Analysis of Aquifer Characteristics and Groundwater Quality in Southwest Punjab, India

Transcription

1 Journal of Earth Science and Engineering October 2014, Vol. 4, Number 10, doi: / X/ D DAVID PUBLISHING Analysis of Aquifer Characteristics and Groundwater Quality in Southwest Punjab, India Rajinder Pal Singh Chopra 1 and Gopal Krishan 2, 3 1. Hydro-geological and Hydro-chemical Division, Punjab Water Resources and Environment Directorate, Chandigarh , India 2. Hydrological Investigations Division, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee , Uttarakhand, India 3. IGB-Groundwater Resilience Project, British Geological Survey, NERC, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK Received: September 10, 2014 / Accepted: September 20, 2014 / Published: October 25, Abstract: A study was conducted in eight districts, viz., Faridkot, Moga, Ferozepur, Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa, Barnala and Sangrur in south-western part of the Punjab, India to characterize aquifer strata by preparing a fence diagram depicting sub-surface strata and distribution of groundwater quality. The sub-surface lithology drilled upto a depth of 60 m reveal the presence of top most layer of impervious strata comprising of clay upto the depth of 2 m to 5 m which impedes the percolation of surface runoff into the soil leading to surface flooding and water logging even in areas having saturated zone beyond the depth of 5 m. Thick pervious strata of 45 m to 50 m thickness is encountered in central and south-sentral part of the study area comprising of Bathinda, Muktsar and Mansa districts which at certain places are separated by one or two thin layers of impervious or semi-pervious strata comprising of clay and sand occasionally associated with kankar of thickness ranging between 2 m to 5 m. The northern, western and eastern parts, however, exhibit three to four layered pervious zones ranging in thickness from 5 m to 25 m separated by thin layers of impervious and semi pervious strata. The groundwater quality in about 6% of the study area in eight districts is fit, 18% is marginal and 76% is unfit for irrigation purpose. Key words: Groundwater, aquifer characteristics, quality, depth, southwest Punjab. 1. Introduction Groundwater resources in semi-arid areas are highly susceptible to salinity problems as a result of unplanned and non-scientific development of ground water resources which has led to an increasing stress on the available resources in the form of long-term decline of ground water levels, de-saturation of aquifer zones, increased energy consumption for lifting water from progressively deeper levels and quality deterioration due to salinity. The canal command areas suffer from problems of water logging and soil salinity due to the gradual rise in ground water levels [1]. In Punjab, during the past 3-4 decades, excessive Corresponding author: Gopal Krishan, doctor, research fields: isotope hydrology, hydro-geochemistry, remote sensing and GIS. drgopal.krishan@gmail.com. extraction of groundwater to cater the needs of ever increasing human and livestock population has resulted in decline of water table in more than 80% of the state and subsequently deterioration in the groundwater quality [2-12]. On the other hand, substantial rise in groundwater cause waterlogging and salinity/alkalinity problems in south-western part of the state where ground water extraction is limited due to brackish/saline/alkaline quality [1, 2, 13]. Various authors have proved that the groundwater quality is controlled by various factors such as soil characteristics, climate, topography, interaction with aquifer minerals, or internal mixing among different groundwater along flow paths in the subsurface [14-18]. In the present study, a fence diagram depicting sub-surface strata and distribution of groundwater

2 2 Analysis of Aquifer Characteristics and Groundwater Quality in Southwest Punjab, India quality in eight districts, viz., Faridkot, Moga, Ferozepur, Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa, Barnala and Sangrur in south-western part of the Punjab, India was preparing to characterize aquifer strata and distribution of groundwater quality. 2. Study Area State of Punjab has been classified into five agro-climatic zones on the basis of homogeneity, rainfall pattern and distribution, temperature, soil texture and cropping pattern (Fig. 1). Out of the five agro-climatic zones Barnala, Sangrur and a part of Faridkot, Moga, Ferozepur district come under the Central Plain zone which is characterized by semi-arid (sub-moist) and less hot zone. Annual average temperature ranges from 23 C to 24 C and mean annual rainfall varies from 600 mm to 900 mm. Bathinda, Mansa and a part of Faridkot, Ferozepur and Muktsar districts fall under Western Plain zone, which is characterized by semi-arid (dry to sub-moist) zone. Annual average temperature ranges from 24 C to 25 C and mean annual rainfall varies from 400 mm to 600 mm. A part of Ferozepur and Muktsar districts also falls under Western zone, which is characterized by arid (dry) and hot zone. Average annual temperature ranges from 25 C to 26 C and mean annual rainfall varies from 200 mm to 400 mm. Depth to water level in the area ranges from 1.5 m to 31 m below ground level (mbgl). Water table is at shallow depth at several areas of Muktsar, Ferozepur, Bathinda and Mansa districts where it ranges from 1.5 mbgl to 7.5 mbgl causing waterlogging at many places. The bores drilled in the area upto 60 m depth reveal the presence of predominance of fine sand occasionally associated with kankar and comprise of two main aquifer zones each ranging in thickness from 4 m to 25 m separated by clay layers of 3 m to 5 m thickness. Water table has been rising in the area comprising blocks of Muktsar, Lambi, Kot Bhai, Khuiyan sarwar, Abohar and Fazilka creating water logging at many places. 3. Methodology For preparing the fence diagram, lithological samples were taken during the drilling of bores at every one meter depth and visually examined. Samples of sand were subjected to mechanical analysis for their grain size. Fence diagram was prepared depicting sub-surface lithological set up and ground water quality at respective depth. The representative groundwater samples were collected from 17 m sites upto a depth of 60 m (Table 1) during development of each observation well and subjected to chemical analysis for its quality for irrigation use. EC (electrical conductivity) of each sample has been determined in the laboratory by conductivity meter through direct reading. Prior to determining EC (in micro mhos/cm at 25 C), the instrument was calibrated through standard solution. RSC (residual sodium carbonate) was determined by the following formula: RSC = (CO HCO 3 - ) (Ca 2+ + Mg 2+ ). The above ions were determined volumetrically in the laboratory using titration method. Ground water quality was categorised as fit, marginal and unfit on the basis of criteria of EC and RSC values as mentioned below [19]: (1) EC values (µmhos/cm at 25 C): (a) upto 2,000 fresh/fit; (b) 2,000-4,000 marginal; (c) above 4,000 unfit. (2) RSC values (meq/l): (a) upto 2.5 fresh/fit; (b) 2.5 to 5.0 marginal; (c) above 5.0 unfit. 4. Results and Discussion 4.1 Aquifer Characteristics The sub-surface lithology drilled upto a depth of 60 m reveal the presence of top most layer of impervious strata comprising of clay upto the depth of 2 m to 5 m which impedes the percolation of surface runoff into

3 Analysis of Aquifer Characteristics and Groundwater Quality in Southwest Punjab, India 3 Fig. 1 Agro-climatic zones of Punjab. the soil leading to surface flooding and water logging even in areas having saturated zone beyond the depth of 5 m (Fig. 2). Thick pervious strata of 45 m to 50 m thickness is encountered in central and south-central part of the study area comprising of Bathinda, Muktsar and Mansa districts which at certain places are separated by one or two thin layers of impervious or semi-pervious strata comprising of clay and sand occasionally associated with kankar of thickness ranging between 2 m to 5 m. The northern, western and eastern parts, however, exhibit three to four layered pervious zones ranging in thickness from 5 m

4 2 Analysis of Aquifer Characteristics and Groundwater Quality in Southwest Punjab, India to 25 m Table 1 Groundwater quality in south-western part of Punjab upto 60 m depth. Sample No Site District Water level (mbgl) Aquifer depth range (m) Depth tapped (m) EC (µmhos/c m) at 25 C RSC (meq/l) Quality 1 Khokri Kalan Moga Marginal 2 Daulatpur Niwan Moga Unfit 3 Kauni Faridkot Unfit 4 Jalalabad Ferozepur Unfit 5 Asafwala Ferozepur Unfit 6 Sherewala Ferozepur ve Unfit 7 Chak Tamkot Muktsar ve Unfit 8 Chotian Muktsar ve Unfit 9 Killianwali Muktsar ve Unfit 10 Mahima Bhagwana Bathinda ve Unfit 11 Kalyan Sukha Bathinda Fit 12 Dulewal Bathinda Unfit 13 Kot Baghtu Bathinda ve Unfit 14 Behniwala Mansa ve Unfit 15 Hariau Sangrur Marginal 16 Rupaheri Sangrur Unfit 17 Kurar Barnala Marginal ve: When electrical conductivity is very high then RSC comes negative. separated by thin layers of impervious and semi-pervious strata. 4.2 Water Quality The suitability of ground water for irrigation has been assessed in terms of salinity and alkalinity content and accordingly classified as fit, marginal and unfit. The district wise results are summarised in Table 1. The perusals of the results reveal that groundwater is almost entirely unfit in Muktsar and Mansa districts due to high salinity. Salinity has negligible effect while alkalinity is more pronounced in groundwater in Moga, Barnala and Sangrur districts rendering the groundwater marginally fit or unfit. Groundwater is also mostly unfit in Bathinda and Faridkot districts when combined effect of salinity and alkalinity is taken into consideration. In 7 places alkalinity/sodicity (high electrical conductivity) is very high and RSC is marked negative, hence the water is unfit. Out of 17 sites in all the eight districts in study area, groundwater quality is fit at one site in Bathinda district, marginal at three sites in Moga, Sangrur and Barnala districts while in the remaining 13 sites in the districts of Faridkot, Ferozepur, Muktsar and Mansa, groundwater quality is unfit for irrigation purpose and in terms of percentage only 6% of the study area in eight districts is fit, 18% is marginal and 76% is unfit for irrigation purpose. Aquifer data related to water table, depth range, depth tapped and water quality at all the 17 sites in these districts are given in Table 1. The only fit site in terms of groundwater quality at Kalyan Sukha in Nathana block of Bathinda district is tapping the aquifer zone from 53.5 m to 56.5 m and has the pervious strata throughout from the depth of 2 m onwards up to the drilled depth of 60 m. For validating the results, in another study carried out by Krishan et al. [1], 22 random groundwater samples were collected from selected tube wells/hand pumps to represent different geological formations as well as land use pattern and different depths of the aquifer in the entire seven blocks of the Bathinda

5 Analysis of Aquifer Characteristics and Groundwater Quality in Southwest Punjab, India 2 district using standard protocol. The samples were analysed for major anions F -, Cl -, NO 3 - and cations Ca 2+, Mg 2+, Na +, K + using Dionex Ion Chromatograph ICS-5000 and stable isotope ( 18 O) was measured using DI-IRMS at Nuclear Hydrology Laboratory, National Institute of Hydrology, Rookree. Fig. 2 Fence diagram of south-western Punjab. It was observed that the total hardness varied from 151 mg L -1 to 1,468 mg L -1 and the water belongs to the category of very hard water (Table 2) Percent Sodium The Na (%) in groundwater indicated that three samples were excellent, seven samples were good, seven samples belonged to permissible criterion leaving four samples of groundwater in doubtful category (Table 3) and only sample taken from Ramgarh in unsuitable category. Thus, water from 17 groundwater samples (3 in excellent; 7 each in good and permissible categories) can be used for irrigation leaving only 5 sampling locations (4 in doubtful and 1 in unfit categories) unsuitable for irrigation. Adsorption of sodium on clay by its exchange with Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ takes place when sodium is high. High sodium content in soils destroys the soil structure, soils become compact and the results in poor permeability and drainage of soil, leading to restricted air and water circulation in it [20-24]. The areas with high value (doubtful) of Na (%) in groundwater are Burjmahema, Jhumba, Ablu and Jalal.

6 2 Analysis of Aquifer Characteristics and Groundwater Quality in Southwest Punjab, India SAR (sodium absorption ratio) SAR is used to measure alkali/sodium hazard to crops. The excessive sodium content relative to the calcium and magnesium reduces the soil permeability and thus inhibits the supply of water needed for the Table 2 Water quality parameters. crops. It is an important parameter to determine the suitability of groundwater for irrigation. The excess sodium or limited calcium and magnesium are evaluated by SAR [25]. Sampling location Ion concentration (ppm) Na + K + Mg 2+ Ca 2+ F - Cl - NO 3 - SO Hardness Mehma Surja Burjmahema Balluana ,1.0 Phul Mehta ,8.0 Phul Bhairupa Bhatinda Rama Rampura Jhumba Khemuana Ablu Bagha Jalal Banawala Bhikianwalai Burj gill Ramgarh Maur Sheikhpura Bhagi banda Minimum Maximum ,8.0 Mean Range Standard deviation Source: Krishan et al., 2013 [1] Table 3 Classification of groundwater on sodium percentage Na (%) Water class No. of samples Samples (%) <20 Excellent Good Permissible Doubtful >80 Unsuitable Source: Krishan et al., 2013 [1] Table 4 Classification of groundwater based on SAR values SAR Water class No. of samples Samples (%)

7 Analysis of Aquifer Characteristics and Groundwater Quality in Southwest Punjab, India 2 <10 Excellent Good Doubtful >26 Unsuitable - - Source: Krishan et al., 2013 [1] SAR = Na + / (Ca ++ +Mg ++ )/2 The SAR values for the samples are shown in Table 4. The SAR value s indicated that only three samples of groundwater taken from Burj Mahema, Jhumba and Ramgarh belong to doubtful (SAR=18-26) category. 5. Conclusions The sub-surface lithology drilled upto a depth of 60 m reveal the presence of top most layer of impervious strata comprising of clay upto the depth of 2 m to 5 m which impedes the percolation of surface runoff into the soil leading to surface flooding and water logging even in areas having saturated zone beyond the depth of 5 m. Thick pervious strata of 45 m to 50 m thickness is encountered in central and south-central part of the study area comprising of Bathinda, Muktsar and Mansa districts which at certain places are separated by one or two thin layers of impervious or semi-pervious strata comprising of clay and sand occasionally associated with kankar of thickness ranging between 2 m to 5 m. The northern, western and eastern parts, however, exhibit three to four layered pervious zones ranging in thickness from 5 m to 25 m separated by thin layers of impervious and semi-pervious strata. The groundwater quality in about 6% of the study area in eight districts is fit, 18% is marginal and 76% is unfit for irrigation purpose which is a serious concern. Therefore, following management practices are suggested: (1) An integrated and holistic approach are required for conserving water and preventing soil salinization and water logging; (2) implementation of more efficient irrigation systems and practices should be undertaken; (3) For lowering of water table, conjunctive use of saline groundwater and surface water should also be undertaken [26]. For validating the results obtained by EC and residual sodium carbonate percentage with the total hardness, percent sodium and SAR in a separate study carried out by Krishan et al. [1] in Bathinda district. Similarity in the results has been found and it has been expected to get similar results from the water logged and saline areas of other districts of the south-west Punjab. However, the results are based on the one time sampling, a pilot level study is required in this area similar to that done in Bist-Doab [27] area of Punjab. Acknowledgement Authors thank Mr. Ram Paul Aeri and Mr. Pramod Kumar, Punjab Water Resources Environment Directorate, Chandigarh for their help. The funding received from Purpose Driven Studies at PWRED, Chandigarh under HP-II is duly acknowledged. Dr. Gopal Krishan thanks Director, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, Dr. Alan MacDonald, Dr. Dan Lapworth and Dr. Helen Bonsor (BGS, UK) for their support and encouragement. References [1] Krishan, G., Rao, M. S., Kumar, C. P., and Semwal, P Identifying Salinization Using Isotopes and Ionchemistry in Semi-arid Region of Punjab, India. Journal of Geology and Geosciences 2: 4. [2] CGWB Ground Information Booklet Bhatinda District, Punjab. Chandigarh: Central Ground Water Board North Western Region. [3] Chopra, R. P. S., and Krishan, G Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Punjab. Journal of Earth Science and Climate Change 5 (10): 243. [4] Krishan, G., Rao, M. S., Loyal, R. S., Lohani, A. K., Tuli, N. K., Takshi, K. S., Kumar, C. P., Semwal, P., and Sandeep, K Groundwater Level Analyses of Punjab, India: A Quantitative Approach. Octa Journal of Environmental Research 2 (3):

8 2 Analysis of Aquifer Characteristics and Groundwater Quality in Southwest Punjab, India [5] Krishan, G., Lohani, A., Rao, M. S., Takshi, K. S., Kumar, C. P., and Semwal, P Quantitative Analysis of Groundwater Monitoring Data in Malwa Region of Punjab. In Proc. of National Conference on Emerging Technology Trends in Agricultural Engineering (ETTAE 2014), [6] Krishan, G., Lohani, A. K., Rao, M. S., Kumar, C. P., and Takshi, K. S Groundwater Fluctuation and Trend in Amritsar, Punjab, India. In Geo-statistical and Geospatial Approaches for the Characterization of Natural Resources in the Environment: Challenges, Processes and Strategies, edited by Janardhana Raju, N. New Delhi: Capital Publishing House. [7] Krishan, G., Lohani, A. K., Rao, M. S., and Kumar, C. P Prioritization of Groundwater Monitoring Sites Using Cross-Correlation Analysis. NDC-WWC Journal 3 (1): [8] Krishan, G., Rao, M. S., Purushotaman, P., Yawat, Y. S., and Kumar C. P Groundwater Resources in Bist-Doab Region, Punjab, India-An overview. NDCWWC Journal 3 (2): [9] Krishan, G., Takshi, K. S., Rao, M. S., Kumar, S. and Lohani, A. K Spatial Analysis of Groundwater Level in Punjab, India. In Proceedings of an International Conference India Water Week 2015-Water Management for Sustainable Development (IWW-2015), 125. [10] Lohani, A. K., Krishan, G., Rao, M. S. and Kumar, S Groundwater Level Simulation using Artificial Neural Network-a Case Study from Punjab. In Proceedings of an International Conference India Water Week 2015-Water Management for Sustainable Development (IWW-2015), 114. [11] Krishan, G., Lohani, A. K., Rao, M. S., Kumar, C. P., and Semwal, P Optimization of Groundwater Monitoring Network in Bist-Doab, Punjab. In International Conference India Water Week 2013-Efficient Water Management: Challenges and Opportunities (IWW-2013), 273. [12] Statistical abstract of Punjab Economic & Statistical Organisation, Government of Punjab. A status report [13] Krishan, G., and Chopra, R. P. S Assessment of Water Logging in SW (South Western) Parts of Punjab, India-A Case Study from Muktsar District. NDC-WWC Journal 4 (1): [14] Domenico, P. A Concepts and Models in Groundwater Hydrology. New York: McGraw-Hill. [15] Wallick, E. I., and Toth, J Methods of Regional Groundwater Flow Analysis with Suggestions for the Use of Environmental Isotope and Hydrochemical Data in Groundwater Hydrology. Vienna: IAEA. [16] Reghunath, R., Murthy, T. R. S., and Raghavan, B. R The Utility of Multivariate Statistical Techniques in Hydrogeochemical Studies: An Example from Karnataka, India. Water Research 36: [17] Singh, C. K., Shashtri, S., and Mukherjee, S Integrating Multivariate Statistical Analysis with GIS for Geochemical Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Shiwaliks of Punjab, India. Environmental Earth Science 62 (7): [18] Kumar, S., Krishan, G., and Saha, S. K Measuring Soil Salinity with WET Sensor and Characterization of Salt Affected Soils. Agropedology 18: [19] Hira, G. S., and Gupta, P. K Waterlogging-Causes and Remedial Measures in South-West Punjab. Res. bulletin No. 1/98. [20] Tijani, M Hydrochemical Assessment of Groundwater in Moroarea, Kwara State, Nigeria. Environmental Geology 24: [21] Jalali, M Salinization of Groundwater in Arid and Semi-Arid Zones: An Example from Tajarak, Western Iran. Environmental Geology 52: [22] Saleh, A., Al-Ruwih, F., and Shehata, M Hydrogeochemical Process Operating within the Main Aquifers of Kuwait. Journal of Arid Environment 42: [23] Collins, R., and Jenkins, A The Impact of Agriculture and Land Use on Stream Chemistry in the Middle Hills of the Himalayas, Nepal. Journal of Hydrology 185: [24] Kumar, S., Krishan, G. and Saha, S. K Measuring Soil Salinity with WET Sensor and Characterization of Salt Affected Soils. Agropedology 18: [25] Karanth, K. R Ground Water Assessment, Development and Management. New Delhi: Tata McGraw Hill. [26] FAO, Food and Agricultural Organization The Use of Saline Waters for Crop Production. Irrigation and Drainage Paper 48. Rome: FAO. [27] Krishan, G., Lapworth, D. J., Rao, M. S., Kumar, C. P., Smilovic, M., and Semwal, P Natural (Baseline) Groundwater Quality in the Bist-Doab Catchment, Punjab, India: A Pilot Study Comparing Shallow and Deep Aquifers. International Journal of Earth Science and Engineering 7: