Hydrochemistry and groundwater quality assessment of newly developed Dwarka region, New Delhi, India

Abstract The present study investigates hydrochemistry and groundwater quality of 150 samples for drinking, and irrigation in the vicinity of newly developed Dwarka, New Delhi, India. The appropriateness of samples has been evaluated as per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). For assessing drinking and irrigation suitability, various hydrogeochemical parameters, were determined. Based on the water quality Index (WQI) groundwater quality varied from undesirable for drinking purpose to excellent quality. The parameters of major concern were TDS and Nitrates. The overall quality of groundwater was graded as excellent, good or permissible for use in irrigation based on agricultural indices. The Piper trilinear and Chadha diagram used to understand the evolution of hydrochemistry of groundwater showed presence of both permanent and temporary hardness in the groundwater. Wilcox and Gibbs classification inferred that majority of groundwater samples fall under evaporation–crystallization category, partly influenced by water rock interaction and aquifer materials.