GROUNDWATER QUALITY EVALUATION USING STATISTICAL APPROACH AND WATER QUALITY INDEX IN AURANGABAD, BIHAR

Abstract

Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water in south Bihar, and its quality can potentially affect human health. To accurately anticipate and evaluate water quality, 112 samples of groundwater were collected from Aurangabad, Bihar. Samples were taken from hand pumps and bore/tube wells. Physiochemical quality parameters, namely pH, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, hardness, magnesium, calcium, sulphate, nitrate, chloride, dissolved oxygen, and electrical conductivity were measured and compared to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS10500:2012). The physicochemical properties of samples were evaluated to determine their water quality index (WQI). Various water quality indicators were examined and correlated with other variables. All statistical analysis was done using RStudio4.1.1 software. On water quality data, the PCA method was employed, and four components with a total variance of 75.66% were extracted. WQI of more than 98% of the samples, either of excellent or good quality. Overall, the groundwater is drinkable. Comprehensive regulation and coordinated groundwater management are needed to protect groundwater quality and to achieve one of the Sustainable Development Goals.