Assessment of the Water Quality of Industrial Area of Bhilwara using Water Quality Index

Abstract

Groundwater is an essential source of drinking water supply near industrial areas, particularly in District Bhilwara. Groundwater quality deteriorates in the nearby industrial area and dissolves in direct discharge effluent in groundwater. In this work, an effort has been made to comprehend whether groundwater is suitable for human consumption. To determine the quality of the groundwater, physicochemical characteristics such as pH, EC, TDS, alkalinity, and total hardness of bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, fluoride, and nitrate were examined. The Water Quality Index (WQI) is a tool used to classify water quality.quality to be exceptional, good, poor, etc., isa very helpful tool for informing residents and policymakers about the condition of the water. The study area\'s total WQI shows that the groundwater is unsuitable for the industries that are close by. According to the current study, the groundwater in the industrial districts nearby that have degraded water quality needs to be cured before consumption and shielded from[1]. Water quality is still a serious issue globally due to human activity (especially when it comes to freshwater and human consumption). To assess the total water quality status of aquifer and surface water, the critical water quality index (WQI) technique has been employed. The WQI approach, Alternatively, is a drawn-out procedure used for water quality metrics, such as water consumption (area and time), among other things. As a result, this review explains the WQI method for Evaluating Water Quality in straightforward steps.[2].

Introduction

The study focuses on the declining groundwater quality in the arid Bhilwara District of northern India, mainly affected by natural and human activities such as industrial effluents. Five groundwater samples were collected from different industrial and rural sites to analyze physicochemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, hardness, nitrate, sulfate, and fluoride). These parameters were compared to WHO standards using the Water Quality Index (WQI) to assess water suitability for drinking and domestic use.

Results show that groundwater in the industrial areas near Hamirgarh and Mandal has elevated levels of dissolved solids, nitrates, and other contaminants, reflecting pollution from industrial, agricultural, and sewage sources. Although pH values remain within acceptable WHO limits, parameters like electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids are higher than ideal, indicating contamination. High hardness and nitrate levels pose health risks, including kidney stones and methemoglobinemia.

Conclusion

The Riico industrial area\'s groundwater is contaminated and unsafe for human consumption, according to the WQI investigation. According to the analysis, pH is the best chemical factor that significantly affects the Water Quality Index since it has the lowest observed variance, the highest mean correlation, and the least estimated variance from sampling. Water is essential to our survival as well as the survival of other species and the ecosystem. For all living beings, it is crucial. The main source of water for several applications, such as inland transportation, industrial operations, and agricultural use, is tube wells that are sunk in the river[14]. However, contaminated water is extremely harmful to both people and animals. Drinking water that has been tainted might have negative health effects. Water contamination is an international issue. Educating ourselves on how to avoid water pollution is the best way to preserve water supplies. Before wastewater enters rivers, it is recommended that appropriate waste disposal techniques be applied. Pollution should be reduced by organizing a variety of educational and awareness-raising activities, such as seminars and workshops. The aquatic environment should be improved by conducting additional studies on different water treatment technologies. These systems, like those in other industrialized countries, should be built and utilized. Every website is unsafe to use. [15]

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Nirma Dhaker, Preeti Mehta, Pankaj Sen. 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.