Geospatial Assessment of Groundwater Hydrochemistry and Land Sustainability—A Case Study of Paderu Mandal, Andhra Pradesh, India

This study rigorously investigates the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater in Paderu Mandal, an enclave of tribal life in Andhra Pradesh, India, through a comprehensive GIS‑based analysis of 83 water samples collected from open wells and bore wells. The study examines key parameters such as pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Hardness (TH), Turbidity, Chloride (Cl₂−), Sulphate (SO₄²−), Fluoride (F−), Nitrate (NO₃−), and Iron (Fe). Standardized methodologies are employed to evaluate these samples against the World Health Organization (WHO) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) benchmarks, assessing water safety and suitability. Spatial distribution mapping reveals contamination hotspots and zones adhering to water quality norms, offering insights into potential contamination sources. The study further explores groundwater quality implications on land productivity, irrigation potential, and sustainable land use, linking contamination risks to soil degradation and agricultural viability. Correlation matrices, Hill‑Piper diagrams, and irrigation suitability indices provide deeper insights into the intricate interactions between groundwater constituents and land resource management. The findings serve as a critical foundation for groundwater protection policies, land conservation strategies, and sustainable resource management in Paderu Mandal. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to mitigate water quality deterioration and ensure long‑term environmental and agricultural sustainability.