Assessment of groundwater quality in Bangalore rural district: a decadal analysis
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Dimple Bahri
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Amayappanallur Kannan Dasarathy
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive decadal analysis (2015–2024) of groundwater quality in Bangalore Rural and Ramanagara districts, Karnataka, India, using the Water Quality Index (WQI) methodology. Six strategically selected monitoring sites spanning diverse hydrogeological and land-use conditions were analyzed to assess temporal and spatial variations in groundwater quality. The Weighted Arithmetic Index method was employed to calculate WQI values using key physicochemical parameters including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrates, chlorides, and fluorides, following BIS 10500:2012 standards. Statistical analysis revealed significant deterioration trends across all monitoring sites (p < 0.05), with Mann–Kendall test confirming consistent year-over-year degradation patterns. Spatial heterogeneity analysis demonstrated significant differences between sites (F = 12.47, p < 0.001), indicating varying pollution sources and environmental pressures. Multiple regression analysis identified EC, TDS, and nitrates as primary WQI drivers (p < 0.001), suggesting combined impacts of natural mineral leaching and anthropogenic contamination from agricultural runoff and industrial effluents. Principal Component Analysis revealed distinct site clustering based on contamination levels, with high-risk sites (Aralalu, Shivagange 1) showing accelerated degradation patterns. ARIMA modeling and bootstrap projections indicate an 83 % probability that high-risk sites will reach “Unfit for drinking” classification (WQI > 100) by 2030. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive water management interventions, pollution source control, and enhanced monitoring protocols to protect groundwater resources and public health in rapidly developing peri-urban regions.
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, praises and thanks to the God, the Almighty, for His showers of blessings throughout the research work to complete the research successfully. I would like to express my deep and sincere gratitude to the Head of Central Ground Water Board for giving us a chance to source data from them which aided in the success of this research generally. And also, to the support from the faculties of the Department of Civil Engineering, Jain Deemed-to-be University for providing that space to fully allow us to work on this research. And above all, to my co-authors, I am extremely grateful for the numerous times you showed up to ensure that this research was done fully to the success of it. May the works of your hands be blessed now and forever.
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Research ethics: Not applicable.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
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Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.
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Research funding: None declared.
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Data availability: The raw data was collected from the Central Ground Water Board of Karnataka State, India.
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