Abstract:
In the present study, an attempt has been made to identify submarine groundwater discharge in two districts of West
Bengal, India through in situ radon (222Rn) monitoring. The investigations indicated relatively high 222Rn activities
(average: 4.98 ± 0.83 kBq m-3) in the coastal waters revealing considerable submarine groundwater discharge
(SGD). The electrical conductivity (EC) of groundwater ranged from 850-5000 μS cm-1 with an average of 1385 μS
cm-1. The variation in Radon and EC corresponds to discharge of fresh groundwater to the sea. The SGD is
generally a combination of fresh groundwater and re-circulated seawater which is controlled by hydraulic gradient
in the adjacent aquifer, and varying tidal conditions in the coastal waters. The study indicates the possibility of
identifying groundwater discharge through long coastline in India. The SGD can be harnessed for meeting human
needs wherever required.
