Appraisal of irrigation water quality study in coastal aquifers of Tuticorin city, Tamilnadu, India

A total number of 46 samples were collected from the open wells during post monsoon season in and around the Tuticorin city to evaluate the water quality and scrutinize the hydro chemical characteristics. Quality assessment is done by estimating the pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, major cation (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca+) and major anions (Cl-, HCO3-, PO4-). The irrigation quality parameters like sodium absorption ratio, %Na, residual sodium carbonate, residual sodium bicarbonate, chlorinity index, permeability index and magnesium hazard were appraised. Samples were classified according to Wilcox and Piper diagram. Wilcox classification is used to identify the suitability of a sample for irrigation based on the salinity and sodium level. Piper trilinear diagram is very useful in identifying the hydrochemical facies and its relationship among groundwater samples. Structure of the copiousness of the major ions is in the following order: Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > K+ = Cl-> SO42- > PO4 > HCO3- > CO3 > NO3. Finally results suggest that the groundwater in this city is very hard and alkaline in nature. Valuation of water quality from various methods indicated that groundwater in Tuticorin is chemically suitable for drinking and agricultural uses.