DefinePK

Research Objective

To conduct a spatio-temporal analysis of pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Turbidity (TUR) in the groundwater of Gujranwala, Pakistan, from 2014 to 2017 to assess the effects of environmental irregularities on groundwater resources.

Methodology

The study utilized data from 61 tube wells in Gujranwala, provided by WASA. Parameters analyzed were pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Turbidity (TUR). Geographical coordinates were obtained using GPS. Data was geo-referenced and processed in a GIS environment. Interpolation techniques, specifically Kriging with various models (Circular, Exponential, Spherical, Gaussian), were employed to create continuous raster surfaces. The best interpolation method was selected based on the lowest root mean square error. Data was classified into five classes using both WHO standards and equal interval classification.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Data Acquisition from WASA Gujranwala"] --> B["Geo-referencing using GPS"];
    B --> C["Data Processing in GIS"];
    C --> D["Interpolation using Kriging"];
    D --> E["Creation of Raster Surfaces"];
    E --> F["Classification of Surfaces"];
    F --> G["Spatio-Temporal Analysis"];
    G --> H["Results and Discussion"];
    H --> I["Conclusion"];                    

Discussion

The study highlights that while current groundwater quality in Gujranwala is within safe drinking water standards, anthropogenic activities are causing subtle but significant changes. The observed trends in pH, TDS, and turbidity suggest a potential future risk if these activities continue unchecked. The fading pre- and post-monsoon differences in 2014 point to reduced groundwater recharge. The increasing pH and TDS over time, especially in 2017, are linked to industrial waste and dumpsites. The fluctuating turbidity, with a peak in 2017, is attributed to construction activities. The researchers emphasize that current samples are from deep tube wells, and surface influences may eventually reach these depths, posing a future threat. They recommend installing new tube wells in areas with better water quality and banning shallow bores for drinking water.

Key Findings

- All measured concentrations of the studied parameters were within the safe limits for drinking water.
- Minute changes due to anthropogenic activities were observed.
- For all three parameters, the difference between pre- and post-monsoon patterns was prominent in 2014 but faded in subsequent years, indicating decreasing recharge rates and potential chemical changes.
- pH and TDS showed a continuous increase in concentration over time, with maxima in 2017.
- Turbidity showed a different behavior, with a maximum in 2014, a decrease in the following two years, and an increase again in 2017.
- The highest contaminated year for pH was 2017, with alkaline water.
- Considerable TDS contamination occurred in 2017, with increasing levels over the years due to artificial activities.
- Turbidity was highest in 2014, decreased in 2015 and 2016, and increased again in 2017 due to human activities, particularly construction.

Conclusion

The spatio-temporal analysis of groundwater quality in Gujranwala from 2014-2017 revealed that while parameters are generally within safe limits, anthropogenic activities are impacting groundwater. The study identified specific areas with higher contamination for pH, TDS, and turbidity in different years. The increasing trend of TDS and pH, and the impact of construction on turbidity, are significant concerns. The researchers conclude that proactive planning, including installing wells in better-quality areas, banning shallow bores, and raising public awareness about water conservation, is crucial for ensuring a sustainable and healthy water supply for Gujranwala.

Fact Check

- The study analyzed groundwater quality in Gujranwala, Pakistan, from 2014 to 2017. (Confirmed by abstract and methodology).
- The parameters analyzed were pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Turbidity (TUR). (Confirmed by abstract and methodology).
- Gujranwala is identified as the seventh largest city in Punjab, Pakistan. (Confirmed by introduction and study area description).

Mind Map