Abstract

Geochemical study of groundwater around major dumpsites in Hyderabad city India, this study was carried out to evaluate the groundwater quality. Approximately 4,000 tons of solid wastes are dumped in low-lying areas as landfills on daily basis affecting groundwater quality. The samples were collected from sixty location points in/around dumpsites and were precisely analysed for physicochemical characters by standard methods recommended by American Public Health Association (APHA), double junction ion analyzer, turbidimetric method and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer. The type of water that predominated in the study area was assessed based on hydro-chemical facies whereas the suitability of groundwater for irrigation was evaluated based on sodium adsorption ratio, percent sodium, residual sodium carbonate and the US salinity diagram. High concentrations of major ions (Ca⁺⁺, Mg⁺⁺ and Fˉ) observed in bore wells were attributed to differential weathering of minerals such as pyroxenes, plagioclase, feldspars, and apatite together with dissolution/precipitation reactions along fractures and joints in the granites. The high NO₃^- level (>50 mg/l) in groundwater is ascribed to consequence of the oxidation of ammonia and similar sources from leachates emanating from waste. Although the water is not suitable for domestic purposes, it is however, found to be suitable for irrigation purposes with little risk in the development of detrimental level of exchangeable sodium.

Key words: Groundwater quality, solid waste, physicochemical character, major ions, Hyderabad.