Assessment of the groundwater geochemistry from a part of west coast of India using statistical methods and water quality index

The study aims to identify the groundwater geochemistry and drinking water suitability through statistical and water quality index (WQI) approach in Kudal region of Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, India. Twenty-two representative groundwater samples were collected during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season in 2011. The analytical results depict the dominant order of cations as Ca > Na > Mg > K and for anions, HCO3 > Cl > SO4 > NO3. Average concentration of Ca + Mg account for 65.51% in the pre-monsoon; while, in post-monsoon it is 63.84% demonstrating major cations sourced from olivine and pyroxene. Statistical analysis including cluster analysis, factor analysis and dendrogram were used to elucidate the association between water quality variables and the factors affecting water quality. WQI results show that 95.45% of samples represent excellent water; while, 4.55% indicate good water. Thus, it is confirmed that quality of groundwater is good to excellent and authenticate the suitability for drinking.