Groundwater quality assessment using water quality index in Ranchi Urban area, Jharkhand (India): in parts of Subarnrekha River Basin

A comprehensive assessment of ground water resources is carried out in the Ranchi Urban Area to understand the hydrogeochemical processes along with assessment of drinking water quality by means of water quality index (WQI). The major chemical composition exhibits that, all major ions are present within the prescribed limits of BIS, 2012. WQI applying quality rating scale to assess the suitability of water for drinking purpose exhibits that 40%, 54.28% and 5.71% of groundwater samples fall within excellent, good and poor water quality, respectively. Elevated concentration of WQI in some locations may be owed to upheaved Sodium, Potassium and Chloride concentrations. In the study area, Ca2+-Na+-HCO3-, Ca2+-Na+-Cl- and Na+-Cl- were dominant hydrochemical facies. Results of the detailed analysis will contribute in appropriate chemical characterisation and proper management of the vital groundwater resources in the study area.