A comprehensive study of water quality in Pandavapura Taluk: applying multivariate statistical techniques to water quality index

An evaluation of the appropriateness of groundwater for domestic use was conducted in Pandavapura Taluk, located in the Mandya district of Karnataka, India. the study encompassed a vast area spanning 529 square kilometers located in a semiarid region where groundwater plays a pivotal role as a primary resource for both domestic and agricultural purposes. In the year 2022, groundwater samples were gathered from 45 wells during both the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods. These samples underwent thorough analysis to evaluate their physical and chemical properties such as pH, TDS, EC, TH, SO4, F, Fe, Mg, Cl, NO3, HNO3, K, Ca, and Mg. These parameters were correlated with a correlation matrix. The multivariate statistical techniques, notably principal component analysis (PCA), were employed to identify and extract four distinct components during both seasonal variations. The predominant groundwater type observed was categorized as Ca-Na-HCO3, underlining the substantial influence of rock-water interactions on groundwater chemistry dynamics within the region. In assessing overall water quality, the researchers utilized the weighted arithmetic index technique as proposed by Brown (1972), adhering to standards set forth by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in 2012. Based on the water quality index, groundwater samples were split into five categories, with most samples deemed suitable for drinking purposes in both seasons. The application of advanced statistical methods not only enhances the precision of the assessment but also provides a template for similar studies in other regions facing water quality challenges. Ultimately, the research aims to promote sustainable water management practices, ensuring the availability of clean and safe water resources for the present and future generations.