IONIC CONSTITUENTS AND SUITABILITY OF GROUNDWATER FOR DRINKING, INDUSTRIAL AND IRRIGATION PURPOSES FOR SADAR UPAZILA IN DINAJPUR DISTRICT

Abstract

A study was carried out to evaluate the groundwater of 50 samples of Dinajpur Sadar. The water samples were chemically analyzed and classified on the basis of their comparative suitability for drinking, industrial and irrigation purposes. Analyses were included as pH, EC, TDS (total dissolved solids) cations (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cu, Mn and Fe), anions (HCO3, NO3, SO4, PO4 and Cl) and also computed like SAR to evaluate the suitability of groundwater supply for specific use. Some correlations and compositional relations were also performed. Water samples were slightly acidic (pH varied from (6.30 to 6.98) and might be suitable for drinking, industrial and irrigation uses. On the basis of SAR and EC, all samples were graded as low and medium salinity (C1 and C2) and low alkali hazards (SI) class, combinedly expressed as C1S1 and C2S1. According to TDS and SAR values, all samples were classed as ‘freshwater’ and ‘excellent’ categories. All samples were ‘excellent’ categories based on SSP for irrigation. As regards to hardness, samples were found in ‘moderately hard’ and ‘soft’. Based on the contents Fe, SO4, NO3 and Cl, groundwater and surface water samples of the study area were within the ‘safe’ limit for drinking. Most of the major ionic constituents were detected below the acceptable level for drinking. Based on micronutrients like Mn, Cu and Cl were within the safe limit for drinking and industrial uses. In comparison with the national and international standards, the water sources of the study area (Sadar Upazila, Dinajpur) were within the safe limit and recommended for drinking and industrial uses.