Ranjit Paul, Tarun Chandra Taid and Bhabajit Bhuyan
Abstract
Scale and Corrosion are still the major water problems all over the globe. Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) is generally used as an indicator of corrosivity and is an equilibrium model derived from the theoretical concept of saturation which provides an indicator of the degree of saturation of water with respect to calcium carbonate. Ryznar slightly modified LSI and found empirically that the actual pH was twice as important as pHs in flowing systems. Another stability index is the Practical Scale Index or Puckorius Scaling Index (PSI) attempts to quantify the relationship between saturation state and scale formation by incorporating an estimate of buffering capacity of the water into the index. The present research was carried out to study these water indices in the five selected tea gardens of Lakhimpur District, Assam and also to study the impact of these indices on the water quality and public health. Computerized computations based on the experimental facts is performed to construct a table for calculating LSI, RSI and PSI for ready reference of common people. It was recommended that sample A4, A8 & B1, B2, B5, B7, B9, and B10 have mild corrosion and require treatment. The other three samples A2, A6 and A10 also need treatment for mild scale coatings. The study observes that the water used for bathing, drinking and other recreational purposes need attention. A software generated original chart for balancing water is also developed with recommendations.