Study of seasonal variation in groundwater geochemistry for beneficial use of drinking and irrigation in Aundha Nagnath tehsil of Maharashtra, India

The study aims to understand the seasonal variation in groundwater geochemistry for drinking and irrigation uses in Aundha Nagnath tehsil of Maharashtra, India. Therefore, sixty (60) representative water sampling stations were selected for pre- and post-monsoon seasons of the year 2022. Parameters include pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, total hardness, sodium, potassium, carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, and sulphate are analyzed by analytical methods of the American public health association. As per the Bureau of Indian Standards, all the parameters are within prescribed limits, except pH, total hardness, nitrate, fluoride, and potassium, which surpass drinking aptness. Irrigation suitability is ascertained based on indices like Kelly’s index, Sodium Adsorption Ratio, Sodium Percent, Magnesium Ratio, Permeability Index, and Residual Sodium Carbonate. Residual sodium carbonate indicates 1.67% in pre-monsoon permeability index, with 3.34% of samples in post-monsoon and 8.34% of samples having magnesium ratio in both seasons showing unsuitability for irrigation. The results of the United States soil laboratory staff depict low sodium and moderate to high salinity hazards. The spatial variation maps were prepared for drinking and irrigation suitability, which helped to demarcate the polluted zones in the study area. The elevated cationic constituents were found in the central to south-western parts of the study region through high salinity from water–rock interaction and mineralization. The remedial implication is also suggested to enhance the groundwater quality and provide baseline information to water researchers and local governing authorities to develop sustainable and integrated water management strategies personalized to the region's specific needs.