Groundwater quality in parts of Central Ganga Basin, India

This paper deals with the drinking water quality of the Ganga-Kali sub-basi n which occupies 1300 km(2) over parts of Aligarh and Etah districts. Water samples were collected from shallow and deep aquifers and were analyzed fo r major ions and trace elements. The analytical data were interpreted accor ding to published guidelines, Chemical analysis shows that the groundwater in the basin is alkali bicarbonate type. Trace element studies of water fro m the shallow aquifer show that the concentration of toxic metals Fe, Mn, C d, Pb, and Cr (+6) are above permissible limits which may present a health hazard. The water from the deep aquifer is comparatively free from contamin ation. The aquifers are subject to contamination due to sewage effluents an d excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture.