45-Isotopic and Chemical Investigations of Groundwater Quality in Haridwar and Saharanpur Districts

Abstract

Groundwater from shallow, intermediate and deep aquifers have been collected and analyzed for major ion and tritium concentrations. The groundwater composition is Ca-Mg-HCO3 type originated from dolomite or calcite/aragonite and magnesite dissolution. The intermediate aquifer is characterized by high EC, alkalinity and C1 concentration. The ion concentration in intermediate aquifer is increasing as a function of time due to accumulation of contaminants from surface recharge such that EC doubles in 12-15 years. However, no noticeable change is observed in the deeper aquifer. Groundwater in the study area shows sulfate contamination originated from pyrite weathering or fertilizer inputs.