Spatial distribution of hydrochemistry and characterization of groundwater of taluka Bakrani, Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan

The integrated method of multivariate statistical approaches along with geochemical modelling (GIS map) and conventional plots has been applied to classify the major hydrogeochemical quality in the study area. A total of 25 groundwater samples were gathered and examined for physicochemical, major anions, cations, and heavy metals of taluka Bakrani district Larkana, Sindh. The GIS map of anions and cations was drawn, and results showed that most of the locations were suitable for drinking. The results of electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids varied from 240 to 1191 μS/cm and 153 to 762 mg/L with average values of 624 μS/cm and 399 mg/L. The results of major anions varied: chloride 14–120 mg/L, sulfate 13–100 mg/L, alkalinity 50–170 mg/L and cations Na+ 12–79 mg/L, Ca2+ 11–74 mg/L, K+ 1.52–18.56 mg/L and Mg2+ 10–51 mg/L. The water quality index (WQI) indicated that 84% of samples were excellent to good water quality for drinking and 100% of the samples were found in excellent to good for irrigation. The scatter diagram showed that ion exchange and weathering were the main processes. Chadha diagram showed that gypsum-containing minerals were present in the study area. The Gibbs diagram indicated the dominancy of rock as compared to evaporation and precipitation. The hydrogeochemical facies indicated most of the samples were in the mixed type category.