Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences
ISSN (Print): 2328-3912 ISSN (Online): 2328-3920 Website: https://www.sciepub.com/journal/aees Editor-in-chief: Alejandro González Medina
Open Access
Journal Browser
Go
Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences. 2023, 11(3), 71-78
DOI: 10.12691/aees-11-3-1
Open AccessArticle

Seasonal monitoring of groundwater quality in Aizawl, Mizoram, Northeast India

Zonunthari 1, Emacaree S Nongtri1, Roger Bruce Syngkli1, Lalnuntluanga 1 and Prabhat Kumar Rai1,

1Department of Environmental Science, School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resources Management, Mizoram University (A Central University), Tanhril, Aizawl, Mizoran, 796004, India

Pub. Date: July 10, 2023

Cite this paper:
Zonunthari , Emacaree S Nongtri, Roger Bruce Syngkli, Lalnuntluanga and Prabhat Kumar Rai. Seasonal monitoring of groundwater quality in Aizawl, Mizoram, Northeast India. Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences. 2023; 11(3):71-78. doi: 10.12691/aees-11-3-1

Abstract

Rapid rise in population, modern intensive agriculture, and industrial development significantly stressed the water resources and deteriorated the groundwater quality. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the groundwater quality in a hilly landscape of Aizawl city, Mizoram, Northeast India. Groundwater extracted from multiple sources is the primary water source to meet the basic needs of local residents. Thus, there exist an urgent need to monitor the groundwater quality to safeguard public health. To this end, six physico-chemical characteristics demonstrated varying ranges at different sites/seasons such as temperature (18.5°C-26°C), pH (5.35-7.9), turbidity (0.1NTU-80.9NTU), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) 16 mg/L -268 mg/L)), Chloride (3.16 mg/L -86.02 mg/L), Dissolved Oxygen (DO (1.75 mg/L - 6.46 mg/L)). Further, heavy metals like Manganese (Mn (0- 0.6892 mg/L)) slightly exceeded the permissible concentrations while Copper (Cu (0 -0.0189 mg/L)) was noted to be below the regulatory limits. The findings revealed that all the water quality parameters were below the permissible limit set, except turbidity and Mn. Groundwater of Aizawl was therefore found to be suitable for domestic use other than drinking. Henceforth, proper management of the groundwater is required through frequent monitoring and application of green technologies such as phytoremediation to improve the water quality for sustainable use.

Keywords:
Water quality groundwater physico-chemical properties heavy metals phytoremediation

Creative CommonsThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

References:

[1]  Thambidurai, P., Chandrasekharam, D., and Chandrashekhar, A. K. (2014). Hydrogeochemistry and groundwater quality in Champhai, Mizoram, North Eastern India. Earth Sciences and Engineering, 7(2), 421-425.
 
[2]  International Association of Hydrogeologists (2020) Groundwater— more about the hidden resource. https://iah.org/education/general-public/groundwater-hidden resource. Accessed 6 June 2023
 
[3]  [UNESCO 2022. UN World Water Development Report 2022 https://www.unesco.org/reports/wwdr/2022/en
 
[4]  Liu, Y., Wang, P., Ruan, H., Wang, T., Yu, J., Cheng, Y., and Kulmatov, R. (2020). Sustainable use of groundwater resources in the transboundary aquifers of the five central Asian countries: Challenges and perspectives. Water, 12(8), 2101.
 
[5]  Sankhla, M.I., Kumar, R. and Agrawal, P. (2018). Arsenic in water contamination and toxic effect on human health: current scenario of India. Journal of Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation, 10(2).
 
[6]  Khan, M.U. and Rai, N. (2022). Arsenic and selected heavy metal enrichment and its health risk assessment in groundwater of Haridwar district, Uttarakhand, India. Environmental Earth Sciences, 81(337).
 
[7]  Gao, Y., Qian, H., Ren, W., Wang, H., Liu, F. and Yang, F. (2020). Hydrogeochemical characterization and quality assessment of groundwater based on integrated-weight water quality index in a concentrated urban area. Journal of Cleaner Production, 260: 121006.
 
[8]  Malsawma, V.L. (2005). Hydrological studies of western Aizawl with special reference to Surface and sub-surface water resource development, Mizoram, India. An M.Sc Dissertation submitted in Department of Geology, Mizoram University, India.
 
[9]  Hnamte, V. (2007). Water quality analysis of various spring around eastern part of Aizawl, Mizoram, M.Sc. dissertation submitted in Department of Geology, Mizoram University.
 
[10]  Rai, P.K. (2019). Heavy metals/metalloids remediation from wastewater using free floating macrophytes of a natural Ramsar wetland. Environmental Technology & Innovation., 15 100393.
 
[11]  Lalchhingpuii (2011). Status of water Quality of Tlawng River in the vicinity of Aizawl city, Mizoram, A Ph.D. thesis submitted to Environmental Science, Department of Environmental Science, Mizoram University, India.
 
[12]  Rai, P.K., Singh, M., Lalremruata, Z.D. (2015).  Stream water quality and catchment diversity of an Indo-Burma hotspot region, India. International Journal of Environmental Research 3(12), 58-63
 
[13]  Rai, P.K. and Singh, M., (2015). Seasonal monitoring of physic-chemical characteristics of a wetland (Ramsar site) in an Indo-Burma hot spot region. International Journal of Environmental Research 4(4), 90-95
 
[14]  Rai, P.K., and Singh, M., (2020).  Fe- wetland plant’s chemical ecology of a Ramsar Site in an Indo-Burma hotspot: In-situ bio-accumulation and phytoremediation implications. Nature Environment and Pollution Technology 19 (4) 1607-1615.
 
[15]  Rai, P. K. (2010). Phytoremediation of heavy metals in a tropical impoundment of industrial region. Environmental monitoring and assessment, 165, 529-537.
 
[16]  Ali, H., Khan, E., and Sajad, M. A. (2013). Phytoremediation of heavy metals—concepts and applications. Chemosphere, 91(7), 869-881.
 
[17]  Singh, M. M., and Rai, P. K. (2016). A microcosm investigation of Fe (iron) removal using macrophytes of ramsar lake: a phytoremediation approach. International Journal of Phytoremediation, 18(12), 1231-1236.
 
[18]  Rai, P. K., Lee, J., Kailasa, S. K., Kwon, E. E., Tsang, Y. F., Ok, Y. S., and Kim, K. H. (2018). A critical review of ferrate (VI)-based remediation of soil and groundwater. Environmental research, 160, 420-448.
 
[19]  MIRSAC, (2012) Meteorological Data of Mizoram. Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre, Aizawl, Mizoram, 43-4
 
[20]  Ministry of Communication and Information Technology National Informatics Centre, Mizoram State Centre Annex-II, Mizoram Secretariat, Aizawl–796001 https://mizoram.nic.in/about/people.htm (accessed on 6 June 2023)
 
[21]  Hnamte, V. (2013). Economics of public water supply in Mizoram (A case study of Aizawl water supply scheme).Adissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of master of philosophy in Economics, Mizoram University.
 
[22]  Lalchhuanawma, H.C. (2016). Urban water services and service level benchmark standards in Aizawl Municipal area. Senhri Journal of Multi-disciplinary Studies (A National Refereed Journal), 1 (1) :65-77.
 
[23]  APHA, (2005) Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater: 21st Edition as prescribed by American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association and Water Environment Federation, Washington, D.C.
 
[24]  Makwe, E. and Chup, C. (2013). Seasonal variation in physico-chemical properties of groundwater around Karu abattoir. Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management, 6(5).
 
[25]  Dey, S., Botta, S., Kallam, R., Angadala,R and Andugala, J. (2021).Seasonal variation in water quality parameters of Gudlavalleru Engineering College pond. Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry, 4(100058).
 
[26]  Yabusaki, S. and Shibasaki. (2022). Seasonal Variation in Groundwater Quality Revealed by the Multi-tracer near the Coastal Area of Sendai, Japan. Japan Soc. Hydrol and Water Resour, 35(3): 192 – 201.
 
[27]  Suresh, B., Manjappa, S. and Puttaiah, E.T. (2011). Phytoplankton dynamics and seasonal variation in Tungabhadra River, India. Int. J. Water Res. Environ. Eng, 3(14):370-379.
 
[28]  Zhou, X., Shen, Y., Zhang, H., Song, C., Li, J. and Liu,Y. (2015). Hydrochemistry of the natural low pH groundwater in the coastal aquifers near Beihai, China. J. Ocean Univ. China, 14: 475–483
 
[29]  Laldintluanga, H., Lalbiakmawia, F. and Lalbiaknungi, R. (2016). Assessment of Rural Water Quality in Aizawl, Mamit and Serchhip District of Mizoram, India. International Journal of Science Technology and Engineering, 3(6):111- 118.
 
[30]  Olushola, M., Awoyemi., Albert, C., Achudume., Aderonke, A. and Okoya. (2014). The Physicochemical Quality of Groundwater inRelation to Surface Water Pollution in Majidun Area of Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. American Journal of Water Resources, 2(5): 126-133.
 
[31]  Wilson, J.M., Wang, Y. and Van Briesen, J.M. (2014). Sources of High Total Dissolved Solids to Drinking Water Supply in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Journal of Environmental Engineering, 140(5).
 
[32]  Saravanakumar, K. and Kumar, R.R. (2011). Analysis of water quality parameters of groundwater near Ambattur industrial area, Tamil Nadu, India. Ind. J. Sci. Technol, 4(5):560-562.
 
[33]  Mohammad, A.H., Abdullat, G. and Alzughoul, K. (2017). Changes in Total Dissolved Solids Concentration during Infiltration through Soils (Rain, Fresh Groundwater and Treated Wastewater). Journal of Environmental Protection, 8(1).
 
[34]  Selvakumar, S., Chandrasekar, N and Kumar, G. (2017). Hydrogeochemical characteristics and groundwater contamination in the rapid urban development areas of Coimbatore, India. Water Resources and Industry,17: 26-33.
 
[35]  Adnani, I.E.I., Younsi, A., K. I., Achheb, A.E.I. and Irzan, E.M. (2018). The influence of anthropogenic activities on groundwater quality of southwest region of El Jadida city (Sahel of Doukkala, Morocco), European Journal of Scientific Research, 151: 96-111.
 
[36]  Hoque, A., Hossen, M.A., Islam M.F. and Mahmud, M.I.U. (2019). Seasonal variation of salinity of ground water at Patenga area of Chittagong district in Bangladesh. Progressive Agriculture, 30(1): 65-70.
 
[37]  Younsi, A., Mania, J., Lhadi, E.K. and Mudry, J. 2001. Incidences de pluies exceptionnelles sur un aquifère libre côtier en zone semi-aride (Chaouia, Maroc). Revue des sciences de l’eau, 14(2): 115-130.
 
[38]  Thomas, N.E., Khan, K.T., Di, B. and MacQuarrie, K. (1994). Temporal changes in manganese changes in fredricton, New Brunswick, aquifer. Ground Water, 32: 650-656.
 
[39]  Li, Y., Xu, X. Z., Ma, H. and Hursthouse, A. S. (2019). Removal of Manganese (II) from Acid Mine Wastewater: A Review of the Challenges and Opportunities with Special Emphasis on Mn-Oxidizing Bacteria and Microalgae. Water, 11(12): 2493.
 
[40]  Rai, P.K., Kumar, V., Tsang YF, Naddem, Ok, Y., Kim, J.H. Tsang YF. (2018). Nanoparticle-Plant Interaction: Implications in Energy, the Environment, and Agriculture. Environment International, 119, 1-19.
 
[41]  Rai, P.K., (2021). Heavy metals and arsenic phytoremediation potential of invasive alien wetland plants Phragmites karka and Arundo donax: Water- Energy-Food (W-E-F) Nexus linked sustainability implications. Bioresource Technology Reports 15, 100741.
 
[42]  Rai, P. K., (2008). Heavy-metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems and its phytoremediation using wetland plants: An eco-sustainable approach. International Journal of Phytoremediation, 10(2), 133 – 160.
 
[43]  Rai, P. K., (2010). Seasonal Monitoring of Heavy metals and Physico-chemical characteristics in a Lentic ecosystem of Sub-tropical Industrial Region, India. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 165, 407-433.
 
[44]  Rai, P.K., Kumar, V., Sonne, C., Kim, J.H. (2023). Heavy metals and arsenic stress in food crops: Elucidating antioxidative defense mechanisms in hyperaccumulators for food security, agricultural sustainability, and human health. Science of the Total Environment, 874, 162327.