Last modified: 2018-06-23
Abstract
Rapid urbanization and overexploitation of groundwater exacts a toll on quality of underlying water. This research elucidates the manner of accessing groundwater quality considering spatial variation of quality determinant factors. To represent the quality of water thematically, quality indices assignment procedure to spatial data along with various statistical modelling approaches were adopted. A total of 25 sample sites were selected from Bhaktapur Municipality and quality determinant parameters were determined 3 times in the span of eighteen months i.e. 2017 January, 2017 June and 2018 May. During the procedure of research, quality parameters determined were pH, Electric Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solid, Turbidity, Hardness, Nitrate, Ammonia, Iron, Chloride, Phosphate and Coliform. Quality determination process were carried out using ENPHO kits and other laboratory techniques. Correlation analysis was performed within the seasonal nature of data and in-between quality determining parameters. Statistical modelling was carried out to show correlation between parameters. All parameters are then linked within a database to be displayed on geographic information system (GIS) interface. Firstly, thematic maps are prepared for each map independently. Then, modelling of Groundwater Quality Index (GWQI) is carried out with indexing method based on parameter’s effect on human health by preparing water quality distribution map. Minimum quality standards for each parameter are taken form National Drinking Water Quality Standard (NDWQS), 2005 published by Ministry of Physical Planning and Works or chemical concentration guideline provided by World Health Organization (WHO). This modelling technique generalized the pollution state of area considering all polluting factors showing some alarming concerns.