Evaluation of corrosiveness and scaling tendency in surface water and shallow groundwater resources of Imphal Valley of Manipur in northeastern India

The corrosiveness and scaling potential indices, namely, LSI, RSI, AI, PSI, LS, CR, RI, and CSMR of ponds, lakes, rivers, wetlands, swamps, and groundwater samples of the Imphal Valley were evaluated. LSI revealed that most of the samples representing surface and groundwater resources (83–90% and 84–95%, respectively) were characterised by under-saturation, indicating corrosive behaviour, while a few samples signified scaling tendency, especially towards northern and southeastern parts. A similar trend was indicated by RSI, where most water samples (95–97% and 95–100% for surface and groundwater, respectively) showed rigorous to aggressive corrosive tendency. AI result revealed that the majority of the sample (90–97% for surface water and 91–95% for groundwater) depicted moderate to severe corrosiveness, while a few samples (1–10% and 2–9% for surface and groundwater, respectively) showed scaling tendency. Analyses on PSI and CSMR also inferred that most samples showed corrosive nature; a few exhibited scaling tendencies, which were identified in the central and southern parts of the valley. CR signified suitability for industrial use (76–95% for surface water and 81–82% for groundwater, respectively), while only a few samples (24 − 5% for surface water and 19 − 18% for groundwater, respectively) in the northern and central parts of surface water, and central and southern parts of groundwater were found unsuitable. Therefore, the present study highlights the insights of water quality in terms of corrosion and scaling tendency, and such an investigation will improve the maintenance of the water supply distribution network and scaling prevention techniques in the Imphal Valley.