STATISTICAL PROFILING OF GROUNDWATER: UNVEILING PATTERNS AND QUALITY INDICATORS FOR SAFE DRINKING

This study uses physicochemical analysis to assess groundwater samples for drinking water quality. Samples of groundwater were taken from rural regions of Tharad taluka [Banaskantha district of Gujarat state of India]. The evaluation encompassed a comprehensive analysis of various parameters to assess drinking water quality in the specified region. Parameters such as temperature, color, odor, turbidity, electrical conductivity (E.C.), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total alkalinity (T.A.), and concentrations of ions including fluoride, chloride, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium were thoroughly examined. This approach provides a detailed understanding of the overall water quality profile in the designated area. The results obtained were judged against the drinking water guidelines given by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Total dissolved solids measurements in the samples indicate that the water is unsuitable for consumption. So, water needs to be adequately treated before being used for drinking. For statistical analysis, Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to analyze physico-chemical parameters. It indicates that turbidity is strongly related to several parameters, including total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, and fluoride concentration.