Hydrogeochemical characteristics and spatial analysis of groundwater quality in a semi-arid region of Western Odisha, India

Assessment of spatio-temporal variation in groundwater quality particularly in the water-stressed regions of the world is crucial for the maintenance of life and sustenance of agriculture. The present work evaluates the quality and hydrogeochemistry of groundwater for its amenability to drinking and irrigation in a semi-arid region in western Odisha, India. Forty samples of groundwater from different locations of Lephripara block were collected during the premonsoon (PRM) and postmonsoon (POM) periods of the year 2019. The APHA laid out methods were used for assessing various physicochemical parameters. The pH of the groundwater is slightly acidic to alkaline and ranges from 6.2 to 8.2 in PRM and 6.25 to 8.93 in POM. The WQI value during PRM varies from 26 to 196 and, during POM, 28 to 137. About 90% of the samples as regards to WQI value are suitable for drinking purposes. Hydrogeochemical facies from Piper’s diagram, the Gibb’s plot, and principal component analysis suggest that weathering, dissolution, and rock-water interaction play an important role in geochemical evolution of groundwater in the area. The major hydrochemical facies in the region are Ca–Mg–HCO3 and Ca–Mg–Cl–SO4. The principal component analysis shows that the origin of fluoride and nitrate can be apportioned to geogenic and anthropogenic sources, respectively. Hierarchical cluster analysis identifies two clusters that indicate low and moderate pollution in groundwater samples. Based on irrigational parameters, baring a few locations of the rest of the area is suitable for irrigation. The present study will be useful for managing water resources in a more balanced and rationale manner in a water-stressed region of Odisha state.