Hydrochemical characteristics assessment and evaluation of groundwater quality through MSTs and irrigation indices

Mathura, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is famous for its historical and religious significance. In this research, the quality of the groundwater of Mathura district was investigated. Water samples were collected from 19 different locations and analyzed by 23 distinct groundwater quality indicators, including temperature, pH, turbidity, total hardness, magnesium, calcium, total solid, total dissolved solid, fluoride, electrical conductivity, total suspended solid, phosphate, nitrite, nitrate, total alkalinity, sodium, ammonia, Iron, copper, chloride, sulphate, potassium, and zinc. The observed data sets were analyzed by Piper diagram, Sodium Adsorption Ratio, %Na, US Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagrams, cluster analysis (CA) and discriminant analysis. Analysis of Piper diagram concluded that the Na+, K+, SO42- and Cl- are predominate ions showing its unsuitability for irrigation. 78.94% of groundwater samples fall in the category of C4S4 based on USSL diagram, which denoted high sodium and salinity water. 63.15% of sampling locations had %Na values that are above the permitted limit, so requiring a suitable drainage and water management plan for the research region. CA grouped nineteen sampling locations into 3 clusters based on observed water quality parameters representing moderately polluted, more polluted sites and less polluted sites. This study will help environmental organizations and local governments to manage groundwater quality in order to reduce potential risks and safeguard human health.