Characterization of Groundwater Quality for Drinking and Agricultural Application in Bahawalpur Region

Abstract: Groundwater quality is rapidly deteriorating due to increased industrial and anthropogenic activities, and the water is becoming unfit for drinking and irrigation. Pakistan, a developing country, is largely affected by the high concentration of pollutants present in groundwater. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of groundwater quality in Bahawalpur on drinking water supply and irrigation. The data revealed that water quality parameters were not consistent with the drinking water quality indicators recommended by the World Health Organization, due to anthropogenic activities, explosive population growth, and the seepage of toxic compounds into groundwater aquifers. Among the physical parameters, pH was in the range of 7.24–8.01, electrical conductivity 473–4566 µS cm^–1, total dissolved solids 280–2288 mg L^–1 and hardness of water 150–780 mg L^–1, respectively. The concentrations of cationic and anionic compounds were relatively within permissible limits in Chak 10/BC, 12/BC, Dera Bakha, Fathuwali, and Goth Lal. Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and residual sodium carbonate (RSC) values were also within the safe limits except in Muhajir colony and Islamia colony, where higher RSC makes the water unsuitable for irrigation. Water samples collected at selected locations also exhibited higher concentrations of arsenic and cadmium than permissible limits. The heavy metal pollution index indicates that arsenic and cadmium concentrations exceed their threshold levels, posing a threat to humans. Similarly, the colony forming unit counts for E.coli and total coliforms were 74 and 84 CFU, respectively. The water quality index values indicate poor groundwater quality for human consumption. Therefore, strict regular monitoring of the physicochemical properties of groundwater is required to improve public health.