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<p>Groundwater contamination is a major challenge in coastal regions like Kerala, India, due to urbanization, saline water intrusion, and inadequate sanitation practices. This study evaluates groundwater salinity across Kerala’s Quaternary formations using Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) clustering and hydrochemical characterization, including Piper and Gibbs diagrams. Groundwater quality data from 74 open wells revealed three hydrochemical clusters. Cluster C1 (Ca²⁺-HCO₃⁻ type) indicated carbonate weathering and localized saline intrusion, while Cluster C2 exhibited similar characteristics with higher CO₃²⁻ and pH, likely influenced by lacustrine environments. Cluster C3 had lower ion concentrations, suggesting a stable hydrochemical environment. Gibbs diagram analysis confirmed that rock-water interactions primarily control hydrochemistry, with higher TDS in C1 and C2 indicating prolonged interactions. Saturation index calculations showed undersaturation of anhydrite, gypsum, halite, and sylvite, highlighting their limited presence. Spatial analysis identified seawater intrusion in four locations (Chellanam, Purakkad, Ishwaramangalam, and Mahe), while 6.5% of wells near mean sea level (MSL) remain highly vulnerable. Terrain conditions, over-extraction, and urbanization are key drivers of contamination. This study underscores the importance of sustainable groundwater management to mitigate salinity intrusion and ensure long-term water resource preservation in Kerala.</p>

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Is Kerala’s coastal groundwater getting salinized?

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月14日

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  • Aju C D,
  • Achu A L,
  • Raicy M C,
  • Bhupendra Bahadur Singh,
  • L Elango

摘要

Groundwater contamination is a major challenge in coastal regions like Kerala, India, due to urbanization, saline water intrusion, and inadequate sanitation practices. This study evaluates groundwater salinity across Kerala’s Quaternary formations using Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) clustering and hydrochemical characterization, including Piper and Gibbs diagrams. Groundwater quality data from 74 open wells revealed three hydrochemical clusters. Cluster C1 (Ca²⁺-HCO₃⁻ type) indicated carbonate weathering and localized saline intrusion, while Cluster C2 exhibited similar characteristics with higher CO₃²⁻ and pH, likely influenced by lacustrine environments. Cluster C3 had lower ion concentrations, suggesting a stable hydrochemical environment. Gibbs diagram analysis confirmed that rock-water interactions primarily control hydrochemistry, with higher TDS in C1 and C2 indicating prolonged interactions. Saturation index calculations showed undersaturation of anhydrite, gypsum, halite, and sylvite, highlighting their limited presence. Spatial analysis identified seawater intrusion in four locations (Chellanam, Purakkad, Ishwaramangalam, and Mahe), while 6.5% of wells near mean sea level (MSL) remain highly vulnerable. Terrain conditions, over-extraction, and urbanization are key drivers of contamination. This study underscores the importance of sustainable groundwater management to mitigate salinity intrusion and ensure long-term water resource preservation in Kerala.