Physical analysis of groundwater at thickly populated area of Faisalabad by using GIS

Groundwater is the major source of drinking and soil pollution deteriorates its quality. The study was conducted in the area of Ghulam Muhammad Abad, the most thickly populated area of District Faisalabad, Pakistan. Primary information was collected by conducting the general survey of the area. Sampling was done by dividing the entire area into six zones. A total of 159 groundwater samples were collected from newly installed pumps at the depth of 90ft. The samples were then tested for physical parameters as EC (electrical conductivity) pH, TDS (total dissolved solids), TS (total solids) and TSS (total suspended solids). Test results were compared with the guidelines given by WHO (World Health Organization), and standards drafted by PSI (Pakistan Standard Institution). GIS analysis was done by using ArcGIS v 9.2. These parameters were analyzed in drinking water with respect to drinking purpose. EC of samples ranged from 0.07muS/m to 6.04muS/m. Only 8 samples were found within the permissible limit given by WHO, i.e. 2.50muS/m. GIS analysis showed that most of the area have EC greater than permissible limit. pH value ranged from 2.19 to 6.20. All the samples were found below the permissible limit given by WHO, i.e. 6.5 to 8.5. GIS map for pH indicated that almost 80% area has the pH value ranging from 4.90 to 5.21. TDS in groundwater samples ranged from 309mg/L to 3530mg/L. Only 2 samples were found within the permissible limit given by PSI, i.e. 1500mg/L. GIS analysis revealed that almost 50% area lies under high concentration of TDS. TSS in samples varied from 3mg/L to 2222mg/L. There were no guidelines for TSS in drinking water but are supposed to be near to 0mg/L in groundwater. TS in groundwater samples varied from 400mg/L to 5200mg/L. High value of TS effect the value of EC and TDS. Hence, all the values of physical parameters revealed that the groundwater of the area is not suitable for drinking purpose and needs to improve the groundwater quality of the area.