Assessment of Ground Water Quality of Pathardi Region of Nashik, Maharashtra, India

In the present study, assessment of suitability of ground water for domestic and agricultural purpose was carried out at Pathardi region of Nashik, Maharashtra, India. The study area covers 10 different locations of Pathardi region near the municipal composting project, Nashik city. The water samples were collected from 10 wells/bore wells during pre-monsoon period (May month). The quality of water depends on a large number of physical, chemical and biological factors. Hence, the parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, TH, HCO3-, Na+, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, SO, NO, Fe, F, Turbidity, Total viable count, Total coliforms and E. coli were analyzed. The results were compared with IS 10500 standards, 2012 (BIS) and it was observed that the ground water quality at the study site is impaired mainly due to TH, HCO3-, Ca, Mg, Total coliforms and E. coli. This makes the ground water unsuitable for drinking purpose in these areas. Domestic activities, dumping of solid waste at the nearby composting site are the major sources causing pollution in these areas. However, it was found suitable for irrigation/agricultural purposes on the basis of sodium percent and sodium absorption ratio.