Springs in the Himalayan region, particularly in ecologically sensitive and geologically intricate areas such as Jammu and Kashmir, are increasingly confronted with challenges stemming from natural processes and anthropogenic activities. These elements contribute to significant seasonal and spatial fluctuations in water quality, posing risks to human health and agricultural sustainability. This study examines the hydrogeochemical characteristics, water quality status, and seasonal dynamics of spring waters (N = 100) in the Rajouri and Reasi districts during pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The results were interpreted through a combination of physicochemical analysis, multivariate statistics, irrigation suitability indices, and corrosion risk assessment. Results revealed that pH levels exhibited slight acidity in near-neutral conditions, averaging 7.81 ± 0.36 to 8.68 ± 0.57, while electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) values were notably higher in the post-monsoon (PoM) season, likely due to surface runoff and mineral dissolution. The chemical analysis revealed that for both districts’ pre-monsoon season (PrM), cation dominance order is Mg2+ > Ca2+ > Na+ > K+, while the anion dominance order is HCO3¯ > Cl¯ > SO42¯ > NO3¯ > PO43¯ > F¯. However, for the post-monsoon season, the cation and anion dominance order vary in both districts due to the influence of monsoonal precipitation and runoff. The hydrogeochemical facies, as revealed by Piper diagrams, are predominantly of the Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3¯ type in the region, indicating the dominance of carbonate weathering, which is further supported by Gibb’s plot, where most of the samples fall withing the rock dominance zone, suggesting rock water interactions. Based on indices, more than ~ 90% of spring samples were classified as suitable for irrigation whereas, in term of industrial and domestic infrastructure suitability, only 56% of springs had corrosivity ratio (CR) value < 1 during PrM, indicating safe condition, which substantially improved, with 88–96% during PoM. This seasonal improvement is largely attributed to dilution effect of monsoonal rainfall, which reduces ionic concentration and thus corrosion potential. The study suggests that while most springs are adequate for irrigation and domestic purposes, some springs, especially those with high corrosivity (CR > 1), increased EC and TDS levels, or unfavourable hydrogeochemical facies, necessitate regular monitoring, protective measures, or corrective action to avert infrastructure damage and potential health hazards. Additionally, identifying rock weathering as the primary geochemical process underscores the geogenic origin of numerous solutes, indicating the need for context-sensitive water resource management strategies. This comprehensive assessment will aid local water governance efforts and can act as a reference for establishing seasonal quality-based usage guidelines and zoning for infrastructure suitability to ensure safe water delivery.

Seasonal Hydrogeochemistry and Suitability Assessment of Spring Water in the Rajouri and Reasi Districts, Western Himalayas, India, using GIS and Multivariate Analysis

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发表日期：

2025年7月9日

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Shafia Choudhary,
Shashi Kant Rai,
Sunil Dhar,
Anchal Chib,
Shvetambri Jasrotia

摘要

Springs in the Himalayan region, particularly in ecologically sensitive and geologically intricate areas such as Jammu and Kashmir, are increasingly confronted with challenges stemming from natural processes and anthropogenic activities. These elements contribute to significant seasonal and spatial fluctuations in water quality, posing risks to human health and agricultural sustainability. This study examines the hydrogeochemical characteristics, water quality status, and seasonal dynamics of spring waters (N = 100) in the Rajouri and Reasi districts during pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The results were interpreted through a combination of physicochemical analysis, multivariate statistics, irrigation suitability indices, and corrosion risk assessment. Results revealed that pH levels exhibited slight acidity in near-neutral conditions, averaging 7.81 ± 0.36 to 8.68 ± 0.57, while electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) values were notably higher in the post-monsoon (PoM) season, likely due to surface runoff and mineral dissolution. The chemical analysis revealed that for both districts’ pre-monsoon season (PrM), cation dominance order is Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺, while the anion dominance order is HCO₃^¯ > Cl^¯ > SO₄^2¯ > NO₃^¯ > PO₄^3¯ > F^¯. However, for the post-monsoon season, the cation and anion dominance order vary in both districts due to the influence of monsoonal precipitation and runoff. The hydrogeochemical facies, as revealed by Piper diagrams, are predominantly of the Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-HCO₃^¯ type in the region, indicating the dominance of carbonate weathering, which is further supported by Gibb’s plot, where most of the samples fall withing the rock dominance zone, suggesting rock water interactions. Based on indices, more than ~ 90% of spring samples were classified as suitable for irrigation whereas, in term of industrial and domestic infrastructure suitability, only 56% of springs had corrosivity ratio (CR) value < 1 during PrM, indicating safe condition, which substantially improved, with 88–96% during PoM. This seasonal improvement is largely attributed to dilution effect of monsoonal rainfall, which reduces ionic concentration and thus corrosion potential. The study suggests that while most springs are adequate for irrigation and domestic purposes, some springs, especially those with high corrosivity (CR > 1), increased EC and TDS levels, or unfavourable hydrogeochemical facies, necessitate regular monitoring, protective measures, or corrective action to avert infrastructure damage and potential health hazards. Additionally, identifying rock weathering as the primary geochemical process underscores the geogenic origin of numerous solutes, indicating the need for context-sensitive water resource management strategies. This comprehensive assessment will aid local water governance efforts and can act as a reference for establishing seasonal quality-based usage guidelines and zoning for infrastructure suitability to ensure safe water delivery.