Hydrogeochemical Characterization and Groundwater Quality and its Suitability for Domestic and Irrigation in Coastal Parts of Kakinada District Andhra Pradesh India

Evaluation of the hydrogeochemical characteristics and groundwater suitability for domestic use was conducted in the in Coastal Parts of Kakinada District Andhra Pradesh India. The aquifers in the coastal area is affected by salinization processes related to intense groundwater exploitation for different purposes during the last three decades. As a result, the dynamic balances among freshwater and seawater have been disturbed and the quality of groundwater has deteriorated. To understand the groundwater chemical distribution and evolution in the regional aquifers, hydrogeochemical studies have been conducted based on the water samples from 40 dug and bore wells. Groundwater levels and salinities in monitoring wells are measured to study the general groundwater flow and chemical patterns and seasonal variations. Chemical constituents such as Na+ , K+ , Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl– , SO42- , HCO3– , NO3– ,F– , and TDS during the field period are analyzed to explore geochemical evolution, water-rock interactions and sources of salt concentrations. The decreased water levels without typical seasonal variation in the coastal tract of the study area confirm an over-exploitation of groundwater. The hydrogeochemical characteristics indicate fresh-saline pattern from inland to coast where evaporation is a vital factor to control the chemical evolution. The cation exchange processes are occurred at fresh-saline interfaces of mixtures along the hydraulic gradient. Groundwater suitability for drinking and agriculture purposes are further evaluated according to water quality standards. The saltwater intrusion is to be analyzed to be responsible for part of dissolution of minerals containing groundwater.Therefore, water treatment before drinking is needed in urgent to reduce the health expose risk.