Hydrogeochemical Evolution and Quality Assessments of Streams Water in the Bhagirathi Basin, Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand

Abstract

Hydrogeochemical studies were carried out to assess the quality and evolutions of the streams in the Bhagirathi basin during high and low flow of water in the given environment. The hydrochemical characteristics of the streams water indicated that silicate and mixed type of weathering dominated in the Bhagirathi watersheds. The stream's water chemistry is mostly influenced by deeper sources of water through joints and fissures in the stream watersheds. A comparison between ion concentrations in the samples suggested that few samples have high sodium and fluoride exceeding the permissible limits. Based on dissolved ions in stream water, the water quality index falls into the excellent/good category (80%), poor quality (14%) and unsuitable class (6%), respectively. Kelly and Permeability index results suggest the impact of rock type on water quality that may affect local agricultural productivity.