GEL 504 PPT IT INCLUDE HYDROGEOLOGY SUBJECT

ITS INCLUDE HYDROGEOLOGY

1. SUBMITTED TO: DR. DRASTI GANDHI M.G.SCIENCE INSTITUTE GUJARAT UNIVERSITY AHMEDABAD PRESENTED BY: BHAGIRATH VADHER DATE OF SUBMISSION: 25 -07-2025 GROUND WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT IN WETLAND AND ARID REGION COURSE TITLE: APPLIED GEOLOGY (GEL 504)

2. INTRODUCTION Groundwater is water that exists underground in saturated zones beneath the land surface. The upper surface of the saturated zone is called the water table. Contrary to popular belief, groundwater does not form underground rivers. It fills the pores and fractures in underground materials such as sand, gravel, and other rock, much the same way that water fills a sponge. If groundwater flows naturally out of rock materials or if it can be removed by pumping (in useful amounts), the rock materials are called aquifers.

3. GROUND WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT Groundwater quality assessment is the process of evaluating the suitability of groundwater for various uses, such as drinking and irrigation, by analyzing its physical, chemical, and biological characteristics.   This assessment is crucial for understanding potential health risks associated with contaminated water and ensuring sustainable resource management

4. GROUND WATER QUALITY PARAMETER Groundwater quality is assessed by analyzing various physical, chemical, and biological parameters.  Key parameters include pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), total hardness (TH), alkalinity, and concentrations of specific ions like chloride, sulfate , and nitrate.  Additionally, parameters like turbidity, color , taste, and odor are considered, though these are often less significant for groundwater due to its typical clarity and lack of taste or odor

5. PHYSICAL PARAMETERS: pH: Indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the water, influencing the solubility and behaviour of other chemical constituents.  Turbidity: Measures the cloudiness or haziness of the water, caused by suspended particles.  Temperature: Affects the solubility of gases and chemical reactions in the water.  Color , Taste, and Odor: While generally less concerning in groundwater, these can indicate contamination. 

6. CHEMICAL PARAMETERS: Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Represents the total amount of dissolved minerals and salts in the water.  Electrical Conductivity (EC): Measures the water's ability to conduct electricity, which is directly related to the concentration of dissolved ions.  Total Hardness (TH): Primarily due to the presence of calcium and magnesium ions.  Alkalinity: Reflects the water's capacity to neutralize acids, mainly due to the presence of carbonates, bicarbonates, and hydroxides.  Major Ions: Analysis of anions (like chloride, sulfate , nitrate) and cations (like calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium) helps understand the water's chemical composition and potential sources of contamination.  Trace Elements: Includes elements like iron, manganese, fluoride, and others, which can be important for water quality assessment. 

7. BIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS: Microorganisms: Analysis for bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms is crucial for assessing the potability of groundwater for drinking.  Coliforms: A group of bacteria used as indicators of fecal contamination.  OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS: Water Quality Index (WQI): A calculated index that integrates multiple water quality parameters to provide an overall assessment of water quality

8. GROUND WATER IN WET LAND REGION Wetland areas are lands where water saturation is the dominant factor, influencing the soil and the types of plant and animal life that can exist. These transitional ecosystems between terrestrial and aquatic environments are characterized by water levels that are at or near the surface of the land, or by shallow water coverage.  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324770873/figure/fig3/AS:640164711903232@1529638569009/Map-showing-the-location-of-the-individual-wetland-regions-identified-using-the.png

9. GROUND WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT IN WETLAND Water Resource Management: Wetlands play a vital role in groundwater recharge, so understanding groundwater quality is crucial for sustainable water resource management.  Ecosystem Health: Wetlands are highly sensitive to changes in water quality, and assessing groundwater quality helps in protecting the health of these valuable ecosystems.  Human Health: Groundwater is a major source of drinking water for many communities, and assessing its quality is essential for protecting public health.  Agricultural Practices: Groundwater quality affects the suitability of water for irrigation, and assessing groundwater quality helps in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.  Wetland Conservation: Understanding the factors influencing groundwater quality in wetlands helps in developing effective strategies for wetland conservation and restoration

10. GROUND WATER IN ARID REGION: An arid region, often referred to as a dryland or desert, is  characterized by a severe lack of precipitation and sparse vegetation, resulting in limited water resources and a challenging environment for human and animal life https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228734041/figure/fig1/AS:301843176542226@1448976430016/Arid-and-semi-arid-regions-of-the-world.png

11. Primary Water Source: Arid regions often lack reliable surface water sources, making groundwater the main source for drinking water, agriculture, and other essential needs.  Public Health Concerns: Contaminated groundwater can lead to various health problems, especially for communities relying on unregulated water supplies.  Agricultural Sustainability: Poor water quality can affect crop yields, soil health, and overall agricultural productivity, threatening food security in arid areas.  Economic Impacts: Groundwater quality impacts various economic activities, including agriculture, tourism, and industrial processes, making its assessment crucial for sustainable development.  Climate Change Vulnerability: Arid regions are highly susceptible to climate change impacts, which can exacerbate water quality issues, making assessments even more important for adaptation and mitigation strategies GROUND WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT IN ARID REGION

12. Groundwater in wetlands is often rich in organic matter but prone to microbial and nutrient pollution from surface runoff. In arid regions, low recharge and high evaporation lead to high salinity and geogenic contaminants. Regular monitoring, sustainable land use, and region-specific management are essential to ensure safe groundwater quality in both ecosystems. CONCLUSION

13. REFERENCE https://www.epa.gov/wetlands/what-wetland#:~:text=Breadcrumb,Pacific%2C%20Alaskan%20and%20Gulf%20coasts . https://www.isca.in/IJES/Archive/v3/i5/3.ISCA-RJEngS-2014-24.pdf APHA (2022) – Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater , American Public Health Association.