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JEH Volume 7 (1999), Paper 3, February 1999 Posted
February 28, 1999
HYDROCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER IN PARTS OF SOUTH COASTAL ORISSA,
INDIA
J. K. Tripathy and R.C. Panigrahy
Department of Marine Sciences, Berhampur University, Berhampur,
India
ABSTRACT
Detailed hydrochemical analysis was carried out on a number of water
samples collected from the coastal tract of south Orissa between the Rushikulya
and Bahuda river estuaries to assess the quality of groundwater in this
region. Results indicate that the groundwater of this region is highly
enriched in Ca, Mg, Na, Cl and HCO3. At some locations the concentration
of these ions, as well as other parameters such as salinity, total hardness
and total dissolved solids are above the World Health Organization standards
for drinking water. The concentration of Na, Mg and HCO3 at
some locations near the coast suggests sea water encroachment, which is
further substantiated by a general increase in the value of Cl content
and Na/Cl ratio, and a decrease in HCO3 content towards the
coast. On the basis of hydrochemical studies, five groundwater types have
been delineated. They are Ca(HCO3 )2 , Mg(HCO3 )2
, NaHCO3 , CaC12 and NaCl. Some intermediate groundwater
sub-types are also recognized in the transitional zones, thus indicating
that the major groundwater types are not spatially isolated.
Reference: Tripathy J. K. and R.C. Panigrahy; Hydrochemical
Assessment of Groundwater in Parts of South Coastal Orissa, India, Journal
of Environmental Hydrology, Vol. 7, Paper 3, February 1999.
Dr. J. K. Tripathy
Department of Marine Science
Berhampur University, Bhanja Bihar
Berhampur 760007
India