Groundwater quality assessment of the quaternary unconsolidated sedimentary basin near the Pi river using fuzzy evaluation technique

Abstract

The present study was carried out to assess the groundwater quality for drinking purposes in the Quaternary Unconsolidated Sedimentary Basin of the North Chengdu Plain, China. Six groups of water samples (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6) are selected in the study area. These samples were analyzed for 19 different physicochemical water quality parameters to assess groundwater quality. The physicochemical parameters of groundwater were compared with China's Quality Standards for Groundwater (GB/T14848-93). Interpretation of physicochemical data revealed that groundwater in the basin was slightly alkaline. Total hardness and total dissolved solid values show that the investigated water is classified as very hard and fresh water, respectively. The sustainability of groundwater for drinking purposes was assessed based on the fuzzy mathematics evaluation (FME) method. The results of the assessment were classified into five groups based on their relative suitability for portable use (grade I = most suitable to grade V = least suitable), according to (GB/T 14848-93). The assessment results reveal that the quality of groundwater in most of the wells was class I, II and III and suitable for drinking purposes, but well (S2) has been found to be in class V, which is classified as very poor and cannot be used for drinking. Also, the FME method was compared with the comprehensive evaluation method. The FME method was found to be more comprehensive and reasonable to assess groundwater quality. This study can provide an important frame of reference for decision making on improving groundwater quality in the study area and nearby surrounding.

Evaluating the suitability of groundwater for drinking purposes in the North Chengdu Plain, China

“…where q i represents the quality rating, C i indicates the concentration of each groundwater parameter in every sample (mg/L), and S i is Chinese groundwater quality standard for each physicochemical parameter in (mg/L) based on the Chines national quality standard (GB/T 14848-2017) for groundwater. For computing the WQI, the sub-index of water quality (SI) for each physicochemical parameter is determined as per the expressions in (3,4):…”

“…Also, all groundwater samples of Mn is found to be less than the permissible limit set by (GB/T 14848-2017), except samples, Q3 and Q8 exceeded the permissible limit. The high concentration of Fe and Mn in the Basin Quaternary Unconsolidated Sedimentary, in general caused by geological environment conditions [4]. Thus, it is considered natural.…”

“…Groundwater is essential for providing water supplies to rural and urban communities in many countries of the world [1,2]. Nowadays, the contamination of groundwater is a major problem that has posed serious threats to human health and environmental values [3][4][5][6]. In the study area, the anthropogenic activities are deteriorating the water quality due to the disposal of domestic and industrial wastewater into rivers through the sewer systems and also extensive use of fertilizers, pesticides in agriculture [4,7].…”

“…Nowadays, the contamination of groundwater is a major problem that has posed serious threats to human health and environmental values [3][4][5][6]. In the study area, the anthropogenic activities are deteriorating the water quality due to the disposal of domestic and industrial wastewater into rivers through the sewer systems and also extensive use of fertilizers, pesticides in agriculture [4,7]. These factors are representing the major role in causing the deterioration of groundwater quality through different chemical components, leading changes in the quality of the pumped water and suitability for human utilization.…”

Hydrochemical Analysis and Fuzzy Logic Method for Evaluation of Groundwater Quality in the North Chengdu Plain, China

“…Recently, environmental protection and water resource quality management have become paramount issues in designing policies for public health [3,4]. The contamination of groundwater is a major problem, which has posed serious threats to human health and environmental quality worldwide [5]. The issue of groundwater contamination is caused by various human activities such as agricultural, industrial, and others, leading to infiltration of nitrates, organic matter, and pesticides, among others, deep into the aquifer [6].…”