Groundwater Quality Assessment for Drinking and Agricultural Use in Motipur Block, Muzaffarpur District, Bihar, India

Abstract

Groundwater is a critical resource for drinking and irrigation, yet its quality in rural areas such as Motipur block, Muzaffarpur (Bihar), remains poorly characterized. This study evaluated groundwater suitability by analyzing 40 samples from hand pumps and tube wells for key parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), chloride (Cl⁻), and total dissolved solids (TDS). Results revealed slightly alkaline conditions (pH 7.50–8.34, avg. 7.95), within WHO/BIS permissible limits. However, EC exceeded the BIS threshold (500 µS/cm), and 23 samples surpassed WHO bicarbonate standards (350 mg/L). Although most TDS values (300–1150 mg/L) complied with BIS limits (500 mg/L), chloride concentrations (355–1136 mg/L) consistently exceeded safe thresholds (250 mg/L). These findings underscore localized contamination risks, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to ensure sustainable groundwater management in the region.