Spatial analysis of subsurface water quality: A case study from an arid region of India
2025
Leela Kaur | Prem Godara | Radha Kishan Saran
This study assesses the physicochemical and heavy metal contamination of subsurface water in Bikaner City, Rajasthan. Samples were collected from various tube wells and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), major cations (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺), anions (HCO₃⁻, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, F⁻, NO₃⁻), and heavy metals (Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, U, As). The spatial distribution of these parameters was visualized using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) in QGIS. The results revealed that several regions exhibit high TDS and nitrate levels. Fluoride concentrations in some areas surpassed the permissible limit (1.5 mg/L), raising concerns about potential health risks associated with dental and skeletal fluorosis. Heavy metals such as uranium and manganese were detected at varying concentrations, with localized hotspots exceeding permissible limits. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing both natural and anthropogenic sources of contamination to safeguard public health and promote sustainable water use in the arid region.
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