Identification of groundwater processes using statistical techniques in Pondicherry region

Water resources in layered aquifers illustrate most of the problems, affecting in Pondicherry region. Statistical analysis of groundwater collected from the Pondicherry region, South India with regard to geochemical processes and sources controlling the ground- water quality. 69 groundwater samples were collected and analysed for physical parameters, such as electrical conductivity (EC), pH and major ion concentrations, such as Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, HCO3, NO3, PO4, SO4, and DOC. These hydrochemical parameters of groundwater were used in this study to understand groundwater chemistry in aquifer system. The results of statistical analysis have identified the leaching of secondary salts and the saline source in the first dominant factor. Enrichment of organic carbon along NO3 is caused by the agriculture pollution like fertilizers is dominant in second factor and pH showing the dominance of the base ion exchange in third factor. The spatial distribution of the factor score at groundwater samples reveals the sources of the constituents which are in good agreement with those deduced from the geological and hydrogeological evidences. PDF