Assessment of Groundwater Quality of Different Districts in

Odisha for Agricultural and Drinking Purposes.

By
Santosh Kumar Nayak

Registration No-2207298057

Branch : M. Tech

Semester: 4th

Under the Guidance of

Prof. Ananya Punyotoya Parida

Department of Civil Engineering

Gandhi Institute For Technology
An Autonomous Institute
 ABSTRACT
This study looks at a range of selected groundwater samples from several locations in Odisha, which has problems with its quality for agricultural and drinking purposes. Reading
the study's conclusions might help you discover the home and industrial sources of ground water in Odisha and provide vital information about their status. sources of pollution.
This greatly aids in directing future investigations to identify and mitigate the problem of groundwater pollution and facilitates the implementation of corrective measures. When
manmade pollutants damage a body of water, it is commonly regarded as polluted when it becomes unfit for human use (drinking water, for example) or when its capacity to sustain
its biotic populations is greatly reduced.
Even though they are interdependent, surface. The growing demand for water resources, particularly for agricultural and drinking purposes, necessitates a comprehensive evaluation
of groundwater quality. This project focuses on the assessment of groundwater quality in various GW collected from river basins on agricultural productivity. The findings will
contribute to the development of sustainable water management strategies, emphasizing the need for taat different districts of Odisha, India, with the aim of understanding the
suitability of this vital resource for both agricultural irrigation and human consumption.
 ABSTRACT
The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating hydrogeological, geochemical, and environmental
parameters to evaluate groundwater quality across selected districts. Water samples from representative wells and
boreholes are collected and analyzed for physicochemical properties, including pH, electrical conductivity, total
dissolved solids, major ions, and trace elements.
Additionally, key water quality indicators such as nitrate, fluoride, and bacterial contamination are assessed to
ascertain the safety of groundwater for drinking purposes. Furthermore, the project aims to establish correlation
between groundwater quality and its impact on agricultural productivity.
The findings will contribute to the development of sustainable water management strategies, emphasizing the need
for tailored interventions to improve water quality and promote efficient utilization in agriculture.
Keywords: Groundwater quality , Agricultural purposes, Geochemical analysis, hysicochemical parameters,Water
quality indicators, Agricultural practices, Geochemical factors, Sustainable water management, Environmental
impact.
CONTENTS

• ABSTRACT
• INTRODUCTION
• SCOPE AND PROBLEM STATEMENT
• OBJECTIVES OF THE PRESENT STUDY SCOPE
• LITERATURE REVIEW
• METHODOLOGY AND PROCESS ADOPTED
• RESULTS AND FINDINGS
• CONCLUSION
• REFERENCES
INTRODUCTION
GENERAL.

Access to safe and reliable water sources is crucial for sustaining agricultural productivity and ensuring public
health. In the Indian state of Odisha, where agriculture serves as a backbone of the economy and millions rely
on groundwater for drinking purposes, the assessment of groundwater quality is of paramount importance. With
diverse geological formations and varying anthropogenic activities across districts, understanding the quality of
groundwater becomes imperative to formulate effective water management strategies.

This study aims to investigate the groundwater quality across different GW collected from river basins at
districts of Odisha, focusing on its suitability for both agricultural and drinking purposes. By analyzing various
physicochemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and concentrations of
essential nutrients and contaminants, this assessment seeks to provide comprehensive insights into the current
state of groundwater resources.

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Introduction
The agricultural sector in Odisha heavily depends on groundwater irrigation, especially in regions with erratic
monsoon patterns. Hence, the quality of groundwater directly impacts crop yield, soil health, and overall agricultural
sustainability. Additionally, considering the escalating demand for potable water due to population growth and
urbanization, ensuring the safety of groundwater for drinking purposes is imperative to safeguard public health and
mitigate waterborne diseases.

This study will not only assess the existing groundwater quality but also identify potential sources of contamination
and delineate areas of concern. Such insights are crucial for policymakers, water resource managers, and local
communities to implement targeted interventions aimed at preserving and enhancing groundwater quality. Moreover,
by understanding the factors influencing groundwater quality variation across various river basins, this research
endeavors to contribute to the development of region-specific
management strategies tailored to Odisha's diverse hydrogeological landscape.

In summary, this assessment endeavors to shed light on the current state of groundwater quality in different districts of
Odisha, with a focus on its implications for agriculture and drinking water. By bridging the gap between scientific
research and practical water management, this study aspires to facilitate informed decision-making towards sustainable
water resource utilization and environmental conservation in the region.
SCOPE AND PROBLEM STATEMENT

Scope :

Geographic Coverage: The study aims to cover multiple districts within the state of Odisha, ensuring
representation of diverse geological and hydrological settings. Parameter Analysis: It will involve the
examination of key physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and
concentrations of essential nutrients and contaminants. Suitability Assessment: The assessment will focus on
determining the suitability of groundwater for both agricultural irrigation and drinking purposes,

providing insights into its quality and potential usage. Data Collection Methods: The study will employ robust
sampling and analysis techniques to gather groundwater samples from various locations within each district,
ensuring a representative dataset. Identification of Sources: It will seek to identify potential sources of
contamination, including agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and natural geological processes, contributing
to variations in groundwater quality.
SCOPE AND PROBLEM STATEMENT

Problem Statement :
• Data Deficiency: There is a lack of comprehensive data regarding the spatial distribution of groundwater quality
parameters across different districts in Odisha, hindering effective decision-making and management of water
resources.
• Risk Assessment: The absence of detailed assessments makes it challenging to identify areas at risk of groundwater
contamination and prioritize mitigation measures to safeguard water quality for agricultural and drinking purposes.
• Anthropogenic Impact: The potential impacts of human activities, such as agricultural practices, industrialization,
and urbanization, on groundwater quality remain poorly understood, leading to uncertainties regarding their
contribution to water pollution.
• Sustainable Resource Management: Without adequate information on groundwater quality, there is a risk of
unsustainable water use practices, threatening the long-term availability of safe and reliable water sources for
agricultural and domestic needs.
• Public Health Concerns: Poor quality groundwater poses significant public health risks, including waterborne
diseases, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive assessments to ensure the safety of drinking water
sources in Odisha.
LITERATURE REVIEW
LITERATURE REVIEW
Groundwater serves as a vital resource for agricultural irrigation and drinking purposes in Odisha, India.
However, ensuring its quality is essential to prevent adverse effects on public health and agricultural
productivity. This literature review aims to examine existing studies on the assessment of groundwater quality
across different districts in Odisha, focusing on its suitability for agricultural and drinking purposes.
• Groundwater Quality Assessment in Odisha: A Review (Sahu et al., 2020) This comprehensive review
provides an overview of studies conducted on groundwater quality in Odisha, highlighting variations in
physicochemical parameters across different districts. It emphasizes the need for systematic assessments to
address gaps in data availability and understanding of groundwater quality variations.

• Spatial Variability of Groundwater Quality in Coastal Aquifers of Odisha (Panda et al., 2018) The study
investigates groundwater quality variations in coastal aquifers of Odisha, emphasizing the influence of
geological factors and anthropogenic activities on water quality. Results indicate elevated levels of salinity
and nitrate contamination in certain areas, posing challenges for agricultural and drinking water purposes.
• Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Groundwater of Cuttack District, Odisha (Mohanty &
Patra, 2019) This study focuses on assessing heavy metal contamination in groundwater sources within
Cuttack district, highlighting the presence of pollutants such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium. Findings
underscore the importance of monitoring heavy metal concentrations to prevent potential health risks
associated with drinking water contamination.
LITERATURE REVIEW
• Impact of Agricultural Practices on Groundwater Quality: A Case Study in Western Odisha (Das & Rout, 2021) The
research examines the influence of agricultural practices on groundwater quality in western Odisha, emphasizing the role of
fertilizers and pesticides in contaminant transport. Results indicate significant nitrate and pesticide contamination in
groundwater, raising concerns about the sustainability of agricultural practices in the region.
• Hydrogeochemical Characterization of Groundwater in Northern Odisha (Sethi et al., 2017) This study investigates the
hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater in northern Odisha, focusing on factors influencing water quality variability.
Results reveal spatial variations in groundwater chemistry, with high concentrations of ions such as fluoride and iron
exceeding permissible limits for drinking water.
• Assessment of Groundwater Suitability for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes in Southern Odisha (Behera & Mishra,
2020) The research evaluates groundwater suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes in southern Odisha, employing
physicochemical analyses and water quality indices. Findings suggest varying degrees of groundwater contamination,
highlighting the importance of region-specific management strategies to ensure water quality sustainability.
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METHODOLOGY AND PROCESS ADOPTED

METHODOLOGY
• Step 1: Identification of risk zone due to groundwater pollution in Various districts of Odisha.
• Step 2: Water sampling.
• Step 3: Physio-chemical parameters analysis (pH, EC, TDS, Total alkalinity, Total hardness, Calcium,
• Magnesium, Chloride, Sulphate, K, Ca).

Methods :
• Collection of Water Sample: Water samples were collected from different river basins from the various groundwater
sources in separate containers.

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Nomenclature of the water sample collected :

Sl no collection Site / Coding

River Name
1 Baitarani ws1
2 Brahmani Ws2
3 Budhabalanga Ws3
4 Indravati Ws4
5 Jambhira Ws5
6 Mahanadi Ws6
7 Rushikulya Ws7
8 Subernarekha Ws8
9 Vansadhara Ws9
10 Kathjodi ws10
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pH :
pH is a measure of hydrogen ion activity that is used to express the intensity of a solution's acidic
or alkaline condition. It is also an important factor in water analysis because it is used to calculate
acidity, alkalinity, and other processes such as coagulation, disinfection, and corrosion control. The
pH of a solution can be measured electrometrically or calorimetrically.

Electrical conductivity:
Electrical conductivity is a measurement of the capacity of water to carry electric current. It is
measured in Micromhos/cm3 or Microseisms/cm3 . Water conductivity varies with temperature and
is proportional to its dissolved mineral matter content [4]. Because electrical conductivity
determination is quick, the number of dissolved salts in a water sample can be determined quickly.

Total Dissolved Solids :

Shaking thoroughly mixed the sample for total dissolved solids (TDS) measurement before filtering
through standard glass fibre filters. A clean porcelain dish was dried for one hour at 180 - 200 C,
cooled in a desiccator, and weighed. In the dish, a sample of the required volume (250 ml) was
carefully evaporated to 38 dryness. The dish was dried for one hour at 180 - 200 C before being
cooled in a desiccator and weighed [6]. The weights of the empty dish and the dish containing the
TDS were only recorded after the constant weights were obtained by repeatedly drying desiccating

13
for cooling and weighing. TDS was calculated using the following formula:
Total Dissolved Solids, mg / L = (A-B) x 106 V ------------------------------------- (1)
Where,
A = Weight of dried residue + dish, g
B = Weight of the dish, g
V = Sample volume, ml.
Total hardness:
Distilled water was used to dilute a known volume (20.0 ml) of standard calcium solution to 50 ml.
1 - 2 drops Eriochrome Black-T indicator solution and 1.0 - 2.0 ml ammonium chloride-ammonium
hydroxide buffer solution (pH 10) was added.
It was titrated with EDTA solution, which was slowly standardized with continuous stirring until
the colour changed from Wine red to blue- The same procedure was followed for the reagent blank.
The EDTA concentration was calculated using the following formula:
Concentration of EDTA, moles/ L = V xM (A – B) ---------------------------- (2)
Where,
A = Volume of EDTAsolution consumed for calcium solution, ml.
B = Volume of EDTA solution consumed for reagent blank, ml
V = Volume of calcium solution, ml
M = Concentration of calcium solution,moles.
Calcium estimation:
A known volume (20.0 ml) [7,8] of sample was diluted to 50 ml with distilled water before being
mixed with 2.0 ml Sodium hydroxide buffer solution and 0.2 to 0.4 g murexide indicator. It was
titrated with standardized EDTA solution while stirring continuously until the color changed from
red to blue-violet.
Estimation of magnesium:
Magnesium was calculated as Mg mg/l by using the formula:
[(A-B) — (C—D)] x M x V --------------------- (3)
Amount of Magnesium, Mg = _________________________ mg/L
2400
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 RESULTS AND FINDINGS

Comparison of Different parameters from the collected water

sample.
sl no Water
Collected from River
pH TH TDS Calcium Magnesium Chloride Sulphate Nitrate Fluoride

1 Baitarani 8.2 440 1505 56 16 230 94 54 0.1

2 Brahmani 7.7 394 1218 59 18 244 96 56 0.12

3 Budhabalanga 7.6 430 1480 110 32 213 140 100 0.56

4 Indravati 7.7 374 1250 87 63 320 133 93 0.49

5 Jambhira 7.9 500 1404 94 32 319 59 19 0.23

6 Mahanadi 7.8 832 1504 96 36 310 110 70 0.26

7 Rushikulya 7.6 800 1332 140 42 302 87 47 0.03

8 Subernarekha 8 823 1440 133 41 250 94 54 0.1

9 Vansadhara 8.2 900 1360 128 32 202 96 56 0.12

10 Kathjodi 8.4 840 1470 143 25 224 111 71 0.27

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 Conclusion

• In conclusion, the assessment of groundwater quality in GW collected from river basins at

different districts of Odisha for agricultural and drinking purposes has provided valuable insights
into the state of this vital resource.
• The comparison of the obtained data with national and international standards served as a critical

benchmark for identifying areas with groundwater quality concerns.

• Spatial analyses through GIS mapping enhanced the visualization of variations, aiding in
pinpointing regions requiring immediate attention and targeted intervention. The hydrogeological
mapping correlated geological features with water quality, providing a holistic perspective on the
underlying factors influencing groundwater composition.

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Thank You

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