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Groundwater for Long-term Use in Old Brahmaputra Flood Plain

S. M. Shahidullah
RFS Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh

M. W. Zaman
Dept. of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

An area near Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, was selected to assess the groundwater quality during the year 1998. Fourteen deep tube-well water samples were analyzed for pH, EC, TDS, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca⁺⁺, Mg⁺⁺, Fe, P, B, NO₃-N, SO₄⁼, C1^-, CO₃⁼ and HCO₃^-. In addition, SAR, SSP and RSC were calculated following standard equations. The range of EC was 190-395 µScm^-1 and that of SAR was 0.25-1.10. These two parameters indicated that similar four samples were in 'low-salinity low-alkali' and ten were in 'medium-salinity low-alkali' . hazard class. There was no chloride toxicity in the area. The presence of SO4⁼, NO₃^- and P was negligible. All samples of water were of 'good' to 'excellent' class in respect of boron and ssp. In respect of TDS all were 'fresh water'. On the basis of RSC values, all samples were of suitable class. As a whole, groundwater of the area can safely be used for long-term irrigation. However, some of those may not be suitable for drinking and industrial uses in consideration of Fe concentration, TDS and pH values. Among the quality determining factors, SSP and SAR were highly correlated (r = 0.99*).

Keywords: Groundwater, Irrigation, Water quality

Location: Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Start Date: 00-03-1998

End Date: 00-04-1998

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Non-commodity: Groundwater

Objectives:

To investigate the presence of ionic toxicity (if there is any) and also to categorize the groundwater for irrigation, drinking and industrial uses on the basis of chemical composition.

Methodology:

The study area is geographically located at between 24°06' N and 90°30' E in the Old Brahmaputra Flood Plain zone in Bangladesh. It is about 20 km north from Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The investigation included 14 deep tube-wells from 14 villages. The study was conducted during March and April 1998. The depth of wells were within the range of 50 to 107 m and were commissioned during 1975-1985. The water samples were collected after 30 minutes of pumping to avoid stagnant and contaminated water. White plastic containers of one litre capacity were rinsed out 3-4 times with sampling water. Then the containers were filled up to the mouth and were immediately sealed to avoid exposure to air. The containers were labeled for proper identification and were brought to the laboratory. The groundwater samples were analyzed for pH, EC, total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca⁺⁺), magnesium (Mg⁺⁺), soluble iron (Fe), phosphorus (P), boron (B), nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃-N), sulphate (SO₄⁼), chloride (CT), carbonate (CO₃⁼) and bicarbonate (HCO₃^-). The pH and electrical conductance were determined electro metrically. TDS was estimated. Calcium and magnesium were determined by complexornetric titration, whereas potassium and sodium were estimated by flame emission spectrophotometer. Sulphate was determined turbidimetrically. Carbonate and bicarbonate were determined by titration method. Chloride was estimated by argentometric titration. Phosphorus, nitrate and boron were determined colorimetncally. Iron was analyzed by atomic I absorption spectrophotometer. Water under test was classified as per results obtained from chemical analyzes. Sodium adsorption ratio, SSP and RSC were calculated on the basis of some standard equations. Correlation analyzes between the different combinations of quality indicators, such as SAR versus SSP, SAF etc. were done to show relationship between them.

Source of Information: The Agriculturists 2(1): 133-140 (2004), ISSN 1729-5211

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

There was neither salinity nor toxicity problem in irrigation water in the study area. In respect of all evaluating criteria, groundwater of all the 14 locations can be safely used for long-term irrigation. However, only four samples were found suitable for drinking purpose in consideration of Fe concentration. None of the water samples was suitable for industrial use, because of higher TDS and pH values exceeding recommendation. Among the quality determining factors, SSP and SAR were strongly correlated.

Knowledge Management: Journal