Evaluation of Water Chemistry in the Coastal Aquifers of Eastern Odisha, India

Seawater intrusion (SWI), a serious environmental issue threatens the availability of fresh groundwater resources in coastal aquifers. An effort has been made to evaluate and quantify the influence of seawater on groundwater chemistry through the molar ionic ratios in heavily inhabited coastal areas of Jagatsinghpur district of eastern Odisha. Water samples were collected from different sources and the chemical analysis indicated the fresh to saline nature of the groundwater in the region with higher electrical conductivity (EC) values. WQI values have classified 50% of water samples as good water and 50% as poor water. The molar ratios of Na+/Cl− and K+/Cl− demonstrate the seawater intrusion mechanism. This study shows that anthropogenic activities and seawater intrusion affects the water quality of the area, which needs regular monitoring and assessment.