Hydrogeochemical processes, characterization and groundwater quality evaluation in Southwestern Punjab, India
Abstract Groundwater quality assessment is critical due to its susceptibility to a range of natural and anthropogenic influences, which, if unmanaged, can pose serious environmental and public health risks. This study investigates the hydrogeochemical characteristics and groundwater quality evaluati...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Springer
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Discover Water |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s43832-025-00272-4 |
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| author | Gopal Krishan Vivek Diwakar S. D. Khobragade Guillaume Zuffinetti Vaishali Singh Rajesh Vashisht Amandeep Kaur Praveen Kumar N. R. Allaka |
| author_facet | Gopal Krishan Vivek Diwakar S. D. Khobragade Guillaume Zuffinetti Vaishali Singh Rajesh Vashisht Amandeep Kaur Praveen Kumar N. R. Allaka |
| author_sort | Gopal Krishan |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Groundwater quality assessment is critical due to its susceptibility to a range of natural and anthropogenic influences, which, if unmanaged, can pose serious environmental and public health risks. This study investigates the hydrogeochemical characteristics and groundwater quality evaluation in the southwestern districts of Punjab, India, with a focus on sustainable resource management. A total of 242 groundwater samples were systematically collected during the summer of 2019 across the districts of Mansa, Fazilka, Muktsar, Bathinda, Firozpur, and Faridkot. The samples were analyzed for almost all major cations, anions and other physicochemical parameters. Relative abundance of cations was Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > K & anions were SO4 2− > HCO3 − > Cl− > NO3 − > F. Elevated concentrations of sulphate & nitrate were detected, highlighting the impact of agrochemical inputs. The plots of Wilcox and USSL plots revealed a declining trend in groundwater suitability for irrigation, affecting both shallow and deep aquifer sources, due to increasing salinity and sodium hazards. Hydrochemical data was interpreted using Gibbs diagram, Piper’s trilinear plot and Durov diagram to understand the various geochemical processes affecting the groundwater quality. Hydrochemical analysis indicates that rock–water interactions, evaporation & anthropogenic processes predominantly control groundwater composition, as evidenced by high levels of sodium and chloride. This study is significant as the surface water resources are limited and the quality and quantity of groundwater are deteriorating with time due to anthropogenic inputs. These findings underscore the necessity of continuous monitoring and informed groundwater management strategies to mitigate contamination and ensure long-term sustainability. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-003295eae77e4c3d99634022dec22063 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2730-647X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Discover Water |
| spelling | doaj-art-003295eae77e4c3d99634022dec220632025-08-20T03:42:03ZengSpringerDiscover Water2730-647X2025-08-015111610.1007/s43832-025-00272-4Hydrogeochemical processes, characterization and groundwater quality evaluation in Southwestern Punjab, IndiaGopal Krishan0Vivek Diwakar1S. D. Khobragade2Guillaume Zuffinetti3Vaishali Singh4Rajesh Vashisht5Amandeep Kaur6Praveen Kumar7N. R. Allaka8National Institute of HydrologyNational Institute of HydrologyNational Institute of HydrologyUniversité Paris-Saclay, CentraleSupélec, CNRS, GeePsNational Institute of HydrologyPWRDACGWBIndian Institute TechnologyNational Institute of HydrologyAbstract Groundwater quality assessment is critical due to its susceptibility to a range of natural and anthropogenic influences, which, if unmanaged, can pose serious environmental and public health risks. This study investigates the hydrogeochemical characteristics and groundwater quality evaluation in the southwestern districts of Punjab, India, with a focus on sustainable resource management. A total of 242 groundwater samples were systematically collected during the summer of 2019 across the districts of Mansa, Fazilka, Muktsar, Bathinda, Firozpur, and Faridkot. The samples were analyzed for almost all major cations, anions and other physicochemical parameters. Relative abundance of cations was Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > K & anions were SO4 2− > HCO3 − > Cl− > NO3 − > F. Elevated concentrations of sulphate & nitrate were detected, highlighting the impact of agrochemical inputs. The plots of Wilcox and USSL plots revealed a declining trend in groundwater suitability for irrigation, affecting both shallow and deep aquifer sources, due to increasing salinity and sodium hazards. Hydrochemical data was interpreted using Gibbs diagram, Piper’s trilinear plot and Durov diagram to understand the various geochemical processes affecting the groundwater quality. Hydrochemical analysis indicates that rock–water interactions, evaporation & anthropogenic processes predominantly control groundwater composition, as evidenced by high levels of sodium and chloride. This study is significant as the surface water resources are limited and the quality and quantity of groundwater are deteriorating with time due to anthropogenic inputs. These findings underscore the necessity of continuous monitoring and informed groundwater management strategies to mitigate contamination and ensure long-term sustainability.https://doi.org/10.1007/s43832-025-00272-4Groundwater qualitySouthwestern PunjabAgricultural pollutionRock–water interactionHydrochemical processesGeochemical reactions |
| spellingShingle | Gopal Krishan Vivek Diwakar S. D. Khobragade Guillaume Zuffinetti Vaishali Singh Rajesh Vashisht Amandeep Kaur Praveen Kumar N. R. Allaka Hydrogeochemical processes, characterization and groundwater quality evaluation in Southwestern Punjab, India Discover Water Groundwater quality Southwestern Punjab Agricultural pollution Rock–water interaction Hydrochemical processes Geochemical reactions |
| title | Hydrogeochemical processes, characterization and groundwater quality evaluation in Southwestern Punjab, India |
| title_full | Hydrogeochemical processes, characterization and groundwater quality evaluation in Southwestern Punjab, India |
| title_fullStr | Hydrogeochemical processes, characterization and groundwater quality evaluation in Southwestern Punjab, India |
| title_full_unstemmed | Hydrogeochemical processes, characterization and groundwater quality evaluation in Southwestern Punjab, India |
| title_short | Hydrogeochemical processes, characterization and groundwater quality evaluation in Southwestern Punjab, India |
| title_sort | hydrogeochemical processes characterization and groundwater quality evaluation in southwestern punjab india |
| topic | Groundwater quality Southwestern Punjab Agricultural pollution Rock–water interaction Hydrochemical processes Geochemical reactions |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1007/s43832-025-00272-4 |
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