HYDRO-GEOCHEMICAL IMPACT STUDIES ON SURVIVALS IN

PERAMBALUR DISTRICT, TAMILNADU, INDIA

1. INTRODUCTION
Water and soil resources are the most important factors of the complete existential
supporting system includes all beings of the world. In order to satisfy the demand of
increasing irrigation and other industrial uses in Tamil Nadu, Ground water becomes the
major source of water supply based on increasing population towards the total utilization of
available surface water resources [1]. In a watershed basin the seasonal modelling of ground
water fluctuations is very useful in planning and management of both the surface water and
ground water resources. Due to industrialization and urbanization, there is a great demand for
water from the recent past. Continuous increase in environmental pollution caused by the
expansion and amplification of domestic, industrial, and agricultural waste generation has
resulted in steadily growing number of contaminations release into the environment [2 & 3].

As groundwater is the only major source of water for agricultural and domestic
purposes in Perambalur district, Water resources, as a while in Perambalur district are
sustainable but however regional, seasonal and spatial distribution is uneven. Geologically
the entire district is underlain by hard rock formations except few isolated patches of
sedimentary formation. Hence, it is important to know the effect of geological formations and
agricultural/industrial activities on groundwater chemistry [4]. Perambalur district, located in
the state of Tamil Nadu, India, is an agriculturally significant region with a substantial
reliance on water resources and fertile soil for sustainable farming. In order to ensure the
long-term productivity and ecological balance of the region, it is essential to conduct
comprehensive water and soil analysis. This proposal outlines a plan for conducting a
detailed assessment of water and soil quality in Perambalur district.

2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Padmanaban et al., reported the Seasonal Assessment and Investigation of

Groundwater Quality and Mapping Using GIS in Suruliyar Sub Basin, Tamilnadu in 2018.
In this research seasonal variation study on groundwater water quality is very much important
in identifying sequential changes in aquifer system for watershed management essential in
sub basin level study. In this study, 9 nos of groundwater samples were collected in during
post monsoon ( December,2017), and summer (April, 2018) seasons and analysed for pH,
EC, TDS, TH, TA, HCO3, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, SO4 and F. The analyzed samples were
compared WHO, BIS and ICMR standards. pH and EC values are within permissible limit for
both the seasons. TDS values are higher the permissible limit in jangalpatti for post monsoon
and summer season. Similarly, Na and Cl values are higher in Cumbum, jangal patti,
sankarapuram and uthamapalayam in both seasons and other parameters are within limit
prescribed by BIS. From the study groundwater quality is in safe zone can be use for both
domestic and irrigation purposes and continuous monitoring is essential for sub basin level
study for conjunctive uses.

Jabar Abdul Bari et al., reported the Evaluation of Groundwater quality and suitability
for irrigation using hydro-chemical process in Bhavani taluk, Erode District, Tamilnadu,
India in 2021. In this research, Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Na + and K +were measured in these
groundwater samples. Irrigation quality measures such as salinity hazard, sodium hazard
expressed as SAR, percentage of sodium (% Na), and permeability index (PI) were calculated
to evaluate groundwater quality for agricultural irrigation. Based on the classification of
Electrical conductivity (EC) most of the groundwater samples are falling under the
permissible limit. As per the USSL diagram, the large majority of groundwater samples fall
within the category of C3-S1 and the water is suitable for irrigation. Piper trilinear diagram
interpretations were made to know the chemical type of the groundwaters. The piper diagram
indicates that 50% of the groundwater sample were belongs to Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , HCO3 − , and
Cl − . The groundwater samples fall under Class I category according to Doneen’s
Classifications.
George et al., 2017 reported the Prominence of seasonal water quality assessment in a
tropical river using multivariate analysis: Kerala, India in 2017. An account of seasonal water
quality variability has been taken as a proxy for the changes of environmental setting
occurring in the catchment areas and helps to illustrate the ecological system processes
associated with it. The present study in Meenachil River (L = 78 km, A = 1272 km2)
comprising of stations from upstream to downstream for pre monsoon (PRM), monsoon
(MON) and post monsoon (POM). Ca2+ and SO4 2− show an erratic trend while extreme
deviations were observed at S6 and S7 stations. Na+, K+, Cl−, DIC and DOC showed a
similar trend in most stations, i.e. (PRM > POM > MON). Significant rise of DIC and DOC
at S7 during POM and PRM could explicate changes ensued in adjacent Vembanad lake
system. Strong correlations of DIC and DOC for Na+, K+ and Cl− ions were noted in the
study. HCA dendrogram reveals that ion chemistry in S6 and S7 was strictly controlled by
neighbouring lake water dynamics. The results demonstrate high F1 variance of 73, 68 and
72% followed by F2 comprising of 17, 19 and 21% for PRM, MON and POM, respectively.
General understanding into the autochthonous process associated within the river lake
interface region was evident from the nutrient variability scenario.

3. STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

As per the literature analysis the chemistry of ground and surface waters, particularly
the relationship between the chemical characteristics and quality of waters and the areal and
regional geology are not evaluated in the perambalur district, Tamilnadu. In this respect,
monitoring and evaluation of groundwater in perambalur district is crucial in order to reduce
any potential pollution. Hydrogeochemical studies are considered as one of the important
tools to identify and control the interaction processes of groundwater with aquifer minerals.
In our research studies we mainly focus on the major processes responsible for the
hydrochemistry of groundwater are: weathering of carbonate and silicate minerals aided by
H2CO3 and H2SO4, oxidation of sulphide minerals, domestic waste water, irrigation return
flow, reverse and direct ion exchange reactions as well as connate saline water. We are going
to use the Hydrogeophysics methods. The Hydrogeophysics is a cross-disciplinary area of
research that uses geophysics to determine parameters (characteristics; measurements of
limitations or boundaries) and monitor processes for hydrological studies of matters such as
water resources, contamination, and ecological studies. This is a product of the physical,
chemical and biological interactions between soil, rock and water, and the generally slow
movement of groundwater compared to other water bodies. Well-sorted sedimentary material.

4. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROPOSED RESEARCH

The primary objectives of this analysis proposal are as follows:
➢ To evaluate the quality of water sources within the district, including groundwater,
rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
➢ To assess the overall health and fertility of the soil in various agricultural areas.
➢ To identify potential contaminants, pollutants, or other factors that may affect the
water and soil quality.
➢ To provide recommendations for sustainable water and soil management practices.
 ➢ To contribute to the development of effective policies for environmental conservation
and agricultural sustainability.

5. METHODOLOGY
The proposed methodology for water and soil analysis in Perambalur district involves
the following steps:

a) Selection of Sampling Sites

Identify representative locations across the district, including both rural and urban
areas, agricultural fields, water bodies, and sources of drinking water.

b) Water Quality Assessment

Collection of groundwater samples from selected sites and conduct comprehensive
laboratory tests using WHO and BIS standards to assess water quality parameters such as pH,
electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, calcium, magnesium, sodium,
potassium, chloride, sulphate, carbonate, fluoride, phosphate, nitrate nitrogen, dissolved
oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, pesticides, heavy metals like.,
iron, copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt, arsenic, mercury, chromium, cadmium and lead.

c) Soil Quality Assessment

Collection of soil samples from different agricultural areas and assess the soil quality
parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity,
calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulphate, carbonate, fluoride, phosphate,
nitrate nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand,
pesticides, heavy metals like., iron, copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt, arsenic, mercury,
chromium, cadmium and lead using WHO and BIS standards.

d) Data Analysis
Analyze the obtained data to identify any significant variations or anomalies in water
and soil quality. Compare the results against regulatory standards, guidelines, and best
practices to evaluate the overall health of the ecosystem.

e) Recommendations
 Based on the analysis results, provide recommendations and guidelines for water
resource management, agricultural practices, and strategies for pollution control. These
recommendations should promote sustainable farming methods, conservation of water
resources, and the protection of the local environment.

f) Timeline and Resources

The proposed project will be conducted over a period of six months, with the
following key milestones:

First Year: Project planning, site selection, and procurement of necessary equipment and
resources. Sample collection, Laboratory analysis and Data gathering.

Second Year: Data analysis, interpretation, Presentation in conferences, Publication in

Journals.

Third Year: Thesis writing & submission and recommendations to applicable stakeholders.

6. EXPECTED OUTCOME
The proposed water and soil analysis in Perambalur district will provide valuable
insights into the quality and health of the region's water resources and soil, thereby
facilitating evidence-based decision-making for sustainable development. By implementing
the recommendations resulting from this analysis, the district can enhance agricultural
productivity, preserve the environment, and ensure the well-being of its residents.

7. REFERENCES

1) APHA., 2002, Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. American
Public Health Association, Washington D.C.
2) Palanisamy.P.N, a. Geetha, M. Sujatha, P. Sivakumar and K.Karunakaran, 2007.
Assessment of Ground Water
3) Quality in and around Gobichettipalayam Town Erode District, Tamilnadu. E-Journal of
Chemistry., 4(3): 434-439.
4) Ibrahim Bathusha.M and M.K. Saseetharan., 2006, Statistical study on Physico – Chemical
Characteristics of groundwater of Coimbatore South zone. Indian J.Env.Prot., 26(6): 508 –
515.
5) Padmanaban, R., Vignesh, S., & Umarani, P. Seasonal Assessment and Investigation of
Groundwater Quality and Mapping Using GIS in Suruliyar Sub Basin, Tamilnadu, India.
6) Javed, T., Sarwar, T., Ullah, I., Ahmad, S., & Rashid, S. (2019). Evaluation of groundwater quality in
district Karak Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Water Science, 33(1), 1-9.
7) George, P., Joseph, S. & Chidambaram, S. Prominence of seasonal water quality assessment
in a tropical river using multivariate analysis: Kerala, India. Appl Water Sci 7, 2957–2966
(2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-017-0595-4.