Hydrochemical analysis and evaluation of the suitability of groundwater for irrigation purposes in khariar blocks of Nuapada district, Odisha, India
Author(s): Suchismita Senapati, Nandita Mohanta, Babita Bakhara and Subhasmita Parida
Abstract: Groundwater serves as a key source of drinking water in Nuapada District, Odisha, and supports the region’s agricultural practices, particularly under irregular rainfall conditions. It acts as a critical resource for irrigation, sustaining both livelihoods and crop productivity. Therefore, the sustainable management of groundwater is vital to maintain its long-term availability, especially in light of the rising population and increasing water demand.The present study was conducted in the Khariar Block of Nuapada District, Odisha (India), with the primary objective of assessing groundwater quality and determining its suitability for irrigation. A comprehensive hydrochemical investigation was undertaken to gain insights into the physicochemical characteristics of groundwater in the region. During the pre-monsoon season of 2019, water samples were collected from various locations within the study area for detailed analysis.The samples were analyzed for physical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS), along with chemical constituents including calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), carbonate (CO₃²⁻), sulfate (SO₄²⁻), and fluoride (F⁻). The irrigation suitability of groundwater was evaluated using multiple standard indices, namely the Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Percent Sodium (Na%), Permeability Index (PI), Potential Soil Salinity (PSS), Magnesium Ratio (MR), and Kelly’s Ratio (KR). To interpret the hydrochemical facies and geochemical processes influencing water quality, Piper’s trilinear diagram and Gibbs diagram were employed. The Gibbs diagram revealed that most of the groundwater samples fall within the rock dominance zone, indicating that rock-water interactions play a significant role in controlling the groundwater chemistry. The analysis of irrigation indices, particularly SAR and Na%, suggested that the groundwater in the area is generally suitable for irrigation purposes. However, elevated concentrations of nitrate and fluoride were detected in several samples, posing potential health and agricultural concerns. The primary sources of these contaminants are likely soluble chemical fertilizers and livestock waste infiltration into the subsurface aquifer system.
DOI: 10.22271/27067483.2025.v7.i10a.428Pages: 46-54 | Views: 73 | Downloads: 41Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Suchismita Senapati, Nandita Mohanta, Babita Bakhara, Subhasmita Parida.
Hydrochemical analysis and evaluation of the suitability of groundwater for irrigation purposes in khariar blocks of Nuapada district, Odisha, India. Int J Geogr Geol Environ 2025;7(10):46-54. DOI:
10.22271/27067483.2025.v7.i10a.428
