Hydro-geochemical characteristics and quality appraisal of aquifers using multivariate statistics and associated risk assessment in Tarn-Taran district, Punjab, India.

Monitoring of groundwater is essential in the alluvial region of Tarn-Taran district, western Punjab, India where this freshwater source is being overexploited causing quality deterioration, groundwater depletion and posing serious threats to inhabitants. The present integrated study was conducted to appraise quality and suitability of groundwater for drinking/irrigation purposes, hydro-geochemical characteristics, source identification and associated health risks. In this study, 96% and 51% samples were detected with arsenic (As) and uranium (U), respectively higher than their acceptable limits posing high cancerous risks to local inhabitants via ingestion. Further, the quality indices revealed that groundwater of the study region is appropriate for irrigation but not suitable for drinking purposes. Hydro-geochemical studies showed that 83% of samples belonged to Ca-Mg-HCO type with major contribution of natural geogenic processes like rock-water interactions, silicate and carbonate dissolution along with reverse ion-exchange mechanisms in aquifer chemistry. Multivariate statistics revealed that along with geogenic sources, contribution of anthropogenic activities such as injudicious application of agrochemicals and domestic waste discharge was also very significant. Hazard quotient values for As were found to be 2.119 and 2.743 for children and adults, respectively representing both population groups prone to non-cancerous health risks due to As intake. Children were found to be more vulnerable than adults. This study draws an attention of public and local government about the current status of groundwater pollution in Tarn-Taran district, so that proper remediation steps can be taken to ensure the availability of good quality water.