Hydrogeochemical Assessment of Groundwater for Drinking and Irrigation in the Tandur Limestone Area, Vikarabad District, Telangana, India

Abstract

Groundwater constitutes the principal source of water for drinking and irrigation in semi-arid regions of Telangana State, particularly in limestone-dominated terrains affected by mining and intensive agriculture. The present study evaluates the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater in and around the Tandur Limestone area, Vikarabad District, Telangana, with the objectives of assessing its suitability for drinking and irrigation and understanding the geochemical processes governing groundwater composition. Thirty-five groundwater samples were collected during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons and analysed for major physico-chemical parameters and ions following standard procedures. Hydrochemical facies were identified using Piper diagrams, and irrigation suitability was assessed using indices such as SAR, RSC, Kelly’s Ratio, and per cent sodium. The results indicate that groundwater chemistry is predominantly controlled by carbonate weathering processes, resulting in Ca–Mg–HCO₃ type waters, with localized influence of anthropogenic activities reflected by elevated nitrate, fluoride, and chloride concentrations in certain locations. Seasonal variations suggest enhanced water–rock interaction during the post-monsoon period. While most samples are suitable for drinking and irrigation, a few exceed permissible limits, warranting continuous monitoring and groundwater management measures in this mining-dominated limestone terrain.