ASSESSMENT OF SUITABILITY OF GROUNDWATER OF AKASAR VILLAGE (RAJASTHAN) FOR DRINKING AND IRRIGATION PURPOSES

The present study investigates groundwater quality of Akasar village of Bikaner (Rajasthan), India to check its drinking and agricultural irrigation aptness. Total 30 sampling sites of Akasar village were selected to collect groundwater samples in the period of July to August 2024. The physical and chemical parameters of groundwaters were analysed like pH, electrical conductivity, chloride, carbonate, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sodium absorption ratio and residual sodium carbonate. Parameters such as pH, Ca+Mg, and carbonate were within the standard permissible limits of BIS. 37% groundwater samples displayed drinking unsuitability because of high contents of EC, Na, Cl and HCO3. The groundwater of Akasar village for irrigation purpose had slightly saline features. Saline groundwater was observed in 5 sampling sites. 17% groundwater samples were found unsuitable for irrigation purpose. Hence, groundwater quality of Akasar village is comprehensively suitable for drinking and irrigation uses. Examination of groundwater with wide hydro-chemical metrices would deliver the precise representation of Akasar village’s groundwater quality.