Deciphering the hydrochemical signatures of groundwater of Raghogarh, India

This study examines the groundwater quality of 80 villages in Raghogarh block, Guna, India, utilising Piper plots, Durov plots, Chadha diagrams, Wilcox, and Schoeller diagrams. The findings shed light on groundwater chemistry and its suitability for agriculture and drinking. Most villages have high calcium and magnesium concentrations, which exceed regulations in Bajranggarh and Kishanpura (Ca >70 meq/L). Water usability is affected by 500–1500 mg/L total dissolved solids (TDS). Fluoride and nitrate levels are below limits, decreasing health risks. However, some municipalities have high sodium and chloride levels, raising salinity concerns. Density plots show significant sodium adsorption ratio values in Masakhedi and Tumankhedi, suggesting sodium-induced soil degradation. The Kelley’s ratio and magnesium adsorption ratio plots show that significant magnesium adsorption and sodium imbalance render the water unsuitable for irrigation. Hanumanpura and Gangapur have high electrical conductivity values (800–2000 µS/cm), indicating significant ion concentrations. Response surface plots reveal a strong correlation between TDS and alkalinity, showing that carbonate and bicarbonate minerals are key dissolved solids sources. A positive correlation between TDS and chloride, which alters groundwater chemistry, suggests anthropogenic contamination or saline incursion. The study stresses the importance of water treatment in Bajranggarh, Kishanpura, and Gangapur, which have high TDS, hardness, and chloride levels.