Role of Electrical Conductivity on Salinity and Mineralization due to Groundwater Level Fluctuations in Kolkata City

Abstract

This paper attempts to explain the relationship between the falling Groundwater level and the rising electrical conductivity of the Kolkata Metropolitan City. The groundwater level of the city is on the fall, and if it further depreciates, then it will lead to the flow of toxic elements from the Dhapa areas leading to increased minerals and dissolved salts in the groundwater, rendering the groundwater unfit for consumption. It is seen that the salinity of the groundwater is on the rise in Kolkata. The salinity or the degree of dissolved salts was tested using electrical conductivity parameter. The water level and electrical conductivity data was collected from different Government organisation and the EC for post 2018 was collected through field measurement using a TLC metre. Maps were prepared using GIS techniques and both the parameters (groundwater level and electrical conductivity) were correlated. It shows a positive correlation between groundwater level and electrical conductivity and maximum fall in the level is seen in the northern part of the city. If artificial recharge is done in the trough areas then only the problem can be solved to a greater extent.