Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GROUNDWATER IN BYRAMANGALA AND HAROBELE COMMAND AREAS OF ARKAVATHI SUB-BASIN OF RIVER CAUVERY, KARNATAKA

Suma Rani S.N. and B.C. Nagaraja

Abstract

Arkavathi, a tributary of Cauvery, is facing a threat from urbanisation and industrialization from the last few decades. The Physico-chemical parameters for both Harobele and Byrmangala command areas coming in Arkavathi river were analysed to investigate the suitability of the groundwater for drinking and agricultural practices. The groundwater samples were collected from bore wells in 5 villages each in both command areas, located within 5 km buffer on either sides of the Arkavathi River in Harobele and Byrmangala command areas. The parameters such as pH, EC, Turbidity, TDS, Chloride, Magnesium, Fluoride, Nitrate, Boron, Sulphate, Phosphate in both areas were found within the permissible limit. The Phosphate concentrations in Byrmangala groundwater were negligible when compared to Harobele groundwater. The mean Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) of both the reservoir was falling under excellent category (0-10) as per standard classification which represents that the samples are suitable for agricultural purposes. Samples are falling under a good category (<1.25) in case of Residual Sodium Carbonate. The samples analysed for Sodium concentration found within good to an excellent category in both Byrmangala and Harobele command area. This indicates that groundwater samples were suitable for agriculture purposes. The discharge of partially treated water is not yet polluting groundwater of the peri-urban region of Bangalore. However, sewage could be treated before discharging to these reservoirs to keep groundwater in good condition for the future generations.