Appraisal of Physico-chemical Quality of Groundwater in Ganga-Sone Divide Region of Bihar Using Statistical and Multivariate Techniques

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Kumari, Priti^*

Affiliations: Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi – 110007, India

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding Author. priti.dos@gmail.com

Abstract: This study examines the relationship between groundwater deterioration and agricultural development in Ganga-Sone divide region of Bihar, where agriculture is the main source of livelihood and population is completely dependent on groundwater for their basic needs. Physico-chemical properties of groundwater samples have been collected. The higher values of most of the parameters were found in the agriculturally developed areas. The statistical analysis of data suggests that most of the elements exceed the general acceptable limit and significant relationship exists among most of the parameters. This indicates the impact of excess use of chemical fertilizer/pesticides on agricultural land. Results of analysis identified the problem areas in respect of high sodium, electrical conductivity, potassium, nitrate and fluoride.

Keywords: Groundwater, deterioration, agricultural development, land-use/cover, Ganga-Sone divide, Bihar

DOI: 10.3233/AJW-160027

Journal: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 55-65, 2016