Spatial and Temporal Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Puri City, India: A Statistical Analysis

Puri city is situated near Bay of Bengal where there is a balanced interface of sea water and fresh water near the coast line. The city receives water from the groundwater sources and the quality of ground water is being maintained. The main objective of the paper is to assess the quality of ground water using statistical techniques and the suitability of this water for its utility was verified using Indian drinking water standards. Groundwater samples were collected from various specific areas during post and pre- monsoon seasons and analyzed for physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters and compared with standards. The ground water is mainly polluted due to the domestic effluent, which contains detergents, human and animal excreta, industrial waste and cremation of human and animal bodies. The study showed that concentration of quality parameters were more in the city area as compared to the water fields due to the various anthropogenic activities taking place in the city. Based on the spatial and temporal assessment of groundwater quality, various mitigation measures were suggested for improving the groundwater quality of the Puri city.