Assessment of groundwater quality of different micro-basins of Bangladesh 2 using hydrochemical analysis

Abstract

On the basis of groundwater chemistry, an evaluation of groundwater for domestic and irrigation purposes  was carried out for different regions of Bangladesh. Using the chemical compositions and different quality parameters, irrigation quality was assed using 6 different techniques: USDA method, FAO guidelines, Water-Types approach, Combined approach proposed by Al-Bassam et al. (2003), Ali (2010), and GOB (2007) guidelines. Drinking quality was judged by WHO (2011) provisional guidelines and GOB guidelines. Concentrations of major cations and anions of most groundwater samples were within allowable limit. Except one location (i.e. Barisal), the water for irrigation purpose are suitable to 19 marginally suitable considering salinity and sodicity. For drinking purpose, all except 2 locations (i.e. 20 Sunamgonj and Barisal, where iron is a concern) are found suitable. At these locations, other aquifer layer 21 with low Fe can be searched for safer Fe level. Alternatively, Fe removal system can be assembled for 22 collecting drinking water.

Keywords: Groundwater, Hydrochemistry, Quality parameters, Integrated quality assessment, Bangladesh