Current World Environment

Introduction

Water is called matrix of life because it is an essential part of all living systems and is the medium from which life evolved and in which life exists.¹ It is well known that human health and survival depends upon use of uncontaminated and clean water for drinking and other purposes. Groundwater is a good source of fresh water available on the earth, due to its relatively low susceptibility to pollution in comparison to surface water and its large storage capacity. It is estimated that approximately one third of the world’s population uses groundwater for drinking purposes and today more than half of the world’s population depends upon groundwater for survival.² The anthropogenic disturbances induce degradation of groundwater quality. Groundwater quality degradation occurs when its quality parameters are changed beyond their natural variations by the introduction or removal of certain substances.³

Groundwater is the only source of water supply in the study area. A study conducted by Atiq on the prevalence of diseases in Aligarh city concluded that 55% of the total households sampled suffer from diarrhea and dysentery, 43% jaundice.⁴ Down to earth reports that more than 80% of the groundwater in Aligarh is susceptible to contamination with 50% of the city‘s groundwater resources at high risk, 24% moderately vulnerable and only 19% somewhat safe.⁵ Keeping this in view, the main objective of the present study is to analyze various physico-chemical parameters of ground water quality and development of water quality index (WQI). The evaluation of groundwater quality and WQI could be useful for groundwater users and policy makers to take remedial measures.

Study Area

The Aligarh is an ancient city in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is situated in the middle of doab-the land between The Ganga and Yamuna rivers, at a distance of 130 Km Southeast of Delhi on the Delhi- Howrah rail route and the Grand Trunk road. Aligarh lies between latitude 27º 54’ and 28º north and Longitude is 78º and 78º 5’ east. The Aligarh city is spread over an area of about 36.7 km². The area lies between the Karwan River in the west and the Senger River in the east and is a part of central Ganga basin. It is the administrative headquarter of Aligarh division. Aligarh is mostly known as a university city where the famous Aligarh Muslim University is located. The Aligarh city is an important centre of lock smithy and brassware manufacturing. There are a total of 5506 industrial units in Aligarh city, of these; there are 3500 small scale industries, 2000 medium scale 6 large industries. Environmental quality of the area deteriorates mainly as a result of the increasing industrial activities. In order to find out the current status of the pollution in the area, due to the increasing trend in the industrial activities, it is very much essential to identify the various sources of pollution. All segments of environment are being polluted by various ways. However, the study of water pollution is selected as it is not an ordinary liquid but is the elixir of life.

Aligarh has a monsoon influenced humid subtropical climate. July is the wettest month. The normal annual rainfall is 760 mm. Maximum temperature shoots upto 47⁰C and minimum temperature may fall around 2⁰C. The average relative humidity in the morning is 62.25% and in the evening it is 44.2%. Hydrogeologically there is a three to four tier aquifer system. Aquifers seem to merge with each other, thus, developing a single body’s aquifer. This makes the aquifer vulnerable to contamination.⁶

Material and Methods

Forty water samples were collected each during pre-monsoon (May) and post-monsoon (November) seasons during the year 2012. These samples were collected as per the standard methods prescribed for sampling. Plastic bottles of 1.5 liter capacity with stopper were used for collecting samples. Each bottle was washed with 2% Nitric acid and Location map of Aligarh citythen rinsed three times with distilled water. Samples analyzed for pH, Turbidity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Hardness, Chloride, Sulfate, Total Alkalinity, Fluoride, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Nitrate, Zinc, Copper, in the laboratory of U.P. Jal Nigam, Aligarh. all the tests were conducted in accordance with the techniques described by American Public Health Association (APHA 1998)7 .

pH was measured by digital pH meter micro processor based model no: LPV 2550 t. 97, 2002 make: HACH USA. Electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) were measured with digital EC-TDS analyzer model No: CM 183, make Elico, India. Turbidity was measured by using Nephalo-meter model No: 2100 Q-01 make: Hach USA. Iron, Nitrate, Sulfate, Fluorides, Calcium, Magnesium, Copper, Zinc, ion concentrations were determined by spectrophotometer, using UV-Vis laboratory spectrophotometer (Model No: DR 5000) make Hach, USA. All the general chemicals used in the study were of analytical reagent grade (Merck/BDH). Standard solutions of metal ions were procured from Merck, Germany, Fisher Scientific, Mumbai and Rankem from RFCL limited, New Delhi. Various statistical analyses of the experimental data were performed using Microsoft Excel 2007.

Figure 1 Click here to View Figure

The water quality index (WQI) is regarded as one of the most effective ways to communicate water quality.⁸ The water quality index (WQI) is a mathematical instrument used to transform large quantities of water quality data into a single number which represents the water quality level.⁹ The objective of the index is to turn complex water quality data into information that is understandable and useable by the public. In a number of national wide studies, water quality of different natural resources has been assessed on the basis of calculated water quality indices.¹⁰

WQI of groundwater were calculated using the methods proposed by Horton¹¹ and modified by Tiwari and Mishra.¹² According to the role of various parameters on the basis of importance and incidence on the overall quality of groundwater, the rating scales were fixed in terms of ideal values of different physic-chemical parameters. Even if, they are present, they might not be the ruling factor. Hence, they were assigned zero values

1. Quality rating, Q_n= 100[ (Vn – Vi) / ( Vs – Vi )]
Where
Vn : Actual amount of n^th parameter
Vi :  The ideal value of this parameter,
Vi = 0 Except for pH, Vi = 7.0 for pH
Vs : Recommended standard of corresponding parameter.

2. Assigned Unit Weight (W_n) for various parameters is inversely proportional to the recommended standard (S_n) for the corresponding parameter.
W_n = K/ S_n
Where
K: Constant Σ
W_n= 1
n=14

3. Sub indices, (SI)_n = (Q_n)^Wn

4. The overall WQI was calculated by taking geometric mean of these sub indices.
n= 14
WQI- Anti [logof ∑ Wn log10 On]
n=1

On the basis of a number of water pollution studies following assumptions for suitability of water for human consumption are made on the basis of WQI values are rated as follows¹³:
0-25 = Excellent,
26-50: Good,
51-75: Bad (Moderate Contaminated),
76-100: Very bad (Excessively Contaminated)
and above 100 : Unfit (Severely Contaminated).

Results and Discussion

A. Groundwater quality variation

The results obtained were evaluated in accordance with the standards prescribed by Bureau of Indian Standards under Indian standard drinking water specification IS: 10500:2012 of.¹⁴

pH

The pH of a solution is the negative logarithm of Hydrogen ion concentration in moles per liter. pH values ranged from 7.52 to 8.79 during pre-monsoon period and 7.42 to 8.74 during post monsoon period. 56.25% of samples were above the standard limit (6.5 to 8.5) prescribed by BIS.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

TDS is used as an indication of aesthetic characteristics of drinking water and as an aggregate indicator of the presence of a broad array of chemical contaminants. The TDS values in the present study vary from 229 to 980 mg/l during pre-monsoon and 221 to 973 mg/l in post-monsoon period. 42.5% of samples were above the standard limit (500 mg/l) prescribed by BIS .Water with high TDS are of inferior palatability and may induce an unfavorable physiological reaction in the transient consumers and gastrointestinal irritation. Naturally occurring total dissolved solids arise from the weathering and dissolution of rocks and soils.

Turbidity

The turbidity for all the samples is below the BIS Standards limit 5.0 NTU. The highest value of turbidity is 2.4 NTU during pre-monsoon and 1.98 NTU during post-monsoon period. Turbidity in water   causes degradation in clarity. Iron Iron concentrations in this study varied from 0.10 to 0.65 mg/l in pre-monsoon period and 0.09 to 0.60 during post-monsoon period. 62.5% of samples were found above the standard limit (0.30 mg/l) prescribed by BIS. Iron is a common metallic element found in the earth's crust Iron can affect the flavor and color of food and water. Iron is biologically an important element which is essential to all organisms and present in hemoglobin system.

Nitrate

The highest value of Nitrate is 26.58 mg/l during pre-monsoon and 25.12 mg/l during post-monsoon period. All the samples is below the BIS Standards limit 45.0 mg/l. Nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃-N) in groundwater may result from point sources such as sewage disposal systems and livestock facilities, non-point sources such as fertilized cropland.

Sulfates

Sulfate concentration in the area ranged from 11.6 to 384.0 mg/l during pre-monsoon and 12.3 to 381.5 mg/l in post-monsoon period. 30% of samples were found above the standard limit (200 mg/l) prescribed by BIS. Dehydration has been reported as a common side-effect following the ingestion of large amounts of Sodium sulfate.¹⁵

Fluorides

The fluoride values in the study area ranges from 0.02 to 0.80 mg/l in pre-monsoon and 0.01 to 0.72 mg/l during post monsoon period. The fluorides concentration in all the samples is below the BIS standards limit 1.0 mg/l. Fluoride is beneficial for human beings as a trace element, this protects tooth decay and enhances bone development, but excessive exposure to fluoride in drinking-water, or in combination with exposure to fluoride from other sources, can give rise to a number of adverse effects.¹⁶

Chlorides 

In the present study, chlorides content of underground water varied from 25 to 464 mg/l in pre-monsoon and 27.0 to 436.0 mg/l during post monsoon period. 30% of samples were found above the standard limit (250 mg/l) prescribed by BIS. Chloride concentrations vary widely in natural water and it directly related to mineral content of the water. At concentration above 250 mg/l, water acquires salty taste which is objectionable.

Alkalinity

The alkalinity varies from 219 to 528 mg/l in pre-monsoon and 212 to 476 mg/l during post monsoon period. 100% samples were found above the standard limit (200 mg/l) prescribed by BIS. Water with high alkalinity is said to be "hard." The most prevalent mineral compound causing alkalinity is calcium carbonate, which can come from rocks such as limestone or can be leached from dolomite and calcite in the soil. Large amount of alkalinity imparts a bitter taste to water.

Total Hardness

Total hardness is a measure of the capacity of water to the concentration of calcium and magnesium in water and is usually expressed as the equivalent of CaCo₃ concentration. In the present study, the total hardness of the water samples ranges between 212 and 598 mg/l during pre-monsoon and 198 to 605 during post monsoon 98.8% of samples were found above the standard limit (200 mg/l) prescribed by BIS. Hard water is useful in the growth of children, if within the permissible limit.

Calcium

The Calcium concentrations are  varied from 25 to 464 mg/l during pre-monsoon season where as in the post-monsoon season it ranges between 48 to 113 mg/l. 43.8% of samples were found above the standard limit (75 mg/l) prescribed by BIS.

Magnesium

The magnesium concentrations are  varied from 38.88 to 115.88 mg/l during pre-monsoon season where as in the post-monsoon season it ranges between 36.45 to 119.6 mg/l. 100% samples were found above the standard limit (30 mg/l) prescribed by BIS.

Copper

The Copper concentrations are  varied from 0.006 to 0.203 mg/l during pre-monsoon season where as in the post-monsoon season it ranges between 0.004 to 0.189 mg/l. 33.8% of samples were found above the standard limit (0.05 mg/l) prescribed by BIS.  

Zinc

The zinc concentrations are varied from 0.012 to 1.813 mg/l during pre-monsoon season where as in the post-monsoon season it ranges between 0.011 to 1.794 mg/l. It can be observed that all the samples having Zinc value below 5.0 mg/l fall within the limits for both the seasons.

WQI Analysis

The physico-chemical parameters with their BIS water quality standard values, corresponding weightage factor (W_n) assigned with the help of equation no 2 and ideal values are presented in table 1. WQI calculations were made from equations number 3 and 4. The WQI results for the pre-monsoon period and post-monsoon period (2012) are presented in table no 2. Water quality index base classification of all the water samples is presented in table no 3.

Table 1: Parameter wise W.H.O. standards and their assigned unit weights

Sl. No.	Parameters	Standard values (Vs) as per BIS:10500:2012	Ideal value (Vi)	Assigned unit weight (Wn)
1	pH	6.5-8.5	7	0.021294
2	TDS in mg/l	500.0	0	0.000319
3	Turbidity in NTU	1.0	0	0.159702
4	Iron in mg/l	0.3	0	0.532340
5	Nitrate in mg/l	45.0	0	0.003194
6	Sulfate in mg/l	250.0	0	0.000639
7	Fluorides in mg/l	1.0	0	0.159702
8	Chloride in mg/l	250.0	0	0.000639
9	Alkalinity in mg/l	100.0	0	0.001597
10	Hardness in mg/l	200.0	0	0.000799
11	Calcium in mg/l	75.0	0	0.002129
12	Magnesium in mg/l	30.0	0	0.005323
13	Copper in mg/l	0.05	0	0.079851
14	Zinc in mg/l	5.0	0	0.031940

Table 2: The Analytical results showing quality of groundwater during pre and post-monsoon
(2012) in the study area.

Sample No.	Type of Source and Location	WQI  Pre-monsoon	WQI Post-monsoon
S1	Deep well ADA Colony Shanti Niketan	50.78	44.43
S2	Deep well Avas Vikas Colony near Exhibition road	26.45	25.26
S3	Deep well Bhamula near railway crossing	38.71	33.40
S4	Deep well Centre point	34.66	34.53
S5	Deep well Chabni  near fire brigade	36.66	33.71
S6	Deep well Dodpur near Police Station	60.56	58.94
S7	Deep well Firdoos Nagar	56.70	56.98
S8	Deep well Ghanshyam Puri	71.14	62.40
S9	Deep well Iqra colony Bihari Basti near nalah	74.67	70.34
S10	Deep well ITI Road near Mr Manzoor	38.71	29.75
S11	Deep well Jamal Pur near Forest department.	64.59	59.38
S12	Deep well Janak Puri near r/o Mr Jolly	74.03	55.74
S13	Deep well Jeevan garh Lane No 14	64.86	63.63
S14	Deep well Johra Bagh near Dr Iraqi	47.20	46.90
S15	Deep well Kazi Para near AMU school	49.54	41.86
S16	Deep well Niranjan Puri Gali No 2	49.41	44.01
S17	Deep well Rasal Ganj Near  Govt. hospital	65.91	52.72
S18	Deep well Sarai Brindaban Near Ravi shankar	69.27	56.43
S19	Deep well Sarai Pitambar near r/o Hori Lal	59.01	49.54
S20	Deep well Tantan Para	72.90	67.61
S21	Shallow well  Sarai Lavaria Jatav Basti	57.67	55.83
S22	Shallow Well Agra road Niragi Lal School	63.31	40.33
S23	Shallow Well Bhuj Pura Grave yard	42.88	44.55
S24	Shallow Well Choohar Pur near Siddarth Ration Shop	41.92	38.32
S25	Shallow well Collectrate near Treasury	58.52	51.90
S26	Shallow Well Delhi Gate Khatikkan Crossing	21.68	24.43
S27	Shallow Well Delhi road, Sarai Rehman	24.19	24.66
S28	Shallow Well Hamdard Nager Junior high School	51.60	49.49
S29	Shallow Well In front of Nagar Nigam office	59.52	56.49
S30	Shallow Well Jameerabad	61.83	55.49
S31	Shallow Well Jangal Garhi Chowk Zaka Ullah	23.56	22.44
S32	Shallow Well Nai Basti near r/o Mr Chahar	25.62	16.82
S33	Shallow Well Naurangabad	54.80	46.35
S34	Shallow Well New Rajender Nagar  near Sai Mandir	18.92	18.39
S35	Shallow Well Sarai Kale Khan Peele Kothi	35.89	29.52
S36	Shallow Well Sarshool near Iqbal compound	72.06	62.82
S37	Shallow Well Shah Jamal grave yard	38.76	33.28
S38	Shallow Well Sudama Puri near Pardeep Sharma	28.67	25.48
S39	Shallow Well Usman Para	26.97	26.21
S40	Shallow Well Vikash Bhawan CDO office	48.26	38.21

Table 3: Water quality classification based on WQI values 

WQI value range	Water quality	Nos of sampling points
		Pre-monsoon	Post-monsoon
0-25	Excellent, Fit for human consumption	4	5
26-50	Good	16	20
51-75	Bad, Moderately Contaminated	20	15
76-100	Very bad, Excessively contaminated	0	0
>100	Severely contaminated Unfit for human consumption	0	0

The results revealed that the groundwater of 4 locations during pre-monsoon season and 5 locations during post-monsoon season of the study area was in excellent quality of water where WQI ranges from 0-25 best suitable for human consumption. The remaining areas of samples are ranging between good to moderately contaminated.

Conclusion

The present study of underground water samples reveals that about 50% of the area under study comes under moderately polluted category and there is marked variation in groundwater quality. The analytical results shows higher concentration of Alkalinity (100%), magnesium (100%), hardness (98.8), iron (62.5%), pH (56.25), calcium (43.8%) and TDS (42.5%) which indicates signs of water quality deterioration as per BIS standards. The study emphasizes the urgent need for regular underground water quality monitoring to assess pollution activity from time to time for taking appropriate measures in time to mitigate the intensity of pollution activity. Augmenting the groundwater resources by recharging the ground water aquifers through rain water harvesting and thus reducing the high concentration of the chemical parameters is a very important measure. Public awareness program should be initiated to create a sense of awareness to save water around their habitants.

Acknowledgement

The author is thankful to Dr Navneet Kumar, Department of Applied science, TMU, Moradabad for helping in bringing out the paper in the present form. The author is also thankful to Er Mohammad Owais, Executive Engineer U.P. Jal Nigam Aligarh for providing necessary facilities.

References