GROUNDWATER QUALITY MAPPING BY USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS): A CASE STUDY OF BARIPADA CITY, ODISHA, INDIA

Groundwater samples were collected from 12 locations in the Baripada urban area and its surrounding settlements to analyze their quality, so as to ascertain their suitability for drinking and agricultural use. In addition to TDS (total dissolved solids) and TH (total hardness), the concentration of several ions such as Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3-, Cl- and SO42- were measured. Analysis results showed that the concentration of Ca2+ and HCO3- was higher in comparison to other ions. The value of TDS and TH and the concentration of major ions were well within their limiting values, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). It was found that the water was completely fit for drinking. Taking into consideration the % Na and SAR (sodium absorption ratio), the groundwater was also found to be suitable for irrigation.