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Assessment and spatial distribution of quality of groundwater in Zone II and III,

Greater Visakhapatnam, India using water quality index (WQI) and GIS.
Article in International Journal of Environmental Sciences · January 2010
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Volume 1, No 2 ,2010
© Copyright 2010 All rights reserved Integrated Publishing services
Research Article ISSN 0976 – 4402
Assessment and Spatial Distribution of Quality of Groundwater in ZoneII and III,

Greater Visakhapatnam, India Using Water Quality Index (WQI) and GIS
Swarna Latha.P 1, Nageswara Rao.K 2

1 Department of Geography, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam 530003
2 Department of Civil Engineering, GIT, GITAM University, Visakhapatnam 530045
dr.swarnapisupati@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Assessment and mapping of quality of groundwater is an important quantity, because the physical and
chemical characteristics of groundwater determine its suitability for agricultural, industrial and
domestic usages. The present study appraises the groundwater quality of Greater Visakhapatnam,
Zone II and III areas with the estimation of water quality index and coupled with GIS technology.
Inverse distance weighted (IDW) raster interpolation technique of spatial analyst module in ArcGIS
software has been used to generate the spatial distribution of water pollutants of constituents. Based on
the analysis, most of the area under study falls in moderately polluted to severely polluted zone. The
results revealed that the groundwater was not suitable for drinking purpose in most of the areas due to
the influence of sewage, saltwater intrusion, industrial and high urban concentration.
Keywords: Spatial distribution, Groundwater quality, Greater Visakhapatnam, Geographical

Information System (GIS)
1. Introduction
In 2005, the Andhra Pradesh (A.P) state government has upgraded the Visakhapatnam Municipal
Corporation (VMC) to Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), called as Greater
Visakhapatnam, merged along with Gajuwaka municipality and 32 grampanchayats. Its area of
jurisdiction has expanded merely from 111 sq. km to 535 sq. km encompassing sprawling suburbs.
The total population was increased from one million to about 1.5 million (VUDA, 2003). The Greater
Visakhapatnam, situated on the east coast of India (17º 32' N to 17º 51' N latitudes and 83º 05' E to 83º
24' E longitudes), is one of the prime urban corridor and major sprawling industrial city in A.P and
one of the fastest growing cities in Asia (Figure 1). Due to the rapid growth of urbanization and
industrialization, there is an increasing pressure on land, water and environment, particularly like these
metropolitan cities. Concentration of human population in urban areas has resulted in increase of
buildings, roads, vehicles, factories, urban sewage and storm drains, smoke and dust, and garbage
hazards which leads to severe water and air pollution (Subba Rao et al., 1997; Swarna Latha and
Nageswara Rao, 2007). Assessment of quality of groundwater through water quality index (WQI)
studies, spatial distribution mapping for various pollutants utilizing GIS technology and the resulted
information on quality of water could be useful for policy makers to take remedial measures
(Nageswara Rao et al., 2007; Pradhan et al., 2001; Swarna Latha et al., 2007). GIS can be a powerful
tool for developing solutions for water resources problems to assess in water quality, determining
water availability, understanding the natural environment on a local and/or regional scale.
The Zone II & III of Greater Visakhapatnam located between 17º 41' 30'' N to 17º 45' N
latitudes and 83º 17' 30'' E to 83º 21' E longitudes is chosen for the present study due to the higher
degree of concentration of urban activities occurred in this region. Keeping this in view for the area
under study we have carried out the physicochemical analysis for various parameters of groundwater
198
for domestic use and development of WQI, and mapping of their spatial distribution using GIS
techniques.
2. Methodology
The overall methodology adopted for the present study is presented in the form of flow chart in
Figure 2.
2.1. Geodatabase
Sampling was carried out during pre and postmonsoon seasons for the year 2006 using GPS survey.
A total of twenty four water samples were collected from the selected locations throughout the study
area (Figure 1). The graticules and altitude values of the selected sampling locations are given in Table
1. The collected samples were preserved by adding appropriate reagents in laboratory to determine the
water quality analysis. These samples were analyzed for different parameters (Table 2) following
standard methods (APHA, 1998). All the parameters were compared with the guidelines
Figure 1: Map showing location and sampling points collected in the study area
199
suggested by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS, 2003). The obtained water quality data form the
attribute database which is used to generate the spatial distribution maps for the present study area.
2.2. InterpolationGIS model
Inverse distance weighted (IDW) raster interpolation technique of spatial analyst module in ArcGIS
(version 9.0) software has been used for the present study to delineate the locational distribution of
various water pollutants. The different locations of the sampling stations were imported into GIS
software through point layer. Each sample point was assigned by a unique code and stored in the point
attribute table. The data base file contains values of all chemical parameters in separate columns along
with a sample code for each sampling station. The geodatabase was used to generate the spatial
distribution maps of selected water quality parameters namely alkalinity, total dissolved solids (TDS),
total hardness (TH), chlorides (Cl), fluorides (F) and water quality index (WQI).
2.3. Water Quality Index (WQI) Estimation
WQI is computed to reduce the large amount of water quality

data to a single numerical value. WQI reflects the composite
influence of different water quality parameters on the overall
quality of water. Water quality index was computed by
adopting the method of Tiwari and Mishra (1985), Sinha and
Saxena (2006) to determine the suitability of the groundwater
for drinking purposes as follows,
Where wi = weightage factor of ith parameter

qi = quality rating of ith parameter
wi is calculated from the following equation,

wi = k/sn
sn = standard value of ith parameter
qi is calculated from the following equation,
Where va = actual value obtained from laboratory

analysis of ith parameter
vs = standard value of ith parameter
vi = ideal value
(pH=7 and 0 for all parameters)
Figure 2: Flow chart showing the process flow
200
Based on the water quality index, the analyzed samples were grouped into three categories
namely suitable for drinking (below 50), moderately polluted (51 to 80) and severely polluted (above
80).
Table 1: Details of sampling locations of the study area
Sl. Sampling station Lat. Long. Alt. Sl. Sampling station Lat. Long. Alt.
no dms dms mts no dms dms mts
1. Muvalavanipalem 17.743 83.333 17 13. Sitampeta 17.732 83.312 27
2. Venkojipalem 17.743 83.323 22 14. Dwarakanagar 17.727 83.308 31
3. HB colony 17.744 83.316 27 15. RTC complex 17.724 83.312 18
4. Maddilapalem 17.737 83.326 28 16. Ramnagar 17.719 83.313 30
5. Peda Waltair 17.734 83.333 35 17. R K beach 17.714 83.326 32
6. Lawsons bay 17.735 83.344 15 18. Jalaripeta 17.704 83.311 60
7. Eastpoint colony 17.727 83.339 39 19. I town 17.690 83.296 12
8. China Waltair 17.725 83.334 57 20. Soldierpet 17.696 83.299 16
9. Balajinagar 17.727 83.320 95 21. Poornamarket 17.706 83.301 17
10. Resapuvanipalem 17.733 83.322 88 22. Maharanipeta 17.711 83.308 31
11. Sitammadhara 17.738 83.313 26 23. Dabagardens 17.714 83.301 19
12. Akkayyapalem 17.736 83.306 38 24. Allipuram 17.718 83.302 16
Lat.: Latitude, Long.: Longitude, Alt.: Altitude
Table 2: Analytical methods adopted for physicochemical analysis
Analysis Method/instrument
pH Digital pH meter
Alkalinity Titrimetry
Electrical conductivity (EC) Digital conductivity meter
Total dissolved solids (TDS) Indirect method (Raghunath, 2003)
Total hardness (TH) & calcium hardness (CaH) EDTATitrimetry

Magnesium hardness (MgH) Indirect method (Todd, 2001)
Sodium (Na) & Potassium (K) Flame photometer

Iron (Fe) 1,10 phenanthrolineSpectrophotometry
Bicarbonates (HCO3) + carbonates (CO3) Indirect method (Hem, 1985)
1.31×Alkalinity
Chlorides (Cl) Mohr’sTitrimetry
Sulphates (SO4) Spectrophotometry
Phosphates (PO4) Ammonium molybdate methodSpectrophotometry
Fluorides (F) Selective ion meter
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3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Groundwater quality variation
The results obtained from the physicochemical analysis are presented in Tables 3 to 6.
3.1.1 pH
The pH of a solution is the negative logarithm of hydrogen ion concentration in moles per litre. In pre
monsoon water samples, the pH varies from 7.0 to 8.31 while in the postmonsoon water samples, it
ranges from 7.0 to 8.1 indicating well permissible limits.
3.1.2 Alkalinity and Bicarbonates
The alkalinity varies from 172 to 372 mg/l during the premonsoon and ranges from 170 to 368 mg/l
during postmonsoon season. Dissolved carbondioxide, bicarbonate and carbonates produce alkalinity
in water. Carbonates and bicarbonates are being estimated from the alkalinity values (Hem, 1985).
Bicarbonates vary in the study area from 225.3 to 487.3 mg/l during premonsoon season while in
postmonsoon water samples it ranges between 222.7 and 482.1 mg/l. More than 91% of the water
samples in the study area contains alkalinity values higher than the desirable limit during premonsoon,
while in postmonsoon it was observed that 83% of samples indicating above the limits. A perusal of
alkalinity maps during pre and postmonsoon seasons (Figures 3A1 and 3B1) showing the occurrence
of low alkalinity at isolated pockets of the study area. The high alkalinity in the study area is increased
due to the action of carbonates on the basic materials in the soil which gives an unpleasant taste to
water.
3.1.3 Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Electrical conductivity indicates the capacity of electrical current that passed through the water, which
in turn is related to concentration of ionized substances present in it. Most dissolved inorganic
substances present in the water are in ionized form and contribute to electrical conductivity. In the
study area, electrical conductivity varies from 686 to 3552 µS/cm for premonsoon water samples,
while it ranges between 680 and 3600 µS/cm for postmonsoon samples.
Electrical conductivity of water is considered to be an indication of the total dissolved salt content
(Hem, 1985). A rapid estimation of total dissolved solids content in water is obtained by EC. In the
premonsoon season, the mean values of TDS are varied from 439 to 2273 mg/l whereas during the
postmonsoon which ranges between 435 and 2304 mg/l. Except one sample (Sl.no 12), remaining all
the water samples during both the seasons in the study shows above the limits of Indian standards
(Figures 3A2 and 3B2). The almost of the area is not found suitable for drinking purpose owing to
high TDS concentration, which is mainly due to seepage of surface water from open drains and their
proximity to the industrial area and seacoast. TDS in groundwater can also be due to natural sources
such as sewage, urban runoff and industrial wastes (Kurian, 2001; Swarna Latha, 2008).
202
Table 3: The analytical results showing quality of groundwater during premonsoon season (2006) in
the study area
S.no pH Alkalinity EC TDS TH CaH MgH Na K Fe

1. 7.62 218 1456 932 528 158 32.4 58.4 28.4 0.16
2. 7.49 200 1348 863 582 174 35.8 58.7 16.5 0.11
3. 7.10 180 1370 877 504 168 20.5 42.3 15.2 0.10
4. 7.39 222 1512 968 526 172 23.4 52.2 14.1 0.25
5. 7.00 306 1448 927 576 192 23.5 54.2 12.2 0.17
6. 7.29 248 1552 993 588 212 14.2 54.6 20.1 0.20
7. 7.36 278 1584 1014 698 264 9.4 54.4 16.5 0.05
8. 7.39 242 1410 902 438 170 3.3 58.7 14.4 0.03
9. 8.30 300 1242 795 538 182 20.3 52.3 16.5 0.09
10. 7.55 334 1312 840 538 178 22.7 60.3 20.5 0.20
11. 7.50 228 1222 782 532 158 33.4 34.3 13.9 0.03
12. 7.88 172 686 439 266 88 11.2 42.1 8.1 0.15
13. 7.55 372 1412 904 500 164 22.0 70.6 14.2 0.22
14. 8.31 312 1464 937 476 160 18.6 52.4 8.7 0.15
15. 7.60 288 1338 856 432 148 15.2 64.1 12.8 0.25
16. 8.10 324 1278 818 512 172 20.0 62.3 14.6 0.12
17. 7.15 202 1264 809 398 132 16.6 66.2 18.7 0.03
18. 7.66 222 2816 1802 584 144 54.5 154.7 22.6 0.10
19. 7.31 282 2822 1806 788 178 83.4 76.9 28.6 0.14
20. 7.40 262 1978 1266 890 216 85.2 64.5 24.8 0.08
21. 7.00 320 3552 2273 1152 332 78.5 174.2 32.4 0.10
22. 7.38 290 1410 902 440 166 6.2 58.1 8.1 0.04
23. 7.72 342 1540 986 450 130 30.5 62.3 18.1 0.10
24. 7.68 296 1432 916 520 120 53.5 54.2 10.8 0.08
All parameters expressed in mg/l except pH and EC; where EC in µS/cm, pH has no units
203
Table 4: The analytical results showing quality of groundwater during premonsoon season (2006) in
the study area
S.no HCO3 Cl SO4 PO4 F WQI

1. 285.6 268.4 46.8 0.90 0.8 75.12
2. 262.0 250.0 80.8 0.02 0.8 73.30
3. 235.8 200.0 68.2 0.04 0.6 45.76
4. 290.8 204.5 70.6 0.16 0.6 55.67
5. 400.9 144.6 72.4 0.28 0.7 37.85
6. 324.9 340.5 58.2 0.12 0.9 72.41
7. 364.2 290.9 64.4 0.01 1.0 80.11
8. 317.0 198.4 78.6 1.00 0.8 64.57
9. 393.0 136.4 56.2 1.02 0.6 65.33
10. 437.5 142.5 90.4 0.80 0.7 65.96
11. 298.7 170.6 44.6 0.12 0.9 79.86
12. 225.3 72.4 50.2 0.08 1.0 88.25
13. 487.3 128.7 90.8 0.06 0.9 80.12
14. 408.7 106.1 52.2 0.22 0.7 73.28
15. 377.3 148.3 64.4 0.89 0.6 57.86
16. 424.4 124.3 59.6 0.36 0.6 63.76
17. 264.6 204.2 62.2 0.07 0.7 53.92
18. 290.8 520.4 130.4 0.09 1.2 107.32
19. 369.4 296.8 88.8 1.40 0.9 78.52
20. 343.2 354.2 138.4 0.90 0.8 74.65
21. 419.2 580.4 150.2 0.80 1.2 65.77
22. 379.9 150.3 51.2 0.14 0.7 59.22
23. 448.0 136.4 70.4 0.06 0.7 64.90
24. 387.8 150.5 82.4 0.18 0.6 61.81
3.1.4 Total Hardness (TH)
Total hardness is a measure of the capacity of water to the concentration of calcium and magnesium in
water and is usually expressed as the equivalent of CaCO3 concentration. In the present study, the total
hardness of the premonsoon waters ranges between 266 and 1152 mg/l, while it varies from 256 to
1134 mg/l in postmonsoon waters. Ninety six percent of the area samples have more than 300 mg/l
during both seasons falling under hard water category (Figures 3A3 and 3B3). In the absence of
alternative source of water, the maximum permissible limit is 600 mg/l (BIS, 2003). In all 16% of total
samples have hardness more than 600 mg/l are recorded at east and south, may be due to the natural
accumulation of salts from contact with soil or it may enter from direct pollution by human activities.
204
Table 5: The analytical results showing quality of groundwater during postmonsoon season (2006) in
the study area
S.no pH Alkalinity EC TDS TH CaH MgH Na K Fe

1. 7.20 212 1442 923 508 152 31.2 58.4 26.8 0.16
2. 7.10 186 1340 858 560 164 36.6 56.8 14.3 0.08
3. 7.10 174 1214 777 490 164 19.6 38.2 13.8 0.10
4. 7.10 210 1512 968 526 172 23.4 53.6 10.2 0.22
5. 7.20 302 1500 960 516 172 21.0 44.2 8.6 0.16
6. 7.29 248 1536 983 536 194 12.5 54.6 20.1 0.17
7. 7.00 278 1566 1002 688 264 7.0 54.4 16.5 0.03
8. 7.10 240 1400 896 418 162 3.3 58.7 12.8 0.02
9. 7.90 284 1234 790 538 182 20.3 51.2 14.7 0.08
10. 7.50 334 1300 832 526 172 23.4 57.8 16.8 0.18
11. 7.40 220 1220 781 512 158 28.5 30.3 7.9 0.04
12. 7.60 170 680 435 256 88 8.8 42.1 8.0 0.15
13. 7.30 368 1412 904 496 164 21.0 66.0 12.2 0.12
14. 8.10 306 1460 934 430 160 7.4 51.4 8.7 0.16
15. 7.40 276 1322 846 426 144 16.1 70.8 12.8 0.25
16. 7.80 300 1210 774 410 142 13.5 56.4 12.8 0.10
17. 7.00 202 1270 813 392 128 17.6 58.7 18.7 0.07
18. 7.20 190 2812 1800 512 116 54.0 154.7 20.5 0.09
19. 7.31 276 2300 1472 762 172 80.8 76.8 22.2 0.16
20. 7.10 266 1908 1221 878 212 84.7 60.4 24.8 0.08
21. 7.00 320 3600 2304 1134 324 78.9 170.2 30.4 0.10
22. 7.38 288 1410 902 434 162 7.2 56.2 8.0 0.03
23. 7.50 340 1534 982 444 128 30.2 60.1 18.1 0.07
24. 7.50 292 1430 915 510 120 51.1 50.6 10.8 0.10
205
Table 6: The analytical results showing quality of groundwater during postmonsoon season (2006) in
the study area
S.no. HCO3 Cl SO4 PO4 F WQI
1. 277.7 252.6 53.6 0.80 0.8 64.11
2. 243.7 232.6 60.8 0.10 0.7 52.83
3. 227.9 178.2 60.4 0.04 0.6 45.57
4. 275.1 192.8 70.6 0.16 0.6 46.08
5. 395.6 144.6 70.4 0.24 0.5 43.81
6. 324.9 338.2 60.2 0.12 0.9 71.94
7. 364.2 286.4 64.4 0.01 0.9 46.95
8. 314.4 182.6 80.2 0.09 0.6 42.63
9. 372.0 136.7 54.2 1.02 0.6 62.05
10. 437.5 142.5 88.2 0.70 0.8 72.31
11. 288.2 162.8 40.6 0.12 0.9 76.87
12. 222.7 72.4 48.2 0.08 1.0 82.86
13. 482.1 128.7 88.8 0.07 1.0 79.86
14. 400.9 108.9 48.8 0.50 0.7 68.94
15. 361.6 138.9 70.0 0.80 0.7 61.84
16. 393.0 110.4 50.2 0.30 0.6 59.71
17. 264.6 204.2 62.2 0.07 0.7 39.27
18. 248.9 502.2 130.4 0.09 1.0 78.44
19. 361.6 290.2 88.8 1.00 0.9 78.31
20. 348.5 350.8 136.8 0.90 0.7 55.45
21. 419.2 560.2 148.6 0.80 1.0 56.99
22. 377.3 150.3 50.2 0.14 0.7 59.52
23. 445.4 144.9 68.8 0.02 0.6 57.93
24. 382.5 148.9 80.4 0.18 0.6 59.10
3.1.5 Calcium Hardness (CaH) and Magnesium Hardness (MgH)
Most of the geological material aquifers are composed of calcium. It was presented in groundwater as
a material of suspension where calcium bicarbonate is the prime cause for the hardness in water. In
groundwater the calcium content generally exceeds the magnesium content (CGWB, 2005). The
values of both seasons showed that the calcium hardness was high in concentration for all the samples.
The maximum CaH value has observed at Mindi (Sl.no: 21) and minimum value was at Narava (Sl.no:
12) same for both the seasons. Excessive calcium in drinking water is linked to the formations of
concretions in the body and may cause gastro intestinal diseases and stone formations. The magnesium
hardness of the premonsoon waters ranges between 3.3 and 85.2 mg/l while it varies from 3.3 to 84.7
mg/l in postmonsoon waters.
206
Figure 3: A1 to A6, spatial distribution of groundwater quality status showing for premonsoon
season in the study area
207
Figure 3: B1 to B6, spatial distribution of groundwater quality status showing for postmonsoon
season in the study area
208
3.1.6 Sodium (Na)
Higher values of sodium are found in the groundwater in the areas of saline water intrusion. Discharge
of effluents such as domestic and industrial etc. onto the ground is another source of sodium in water.
In general sodium salts are not actually toxic substances to humans because of the efficiency with
which mature kidneys excrete sodium. In the premonsoon season, the mean values of sodium are
varied from 34.3 to 174.2 mg/l whereas during the postmonsoon season which was ranges between
30.3 and 170.2 mg/l.
3.1.7 Potassium (K)
Potassium is slightly less common than sodium in igneous rocks, but more abundant in all the
sedimentary rocks. Potassium is an essential element for plants and animals. The elements present in
plant material and are lost from agricultural soil by crop harvesting and removal as well as leaching
and runoff on organic residues. Potassium varies in the study area from 8.1 to 32.4 mg/l during pre
monsoon season while in postmonsoon water samples it ranges between 7.9 and 30.4 mg/l.
3.1.8 Iron (Fe)
Iron is biologically an important element which is essential to all organisms and present in hemoglobin
system. Iron high concentration causes slight toxicity. The results showed that the concentrations of
iron during both monsoons fall within the permissible limits of the study area.
3.1.9 Chlorides (Cl)
Chloride concentrations vary widely in natural water and it directly related to mineral content of the
water. It is known that the sea water intrusion is showing abnormal concentration of chloride. In
potable water, the salt taste is produced by chloride concentrations. At concentrations above 250 mg/l,
water acquires salty taste which is objectionable to many people. Bureau of Indian Standards
prescribes 250 mg/l as permissible limit and 1000 mg/l as desirable limit in the absence of alternate
source. The chloride concentration in the study area is less than 250 mg/l in 66% water samples and
the remaining samples have less than 1000 mg/l which are recorded in premonsoon season. Spatial
distribution of chloride concentrations during pre and postmonsoon seasons are shown Figures 3A4
and 3B4 respectively. The higher chloride content in groundwater may be attributed to the presence of
soluble chloride from rocks and saline intrusion.
3.1.10 Sulphates (SO4)
The sulphate concentrations are varied from 44.6 to 150.2 mg/l during premonsoon season where as
in the postmonsoon season it ranges between 40.6 and 148.6 mg/l. From the tables it can be observed
that all the samples having sulphates value below 200 mg/l fall within the limits for both the seasons.
3.1.11 Phosphates (PO4)
Phosphorous, an essential nutrient for living organisms occurs in water as both dissolved and
particulate species. It controls primary productivity. In the premonsoon season the phosphates are
varied from 0.01 to 1.4 mg/l whereas during the postmonsoon which was ranges between 0.01 and
1.02 mg/l.
209
3.1.12 Fluorides (F)
Fluoride is essential for human beings as a trace element and higher concentration of this element
causes toxic effects. Concentration of fluoride between 0.6 to 1.0 mg/l in potable water protects tooth
decay and enhances bone development (Kundu et al., 2001). Bureau of Indian Standards has suggested
permissible limit of fluoride in drinking water at 1.0 mg/l and tolerance range is upto 1.5 mg/l.
Ingestion of water with fluoride concentration above 1.5 mg/l results in fluorosis, dental mottling and
bone diseases. In the study area, fluoride ranges between 0.6 and 1.2 mg/l of premonsoon samples
and in postmonsoon water samples it was varied from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/l falls in desirable limits (Figures
3A5 and 3B5).
3.2. WQI Analysis
The values of selected parameters of groundwater quality data during pre and postmonsoon seasons
and BIS water quality standards were used for calculating water quality indices. The water quality
standard values corresponding weightage factor and ideal values are presented in Table 7. Quality
status is assigned on the basis of calculated values of water quality indices to include the collective
role of various physicochemical parameters on the overall quality of drinking water. WQI
computations were made from the equations and obtained results are given in Tables 3 to 6. The
spatial distribution of the WQI map generated for the study area during pre and postmonsoon
seasons are presented in Figures 3A6 and 3B6. The results revealed that the groundwater two locations
during premonsoon and six locations during postmonsoon season of the study area was in good
quality of water where WQI ranges from 0 to 50 suitable for drinking purpose. The remaining area of
samples are ranging between moderately polluted to severely polluted condition that may be due to the
domestic sewage from open drains, sea water intrusion and industrial effluents from various industries.
Table 7: The water quality standards, ideal value and weightage factors are considered to calculate the
water quality index
Parameter Standard Ideal value Weightage factor

Sn and Vs Vi Wi
pH 8.5 7 0.1384
Alkalinity 200 0 0.0059
TDS 500 0 0.0024
TH 300 0 0.0039
CaH 75 0 0.0157
MgH 30 0 0.0392
Cl 250 0 0.0047
SO4 200 0 0.0059
F 1.5 0 0.7840
210
4. Conclusions
The study has demonstrated the utility of GIS technology combined with laboratory analysis in
evaluation and mapping of groundwater quality in urban region. About 83% of the area under study
comes under moderately polluted to severely polluted category revealed by the WQI studies. The two
number of sampling locations in premonsoon season and six locations in postmonsoon season are
only suitable for drinking purpose in the study. The spatial distribution maps generated for various
physicochemical parameters using GIS techniques could be useful for planners and decision makers
for initiating groundwater quality development in the area.
5. References
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New Delhi,2003.
4. CGWB.,2005, “Groundwater year book of Andhra Pradesh”, Central Ground Water Board,
Ministry of Water Resources, Govt. of India.
5. Hem,J.D.,1985, “Study and interpretation of the chemical characteristics of natural water” U.S.
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“Geochemical appraisal of fluoride contamination of groundwater in the Nayagarh district,
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7. Kurian,J.,2001, “An integrated approach for management of total dissolved solids in reactive
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Assessment and spatial distribution of quality of groundwater in Zone II and III,

Article in International Journal of Environmental Sciences · January 2010

P Swarna Latha K. Nageswara Rao

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© Copyright 2010 All rights reserved Integrated Publishing services

Research Article ISSN 0976 – 4402

Assessment and Spatial Distribution of Quality of Groundwater in Zone­II and III,

Swarna Latha.P 1, Nageswara Rao.K 2

Keywords: Spatial distribution, Groundwater quality, Greater Visakhapatnam, Geographical

© Copyright 2010 All rights reserved Integrated Publishing services

Research Article ISSN 0976 – 4402

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Research Article ISSN 0976 – 4402

2.2. Interpolation­GIS model

2.3. Water Quality Index (WQI) Estimation

WQI is computed to reduce the large amount of water quality

Where wi = weightage factor of ith parameter

wi is calculated from the following equation,

sn = standard value of ith parameter

qi is calculated from the following equation,

Where va = actual value obtained from laboratory

Figure 2: Flow chart showing the process flow

© Copyright 2010 All rights reserved Integrated Publishing services

Research Article ISSN 0976 – 4402

Table 1: Details of sampling locations of the study area

Table 2: Analytical methods adopted for physico­chemical analysis

Total hardness (TH) & calcium hardness (CaH) EDTA­Titrimetry

Sodium (Na) & Potassium (K) Flame photometer

© Copyright 2010 All rights reserved Integrated Publishing services

Research Article ISSN 0976 – 4402

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Groundwater quality variation

3.1.2 Alkalinity and Bicarbonates

3.1.3 Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

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Research Article ISSN 0976 – 4402

S.no pH Alkalinity EC TDS TH CaH MgH Na K Fe

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Research Article ISSN 0976 – 4402

S.no HCO3 Cl SO4 PO4 F WQI

3.1.4 Total Hardness (TH)

© Copyright 2010 All rights reserved Integrated Publishing services

Research Article ISSN 0976 – 4402

S.no pH Alkalinity EC TDS TH CaH MgH Na K Fe

© Copyright 2010 All rights reserved Integrated Publishing services

Research Article ISSN 0976 – 4402

3.1.5 Calcium Hardness (CaH) and Magnesium Hardness (MgH)

© Copyright 2010 All rights reserved Integrated Publishing services

Research Article ISSN 0976 – 4402

© Copyright 2010 All rights reserved Integrated Publishing services

Research Article ISSN 0976 – 4402

© Copyright 2010 All rights reserved Integrated Publishing services

Research Article ISSN 0976 – 4402

3.1.6 Sodium (Na)

3.1.7 Potassium (K)

3.1.8 Iron (Fe)

Assessment and Spatial Distribution of Quality of Groundwater in ZoneII and III,

2.2. InterpolationGIS model

Table 2: Analytical methods adopted for physicochemical analysis

Total hardness (TH) & calcium hardness (CaH) EDTATitrimetry