Study of evaluation of groundwater in Gadilam basin using hydrogeochemical and isotope data

Abstract

Gadilam river basin has gained its importance due to the presence of Neyveli Lignite open cast mines and other industrial complexes. It is also due to extensive depressurization of Cuddalore aquifer, and bore wells for New Veeranam Scheme are constructed downstream of the basin. Geochemical indicators of groundwater were used to identify the chemical processes that control hydrogeochemistry. Chemical parameters of groundwater such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca⁺), magnesium (Mg⁺), bicarbonate $({\rm HCO}_{3}^{-})$ , sulfate $({\rm SO}_{4}^{-})$ , phosphate $({\rm PO}_{4}^{-})$ , and silica (H₄SiO₄) were determined. Interpretation of hydrogeochemical data suggests that leaching of ions followed by weathering and anthropogenic impact controls the chemistry of the groundwater. Isotopic study reveals that recharge from meteoric source in sedimentary terrain and rock–water interaction with significant evaporation prevails in hard rock region.