Hydrochemical characteristics and water quality indices-based assessment of River Kali for agricultural irrigation in northern India*

High-quality water is required to produce a greater crop yield. River water is a major source of irrigation; however, in several densely populated countries, it is severely polluted due to anthropogenic activities. We aim to assess the Kali River water quality from 17 sampling stations using hydrochemical characterization in western Uttar Pradesh during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The suitability of river water quality for agricultural irrigation was determined by water quality indices such as sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (Na%), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), permeability index (PI), magnesium ratio (MR), and Kelley's index (KI). Results of the study showed that water quality in terms of pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, Cl-, SAR, and MR is moderately suitable for agricultural irrigation. However, only 64.7% (NO3-N), 88.2% (HCO3-), and 70.6% (B) samples in pre-monsoon and 70.6% (NO3-N), 100% (HCO3-), and 64.7% (B) samples in post-monsoon were acceptable for irrigation. In addition, 94.1%, 23.5%, and 70.6% of samples in pre-monsoon and 82.4%, 17.6%, and 23.5% of samples in post-monsoon analysed for Na%, RSC, PI, and KI, respectively, were found suitable for irrigation. The analysis of selected water quality parameters and water quality indices shows that Kali River water is polluted at the downstream side, and its suitability for agricultural irrigation varies with the season.