Hydrology: Current Research

ASSESSMENT OF PHYSIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERSTICTS OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN DISTRICTS OF PUNJAB: A GEOINFORMATICS PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Falak Naeem

In context of interaction of a developing country with the world, Pakistan is observed to be immersed in numerous conflict and issues which are social, economic and environmental in nature. Being located in an environmentally stressed zone, it is quite difficult for the nation to cope up with the challenges of food supply for growing population. Reviewing the overall scenario, this study is aimed to highlight the distorted concerns regarding the usage and conservation of the natural resource. In this research it is objectified to analyze the quality of water extracted from underground and consumed for the crop cultivation in adjoining fields. The selected districts of province of Punjab were Faisalabad, Jhang and Toba Tek Singh, as agriculture is the prime activity practiced by the people in this area. Water Quality for the period of Pre and Post monsoon of year 2014 and 2018 were investigated respectively. Salinity, Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) were taken as basic quality parameters for groundwater. Secondary data of 328 wells was collected from the Punjab Irrigation Department was first sorted, filtered and analyzed by applying Geo-informatics. IDW Technique of Interpolation was incorporated to represent the data in Arc Map environment. WAPDA irrigation water quality criteria states that all parameters should not exceed the value of 3 in their respective units. Out of 328 selected wells, the concentration of salinity was witnessed to be high in the post-monsoon period of 2014 with a value of 13.02 dS/m. Sodium Absorption Ratio was found in low limits in both of the years, showing a high value of 56.26 during pre-monsoon of 2014. Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) was detected as 18.1 me/L in 2014’s post-monsoon. Additionally, estimation of vegetation patterns assisted in assessment of impacts of the selected parameters. The intensification in concentration of these parameters have been reported to decrease soil fertility, crop growth, crop patterns and causes disturbance in soil pH. Hence, increased soil alkalinity or acidity is leading to reduction of the agricultural production from those fields in the study area. It is therefore concluded that strict implementation of laws for a proper check and balance system is urgently required. “Drip Irrigation” is highly recommended for sustainability of agricultural land and healthy food production.