) and biotite minerals present in the (g) Fluoride (mg/l) Potassium (mg/l) Kapra cheruvu Kapra cheruvu granites of the area (Satish Kumar 17.48 17.48 RK Puram Lake RK Puram Lake et al., 2007). However, excessive 7 25 Safilguda Safilguda fertilizer usage can increase its Nadimi cheruvu Nadimi cheruvu s17.46 17.46 e 6 es concentration in surface as well as e e 20 gr Mallapur r Mallapur e 5 g groundwater. The potassium d17.44 e 17.44 n Nac haram d Nacharam n 15 concentrations of the area are i 4 Pedda cheruvu e Pedda cheruvu Boduppal ei Boduppal ud Osmania University d Osmania University varying from 0.2 to 28.4 mg/l (Fig. t u 17.42 ti 17.42 3 t a Nalla cheruvu ati Nalla cheruvu 10 2h). While lows are noticed over L L Ram anthapuram 2 Ramanthapuram Jamai Osmania, significant highs in Latitude degrees in Latitude degrees 17.4 17.4 5 are seen off Mallapur, Nadimi 1 cheruvu and R.K Puram lake. The 17.38 0 17.38 0 source of this contamination is 78.52 78.54 78.56 78.58 78.51 78.53 78.55 78.57 78.59 Longitude in degrees likely to be effluents discharged by Longitude in degrees Scale 0 2km industries and also domestic (i) Sodium (mg/l) (j) Calcium (mg/l)

Kapra cheruvu Kapra cheruvu sewage. However, high potassium 825 concentrations are indicative of 17.48 475 17.48 RK Puram La ke RK Puram Lake 750 sewage contamination. s Safilguda s Safilguda e Nadimi cheruvu e Nadimi cheruvu 675 + e 17.46 375 e 17.46 Sodium (Na ): The primary source gr r e eg 600 d Mallapur d Mallapur of sodium in natural water is from n n 525 i 17.44 275 i 17.44 e Nacharam e the release of the soluble products d d Nacharam 450 u Pedda cheruvu u it Boduppal t Pedda cheruvu Boduppal during the weathering of at Osmania University ati Osmania University 375 L 17.42 175 L 17.42 plagioclase feldspars. The sodium Nalla cheruvu in Latitude degrees Nalla cheruvu 300 Latitude in degrees in Latitude degrees concentration of the area in Ramantha puram Ramanthapuram 225 17.4 75 17.4 groundwater (Fig. 2i) was found to 150 vary from 2.5 to 455 mg/l with a 75 17.38 17.38 mean value of 122.8 mg/l during 0 0 78.51 78.53 78.55 78.57 78.59 78.51 78.53 78.55 78.57 78.59 the post monsoon period, which is Longitude in degrees Longitude in degrees (k) (l) well below the WHO limit of 200 Magnesium (mg/l) Alkalinity (mg/l) mg/l for domestic use. The Kapra cheruvu Kapra cheruvu contour map of Na concentration 17.48 450 17.48 RK Puram Lake RK Pura m Lake 600 depicts anomalous zones near es Safilguda 400 s Safilguda e Nadimi cheruvu e Nadimi cheruvu r 17.46 350 e 17.46 g rg Osmania University, e e 480 d Mallapur 300 d , Boduppal and n n Mallapur i i e 17.44 250 e 17.44 d Nacharam d Nacharam Nalla cheruvu. u u 360 2+ it Pedda cheruvu Boduppal 200 it Pedda cheruvu Boduppal Calcium (Ca ): The calcium at Osmania University t Osmania University L La 17.42 150 17.42 concentration of the area is Nalla cheruvu Nalla che ruvu 240 100 varying from 16 to 860 mg/l with Ramanthapuram Ra manthapuram 17.4 60 17.4 the mean value of 192.9 mg/l. 120 30 Latitude in degrees in Latitude degrees

While the permissible limit of in Latitude degrees 17.38 0 17.38 0 calcium concentration is about 75 78.51 78.53 78.55 78.57 78.59 78.51 78.53 78.55 78.57 78.59 Longitude in degrees mg/l (BIS, 1983), concentrations Longitude in degrees Research article “Groundwater quality in Hyderabad” Udayalaxmi et al. ©Indian Society for Education and Environment (iSee) http://www.indjst.org Indian J.Sci.Technol. 550

Indian Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 3 No. 5 (May 2010) ISSN: 0974- 6846

Magnesium (Mg2+): Magnesium also is one of the desirable limits. Values over the lakes in the region have abundant elements in rocks. It causes hardness in water. TH values within acceptable limits (300-600 mg/l). High concentration of Mg2+ leads to encephalitis. Anomalously high values of >3000 mg/l are observed Magnesium concentration is varying between 10 to 525 over Mallapur and off Lalaguda. Thus by and large, the mg/l with the mean value of 93.5 mg/l. The permissible groundwater in the city is hard. limits of Magnesium are <30 mg/l (BIS, 1983). It is Sodium absorption ratio (SAR): The US salinity observed that a 90% groundwater samples exceeds the laboratory (1954) gives the following expression: limit. Anomalously high concentrations of magnesium (Na + ) (>350 mg/l) are seen near Lalaguda and near Mallapur SAR = ; (Fig. 2k). Slightly lower concentrations of 100-200 mg/l (Ca 2+ + Mg 2+ )/ 2 are seen near Lalapet, Osmania University, south of This gives the amount of sodium relative to calcium Uppal and south of R K Puram lake. 2- - Alkalinity (CO3 +HCO3 ): In the area Fig. 2. Contour maps of (m) Total hardness (TH) (n) Sodium absorption ratio (SAR) (o) the value of alkalinity varies from 30 Groundwater quality index (GWQI) (p) Residual sodium carbonate (RC) mg/l to 622.2 mg/l with a mean value (q) Permeability index (PI) in OU & surrounding areas of Hyderabad. (n) of 275.5 mg/l (Table 1). The alkalinity (m) Total Hardness (mg/l) Sodium Absor ption Ratio (SAR) (meq/l) of water is a measure of its capacity Kapra cheruvu Kapra cheruvu 17.48 3600 17.48 to neutralize acids. The alkalinity of 8 RK Puram Lake 3300 RK Puram Lake natural water is caused by s Safilguda Safilguda e Nadimi cheruvu 3000 7 e 17.46 Nadimi cheruvu hydroxides, carbonates and r s 17.46 g 2700 e e e 6 d Mallapur r Mallapur bicarbonates, which may be ranked n 2400 g i 17.44 e e Nacharam 2100 d 17.44 5 in order of their association with high d n Nacharam u Pedda cheruvu Boduppal i t 1800 e Pedda cheruvu Boduppal 4 pH values. The WHO limit for ti Osmania University d Osmania University a 1500 u L 17.42 t 17.42 alkalinity in water is 120-250 mg/l. In Nalla cheruvu ti Nalla cheruvu 3

Latitude in degrees in Latitude degrees a in Latitude degrees 1200 L Ra manthapuram the study area alkalinity varies from 900 Ramanthapuram 2 17.4 17.4 <120 mg/l south of Uppal, south of 600 1 Boduppal, north of Pedda cheruvu, 300 17.38 0 17.38 0 north of Nacharam, south of Nadimi 78.52 78.54 78.56 78.58 78.51 78.53 78.55 78.57 78.59 cheruvu, and near Mallapur. Over Longitude in degrees Longitude in degrees Boduppal and off Mallapur, it varies (o) Residual Sodium Carbonate (RC) (meq/l) (p) Permeability Index (PI) (%) from 250 to 500 mg/l and near Kapra cheruvu Kapra cheruvu

Osmania University and Lalaguda it 17.48 3 17.48 85 RK Puram Lake RK Puram Lake is >600 mg/l (Fig. 2l). The source of es -3 s Safilguda Safilguda e Nadimi cheruvu e Nadimi cheruvu e 75 alkalinity in the water is from sewage gr 17.46 -9 17.46 e gr d -15 e 65 and various human activities. Water n Mallapur d Mallapur i n e -21 i with high concentration of alkalinity d 17.44 e 17.44 55 u Nacharam d Nacharam t -27 u Pedda cheruvu ti Pedda cheruvu Boduppal t Boduppal when use for irrigation may a Osmania University ti Osmania University 45 L -33 a L 17.42

Latitude in degrees in Latitude degrees 17.42 in Latitude degrees responsible to cause for white Nalla cheruvu Nalla cheruvu -39 35 deposits on the various fruits and Ramanthapuram Ramanthapura m -45 25 17.4 17.4 leaves and thus result to health -51 15 hazard. -57 17.38 17.38 Total hardness (TH): Total hardness, -63 5 78.51 78.53 78.55 78.57 78.59 78.51 78.53 78.55 78.57 78.59 an important property indicating the Longitude in degrees Longitude in degrees quality of groundwater is mainly (q) Groundwater Quality Index (GWQI) caused by calcium and magnesium Kapra cheruvu cations and is defined as the sum of 17.48 RK Puram Lake 600 s Safilguda their concentrations expressed in e Nadimi cheruvu e 17.46 mg/l. Basically, it is the soap- gr 500 e Scale d Ma llapur consuming property of water n 0 2km i 400 e 17.44 d Nacharam (Fletcher, 1986). The desirable limit u t Pedda cheruvu Boduppal for TH is up to 300 mg/l, and up to ati Osmania University 300 L 17.42 600 mg/l is acceptable (BIS, 1983), Nalla cheruvu Latitude in degrees in Latitude degrees 200 actual values observed in the study Ramanthapuram 17.4 area were found to vary from 117.9 to 100 3712.3 mg/l (Fig. 2m). Less than 17.38 10% of the total study area has 78.51 78.53 78.55 78.57 78.59 groundwater with TH values within Longitude in degrees Research article “Groundwater quality in Hyderabad” Udayalaxmi et al. ©Indian Society for Education and Environment (iSee) http://www.indjst.org Indian J.Sci.Technol. 551

Indian Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 3 No. 5 (May 2010) ISSN: 0974- 6846 and magnesium increase and is a measure of possible K sodium hazard. The SAR values were found to vary Unit weight of the parameterWi = ; (Table 1) from 0.0-8.5 with an average value of 2.2 (Fig. Si 2n) during the study period. In general, relatively higher 1 values of SAR (> 5) are observed over Jamai Osmania, K = southwest of Uppal and northwest of Nacharam. For the (1 S1 ) + (1 S2 ) + (1 S3 ) +LLL+ (1 Si ) rest of the area, the SAR values range between 3-4, indicating low sodium hazard for groundwater. S1, S2, S3, -----, Si are standard values of various Residual sodium carbonate (RC): Eaton (1950) indicated parameters from 1, 2, 3, ---i. that if waters which are used for irrigation contain excess Mi = Estimated value of the ith parameter in the laboratory of CO3 + HCO3 than its equivalent Ca+Mg, there will be a li = Ideal value of the ith parameter residue of Na + HCO3 when evaporation takes place and the pH of the soil increase up to 3. RC is obtained by the li = 0 for all the parameters except pH, which are 7.0. following formula. The overall GWQI was calculated by aggregating the 2− − 2+ 2+ quality rating (Q ) with unit weight (W ) linearly. RC = (CO3 + HCO3 ) − (Ca + Mg ) ; i i n Where, all the ionic concentrations are expressed in milli ( Q W ) equivalents per liter. ∑ i i i=1 In the study area, the RC values range from -78 to 1.8 GWQI = n me/l with an average value of -12.6 me/l (Fig. 2o) during (∑Wi ) the post monsoon period. Over Lalaguda and Mallapur, i=1 very low RC values of < -60 me/l are seen. Relatively It is to be noted that parameter selection in calculating higher values from -30 to -10 me/l are seen south of WQI has great importance and consideration of too many R.K Puram lake, Tarnaka, south of IPE and south of parameters might widen the quality index. Boduppal. However, over Osmania University, In this study, the GWQI is considered for drinking anomalously high values of >-1 are noticed. purposes and the permissible value for the index is 100, i.e., any value above 100 indicates groundwater Permeability index (PI): Permeability index (PI) is a contamination. In the study area GWQI values range from parameter computed to evaluate irrigation water quality 72.7-986.9 with a mean value of 275.9 (Fig. 2q). While (Doneen, 1962) and is given by areas southwest of Budhnagar, southeast of Osmania + − University, south of Nalla cheruvu and south of Mallapur Na + HCO3 PI = ×100 have GWQI values varying from 300-500, an Ca 2+ + Mg 2+ + Na + anomalously high value of >600 is seen centered south of Nacharam. It is seen that approximately, 98 percent of Where, all the ions are expressed in meq/l. the samples fall under unsuitable category and the From the environmental point of view, a high remaining 2% (near Osmania University & south of Pedda permeability index, in association with subsurface cheruvu) fall under permissible to doubtful category for structural features would facilitate widespread the post monsoon season. contamination of groundwater. In the study area the PI Piper trillinear method: The Piper trilinear diagrams values range from 7.8 to 84.2% with a mean post (Piper, 1953) is one of the most useful graphical monsoon value of 40.2 (Fig. 2p). In and around Mallapur, representation in groundwater quality studies and help in near Nacharam near Nadimi cheruvu and south of Nalla understanding the geochemistry of shallow groundwater cheruvu, low PI values of less than 20% are noticed. Off by bringing out the chemical relationships in large sample Mohini cheruvu, in and around Osmani University, south groups in more definite terms than with the other plotting of Ramanthapuram, south of Boduppal and Tarnaka, high methods (Walton, 1970). PI values varying from 60-80% are apparent. Fig. 3a is the Piper trilinear diagram for the data Groundwater quality index (GWQI): While chemical obtained from chemical analysis of groundwater samples analysis yields the physical and chemical composition of from the study area for post monsoon. This diagram water, the water quality index gives an estimate of the consists of two lower triangles that show the percentage quality of drinking water. The GWQI (Brown et al., 1970) distribution, on the milliequivalent basis, of the major was calculated using weighted arithmetic index method cations (Ca++ , Mg++, Na+ & K+ ) and the major anions and the quality rating/sub index (Qi) corresponding to the (SO 2- , Cl- , CO 2- + HCO -) and a diamond shaped part ith parameter Pi is a number reflecting the relative value 4 3 3 above that summarizes the dominant cations and anions of this parameter. Qi is calculated by using the following to indicate the final water type. This classification system expression. shows the anion and cation facies in terms of major–ion (M − l ) Q = i i × 100; percentage. This diagram shows that most of the i groundwater samples fall in the field of mixed Ca2+-Mg2+- (S i − li ) Research article “Groundwater quality in Hyderabad” Udayalaxmi et al. ©Indian Society for Education and Environment (iSee) http://www.indjst.org Indian J.Sci.Technol. 552

Indian Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 3 No. 5 (May 2010) ISSN: 0974- 6846

Cl- type of water. It is also observed from the Piper plot Fig. 3a. Piper trilinear diagram for that groundwater in the region is alkaline earths (Ca++ & water samples of the study area Mg++ ) significantly exceed the alkalis (Na+ & K+ ) and the -- - - strong acids (SO4 & Cl ) exceed the weak acids (HCO3 ). Wilcox method: Classify the groundwater suitability for irrigation Wilcox (1955) gave a diagram using sodium content as percentage sodium and electrical conductivity. A Wilcox plot can be used to quickly determine the viability of water for irrigation purposes. The Wilcox plot is a simple scatter plot of sodium hazard (SAR) on the Y- axis Vs salinity hazard (conductivity) on the X-axis. The conductivity is plotted by default in a log scale. The groundwater quality from the Wilcox diagram indicates that about 80% of the samples in the study area were falling under low sodium and high salinity hazard C3S1 class (Fig. 3b), which can be used for irrigation on almost all type of soils with little danger of developing harmful levels of exchangeable sodium. The average sodium absorption ratio (SAR) of groundwater in the study area was 2.2. As per the classification of irrigation waters based upon SAR (Sunitha et al., 2002) the groundwater of the area falls within the ‘excellent’ class. Fig. 3b. Wilcox plots for groundwater samples for the study area Correlation matrix: To examine the degree of correlation (if any) between the different chemical parameters affecting the quality of groundwater, the correlation matrix between the different components was computed (Table 2). Statistics of groundwater show poor correlation with each other ions, but few ion pairs like EC with TDS, Cl, TH, Mg, Ca; TDS with Cl, TH, Mg, Ca, SO4, Na; HCO3 – Na, Cl- SO4, Cl-Na, TH with Mg, Ca; SO4 - Na show moderate to good correlation. Good correlation indicates chemical weathering and leaching of secondary salts contribution followed by multiple source inputs like industrial and agricultural effluents, which exhibit poor correlation in groundwater. Other anthropogenic sources also play a major role in controlling shallow groundwater chemistry. A very high positive correlation is observed between TDS and EC because conductivity increases as the concentration of all dissolved constituents/ions increases. Likewise, a strong correlation is also observed between EC with TH, Mg and Ca indicating most of the ions are Na and Mg. The wide variation in the correlation involved in various physiochemical reactions, such as coefficients suggests an irregular pattern and degree of oxidation-reduction and ion exchange in the groundwater 2+ 2+ groundwater pollution and helps in demarcating zones aquifer system. A good relation to TH with Ca , Mg and - polluted to varying levels. Thus groundwater quality Cl indicates that hardness in groundwater in mainly due analysis assumes significance. to CaCl and MgCl A marginal negative correlation is 2 2. Apart from preventing groundwater contamination seen between the pH and all other parameters, except and water treatment, a multi-prong approach including potassium. The presence of certain cations appears to rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge has preclude to an extent the occurrence of other cations; a recently been suggested for educational institutions small negative correlation is observed between NO and 3 (Sayana, 2010) to meet their share of water needs in HCO and NO and Cl, as also between Na and TH and 3 3 intensely urbanized cities/townships. Research article “Groundwater quality in Hyderabad” Udayalaxmi et al. ©Indian Society for Education and Environment (iSee) http://www.indjst.org Indian J.Sci.Technol. 553

Indian Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 3 No. 5 (May 2010) ISSN: 0974- 6846

Table 2. Correlation matrix of geochemical parameters 10. Eaton EM (1950) Significance of carbonate in EC TDS PH Alkalinity Cl TH Mg Ca NO3 SO4 Na K irrigation water. Soil Sci. 69, 123-133. EC 1.00 TDS 0.84 1.00 11. Feth JH (1966) Nitrogen compounds in PH -0.41 -0.17 1.00 natural water –a review. Water REs. Res. 2(1), Alkalinity 0.29 0.18 -0.28 1.00 41-48. Cl 0.53 0.83 -0.04 0.04 1.00 12. Fletcher GD (1986) Groundwater and wells, nd TH 0.86 0.51 -0.44 0.14 0.10 1.00 2 ed., Johnson Division Publ., Sr. Paul Mg 0.79 0.49 -0.29 0.11 0.10 0.93 1.00 Mimnesala. pp:1089. Ca 0.80 0.45 -0.53 0.16 0.09 0.92 0.721.00 13. Freeze RA and Cherry JA (1979) NO3 0.23 0.16 -0.26 -0.09 -0.05 0.22 0.160.26 1.00 Groundwater. Prentice–Hall, Englewod-Cliffs. SO4 0.50 0.57 -0.25 0.26 0.54 0.22 0.160.25 0.08 1.00 14. Gass (1978) Drinking water and your health, Na 0.39 0.53 -0.19 0.47 0.54 -0.02 -0.060.01 0.07 0.45 1.00 Part-II. Water Well J. 70(4), 30-31. K 0.03 0.25 0.35 0.06 0.17 -0.13 -0.05-0.19 -0.04 -0.12 0.19 1.00 15. Handa BK (1975) Groundwater pollution in Conclusions India. Proc. National Symp. on Hydrology, Univ. of Roorkee. Results of geochemical analysis of 171 groundwater 1, 34-39. samples from bore wells in Osmania University and surrounding 16. Hem JD (1991) Study and interpretation of the chemical areas of Hyderabad indicate that due to unplanned characteristics of natural water. Scientific Publ., Jodhpur. industrialization and rising urban sprawl, this natural resource is 17. Karanth KR (1989) Hydrogeology. Tata-McGraw Hill Publ. under considerable stress. It is found that the groundwater in Co.,Ltd., New Delhi. the entire region is too hard for drinking. 18. Raghunath HM (1987) Groundwater. Wiley-Eastern Ltd., a) Areas especially prone to geochemical contamination are the New Delhi. southern part of the study area (on account of its proximity to 19. Rama Rao N V (1982) Geochemical factors influencing the the river Musi), the Nacharam and Mallapur regions (on distribution of fluoride in rocks, soil and water source of account of the industries present in the area) and the Jamai Nalgonda district, A.P. Unpublished thesis, Osmania Osmania, Lallaguda and Lalapet regions because of University. domestic sewage. 20. Robinnove CJ, Hangbird RH and Brook Hant JW (1958) b) A southward migration of pollutants in the study area along Saline water resources of North Dakota, U. S. Geol. Surv. surface topography as also underground channels and other Water Supply Paper. 1428, 72. subsurface structural features is evident. 21. Satish Kumar T, Sudarshan V and Kalpana G (2007) c) In terms of extent of contamination with various geochemical Geochemical characterization of groundwater, banks of Musi parameters, the groundwater of the city is suitable for river, Hyderabad city, A. P. India. Poll. Res. 26(4), 795-800. irrigation but not for drinking or other domestic purposes. 22. Somasundaram MV, Ravindran G and Tellam JH (1993) d) The Piper trilinear classification for groundwater samples fall Groundwater pollution of the Madras urban aquifer, India. + 2+ - in the field of mixed Ca2 -Mg - Cl type of water. The Wilcox Groundwater. 31, 462-467. classification, the groundwater in the study area is ranging 23. Sravanthi K and Sudarshan V (1998) Geochemistry of between good to permissible for irrigation uses. groundwater, Nacharam industrial area, Ranga Reddy Acknowledgements district, A. P., India. J. Env. Geochem. 1(2), 81-88. The authors are grateful to CSIR and UGC, India, for 24. Sujatha D and Rajeswara Reddy B (2004) Seasonal financial support and to Dr. D Venkat Reddy, Scientist, NGRI, variation of groundwater quality in the southeastern part of Hyderabad, for his valuable suggestions in the processing and Ranga reddy district, A. P. J. App. Geochem. 6(2), 321-329. analysis of the study. 25. Sunitha V, Rajeshwar Reddy B and Sudarshan V (2002) References Hydrogeochemistry of groundwater in the Katedan and 1. Annon (1946) Drinking water standards. J. Amer. Water Rajendranagar industrial area, Ranga Reddy district, A. P, Works Assoc. 938, 361-370. India. Environ. Geochem. 5(1&2), 17-22. 2. APHA (1985) Standard methods for the examination of water 26. US Salinity Laboratory (1954) Diagnosis and improvement and wastewater. 16th ed., APHA, Washington D. C. pp: 1-50. of saline and alkaline soils, US Salinity Laboratory, US Dept. 3. APHA (1998) Standard methods for the examination of water of Agriculture Handbook. 60, p:160. and wastewater. Amer. Pub. Health Assoc. 27. Vigil J, Warburton S, Haynes W and Kaiser LR (1965) 4. AWWA (1971) Water quality and treatment. McGraw-Hill, NY. Nitrates in municipal water supply causing Methemoglobinia p:654. in infants. Public Health Report. 80(12), 119-1121. 5. BIS IS 10500 (1983) Bureau of Indian standards, Indian 28. World Health Organization (WHO) (1984) Guidelines for standards specification for drinking Water. drinking water quality, Geneva. 1& 2 p: 335. 6. Browen E, Skougstad and Fishman MJ (1974) Method for 29. Young CP, Oakes DB and Wilkinson WS (1976) Prediction collection and analysis of water samples for dissolved of future nitrate concentration in groundwater. Groundwater. minerals and gases. U. S. Govt. printing, Washington. pp:1- 4(6), 426-438. 160. 30. Sayana VBM, Arunbabu E, Mahesh Kumar L, Ravichandran 7. Brown PM, McClelland NI, Deninger RA and Tozer RG S and Karunakaran K (2010) Groundwater responses to (1970) A water quality index-do we dare? Water and sewage artificial recharge of rainwater in Chennai, India: a case study works. 117(10), 339-343. in an educational institution campus. Indian J.Sci.Technol. 3 8. Davis SN and De Wiest RJ M (1966) Hydrogeology, John (2), 124-130. Domain site: http://www.indjst.org. Wiley and Sons Inc.,NY. p:463. 9. Doneen LD (1962) The influence of crop and soil on percolating waters. Proc. 1961 Biennial Conf. on Groundwater Recharge. pp:156-163. Research article “Groundwater quality in Hyderabad” Udayalaxmi et al. ©Indian Society for Education and Environment (iSee) http://www.indjst.org Indian J.Sci.Technol.