Assessment Of Ground Water Quality Parameters in Ghaziabad

Abstract

Groundwater serves as a crucial resource for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use in rapidly growing urban centers like Ghaziabad, India. However, increasing urbanization, industrial expansion, and improper waste disposal have significantly contributed to groundwater contamination. This study evaluates the groundwater quality in Ghaziabad by analyzing several key physicochemical and biological parameters, including pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), hardness, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, and heavy metals. The findings indicate that many of these impurities exceed the safety limits established by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), posing potential health risks to the population. Human activities and industrial processes play a significant role in groundwater pollution, making it a critical environmental issue today. Assessing and maintaining water quality is essential for conserving and purifying the natural ecosystem. This study extends beyond Ghaziabad to also examine groundwater quality in different wards of Indore City, particularly in industrial zones. The research focuses on determining the Water Quality Index (WQI) of Indore City by collecting groundwater samples from randomly selected locations across various wards. These samples were analyzed based on multiple physicochemical parameters, including pH, color, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, total alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, chromium, zinc, manganese, and nickel. The results were then compared against the Indian Standard Drinking Water Specification (IS: 10500-2012) to assess their suitability for consumption and other uses. The study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and effective water quality management strategies to safeguard groundwater resources. Regular evaluation of water quality parameters is essential for ensuring public health and environmental sustainability.

Introduction

Groundwater is a vital source of drinking water in many regions, including Ghaziabad, a rapidly growing city in India’s National Capital Region (NCR). However, groundwater in Ghaziabad is severely contaminated due to industrial discharge, domestic sewage, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal, posing health risks. Evaluating groundwater quality using parameters such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, heavy metals, and biological contaminants is crucial to ensure safety.

Water quality is influenced by natural factors like geology and dissolved minerals, as well as human activities including industrial pollution, sewage, and excessive groundwater extraction. Various harmful substances—such as nitrates, fluoride, heavy metals, and microbial pathogens—can degrade water quality and impact health.

To assess and communicate water quality, tools like the Water Quality Index (WQI) are used, alongside national standards like India’s IS 10500:2012 and international guidelines from WHO and the US EPA.

The study in Ghaziabad aims to evaluate key physicochemical and biological groundwater parameters, identify contamination sources, compare results with standards, and recommend remedial measures for sustainable water management. Continuous monitoring and proper management are essential to protect groundwater quality amid urbanization and industrial growth.

Conclusion

The analysis of water quality parameters in Ghaziabad raises significant concerns about contamination levels and their potential effects on public health. The study shows variations in important indicators like pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and heavy metal concentrations, highlighting the necessity for ongoing monitoring and stricter regulatory actions. While some parameters are within acceptable limits, others surpass recommended standards, pointing to possible pollution sources from industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities. To ensure access to clean and safe water, a collaborative effort is essential, involving local authorities, environmental agencies, and community engagement. Enhancing wastewater treatment facilities, encouraging sustainable water management practices, and increasing public awareness can help reduce the risks linked to water pollution. Future research should concentrate on long-term monitoring and advanced treatment technologies to enhance water quality and protect both human and ecological health in the area.

References

[1] Gupta, R., Sharma, P., & Kumar, S. (2022).Assessment of Physicochemical Parameters and Water Quality Index of Groundwater in Ghaziabad, India. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. [2] Kumar, A., Singh, R., & Verma, P. (2021). Seasonal Variation in Surface Water Quality and Its Impact on Public Health in Ghaziabad. Journal of Water Resource Management. [3] Sharma, D., Yadav, M., & Mishra, R. (2020). Evaluation of Heavy Metal Contamination and Water Quality in the Hindon River, Ghaziabad. International Journal of Environmental Studies. [4] Verma, P., Tiwari, K., & Singh, S. (2019). Groundwater Pollution and Its Risk Assessment in Urban and Industrial Areas of Ghaziabad. Water Science and Technology. [5] Chaudhary, N., Sharma, V., & Gupta, S. (2018). A Comparative Study of Drinking Water Quality in Different Zones of Ghaziabad City. Hydrology Research.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Yasir Karim, Sanjeev , Ashish , Sudhakar , Azam , Akshay , Piyush . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.