Groundwater quality assessment by Water quality index (WQI) and Multivariate statistical analysis (MSA) for coastal zones of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh

Groundwater is a vital resource for the drinking water supply to the people in the areas residing in the coastal zones. Rapid industrialization increased the human population, and anthropogenic activities led to groundwater pollution. The water quality should be continuously monitored to analyse the suitability of the water, and it is only possible by the water quality index. In the current study, we attempted to determine the groundwater quality of the Mandal headquarters of the coastal zones of the Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, by using the water quality index (WQi) considering the parameters pH, Electrical conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Hardness, calcium and magnesium, potassium, and sodium, human health assessment tool, and multivariate statistical analysis. The results found that the WQi of the coastal zones ranged from 49.6 to 361.7, and in the post-monsoon season, the Etcherla Mandal station water was not advisable for drinking. Human health risk assessment showed that children in these sampling stations are more prone to the non-carcinogenic health risks associated with nitrate pollution. Proper reduction measures in the sampling areas must be taken to depreciate nitrate and seepage into the groundwater. Piper plots and correlation matrices showed the anion-cation interaction, and the principal component analyzed and showed the pollution sources. The current study concluded that anthropogenic activities continuously deteriorate groundwater quality, indirect saltwater intrusion was identified, and groundwater treatment is necessary before consumption.