Abstract:
The study provides analysis of groundwater quality to identify probable pollution or contamination in the coastal aquifer of Kakinada. Sampling surveys have been conducted in the months of May 99, Aug. 99 and Nov. 99 and collected for about 186 samples which includes shallow wells, filter points, canal water and rainwater. The spatial and temporal variations of water quality parameters are presented in the report. High Nitrate concentrations upto 300 mg/It. are observed in the study area. However, the maximum permissible limit of Nitrate in drinking water is 45 mg/It. The spatial distribution of SO4/CI ratio also confirms the high concentration of Nitrate in the study area. The correlation between water quality parameters during different seasons in the study area is calculated. The samples collected in the study area are classified according to Chadha (1999) and observed its seasonal changes. The main hydrochemical facies observed in the study area is NaCI. The groundwater level fluctuations in few observation wells (w.r.t msl) are also analysed.
Detailed studies are necessary to find out the sources of Nitrate pollution and its transport process in the coastal aquifer of Kakinada. High concentrations of Nitrates may cause the health hazards if it is used for drinking water purposes especially for infants.
