CS(AR)-9/96-97: Groundwater table and hydrochemistry of Kakinada Coastal aquifer, A.P. during the year 1996

Abstract

As a part of monitoring of groundwater levels and its quality in and around Kakinada town, the analysis of groundwater levels and its quality during the year 1996 is presented in the report. The flow of groundwater is controlled by the drainage of the area and subdued replica of surface topography. The influence of sea water was clearly observed on TDS, Cl, Na and HCO3 contents in the observation wells. According to hardness classification the study area falls under hard to very hard zone. Change in major anions and cations in the observation wells indicates mixing of shallow groundwater in the study area. Groundwater samples have been classified according to Stiff; Piper's and U S Salinity laboratory classification. The hydrochemical ratios of Mg/Cl, Cl/HCO3 and Mg/Ca for each sample have been calculated. The SAR and %Na in each well indicated that the study area falls under medium hazard of sodium in the study area. The TDS, HCO3 and NO3 contents were exceeded the maximum desirable limits of ISI (1983) drinking water standards. Detailed investigations are to be initiated to find the sources of Nitrate pollution in the study area.