Spatio-temporal variations in water quality, hydrochemistry and its controlling factors in a perennial river in India

Abstract The spatial and temporal variations in the hydrochemistry of Sutlej river Indian Punjab were studied based on water quality parameters analysed during pre- post-monsoon seasons years 2017 2018. grab samples collected from using stratified random sampling for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), carbonate (CO 3 −2 ), bicarbonate (HCO − chloride (Cl nitrate (NO total hardness, calcium (Ca +2 sodium (Na + ) potassium (K standard methods. Spatio-temporal used to evaluate irrigation (electrical residual (RSC) absorption ratio (SAR)) also studied. In order rate composite influence all physicochemical parameters, index (WQI) was computed. Spatial WQI drinking purposes inverse distance weighted method GIS. Results showed that alkaline nature, HCO Cl are major anions, Ca 2+ Na cations both seasons. regression analysis EC with anions coefficient mainly significant , irrespective season. concentration ions not significantly affected by season, but it higher along transboundary river. Total alkalinity ( p < 0.05) pre-monsoon than EC, SAR RSC values different > 85% good categories purposes. According grades purposes, poor observed 3.6%, 3.7% 5.9% pre-2017, pre-2018 2018, respectively. 16.7% 4.7% (poor quality) /Mg K )/T Z Mg /(Na indicated silicate lithology contribute besides anthropogenic factors. Non-metric multidimensional scaling a similar origin across including transboundary, whereas cluster resulted two main groups: pH one group, remaining other group pre-monsoon, post-monsoon. high is signature inputs addition contribution natural These results suggest cultivation crops soils may cause transfer through food chain human beings affecting their health. Moreover, inhabitants living affect