Hydrogeochemical investigation and qualitative assessment of groundwater resources in Bokaro district, Jharkhand, India

The present study is carried out in the Bokaro district of the Jharkhand state to identify the hydrogeochemical characteristic of the groundwater and assess its quality with reference to drinking, domestic, and agriculture purposes. In the study area, 102 groundwater samples were collected during the pre-monsoon season and post-monsoon season (51 samples per season) and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, F−, Cl−, HCO3−, SO42−, NO3−, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+. The analytical results show slightly acidic to slightly alkaline nature of the groundwater in the study area. Ca2+ and Na+ are the dominant cations, while anion chemistry is dominated by HCO3− and Cl− during both seasons, respectively. The data plotted on the Piper and Gibbs diagram, as well as statistical analysis, reveals that the chemistry of the groundwater in the study area is mainly controlled by rock weathering phenomenon with secondary contributions from anthropogenic sources. The water quality assessment indicated that TDS, hardness, Ca2+, Na+, HCO3−, and Cl− are the major concern parameters in the study area during both seasons. Sodium adsorption ratio, sodium percent, residual sodium carbonate, magnesium hazard, Kelly’s ratio, and permeability index are calculated to identify the suitability of water for irrigation purposes and revealed that most of the groundwater is suitable for irrigation purposes, except few sites. The present study will be useful in the future management of groundwater resources of the area.