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<p>Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water in the Jaffna Peninsula, supporting not only domestic needs but also agricultural and industrial activities. However, increasing urbanization, excessive agrochemical use, and saline intrusion have led to significant concerns about groundwater quality and its long-term sustainability. Previous studies in Jaffna have highlighted elevated levels of nitrates, salinity, and microbial contamination, particularly in agricultural zones such as Chunnakam and Valigamam. While earlier research has used limited spatial data or focused on individual contaminants, comprehensive seasonal assessments incorporating advanced statistical tools have been lacking. This study aims to evaluate the spatial distribution of groundwater quality in selected locations across Jaffna during the dry season. Physicochemical parameters were analyzed, and the Water Quality Index (WQI) was calculated to assess overall potability. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was then applied to identify key variables influencing groundwater contamination. The results were compared against Sri Lankan Standards and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Findings revealed that WQI values ranged from 41.23 to 73.25, indicating that water quality varied from moderate to poor. Salinity, EC, TDS, and nitrate were major contributors to groundwater pollution, particularly in urban and agricultural areas. Results revealed significant spatial variability in groundwater quality across the study areas, with elevated nitrate and TDS levels in agricultural zones, and higher salinity and chloride concentrations in urbanized coastal regions. PCA results demonstrated that TDS, chloride, sodium, and salinity were the dominant contributors to water quality deterioration. Location 1 exhibited the highest pollution levels, primarily due to anthropogenic influences and saline water intrusion, while location 3 had the best water quality. This integrated approach provides a detailed and scientifically robust assessment of groundwater quality in Jaffna.</p>

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Spatial variation of groundwater quality using Water Quality Index and Principal Component Analysis in Jaffna, Sri Lanka

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月11日

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  • Jasotha Prabagar,
  • Subramaniam Prabagar,
  • Suganja Thuraisingam

摘要

Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water in the Jaffna Peninsula, supporting not only domestic needs but also agricultural and industrial activities. However, increasing urbanization, excessive agrochemical use, and saline intrusion have led to significant concerns about groundwater quality and its long-term sustainability. Previous studies in Jaffna have highlighted elevated levels of nitrates, salinity, and microbial contamination, particularly in agricultural zones such as Chunnakam and Valigamam. While earlier research has used limited spatial data or focused on individual contaminants, comprehensive seasonal assessments incorporating advanced statistical tools have been lacking. This study aims to evaluate the spatial distribution of groundwater quality in selected locations across Jaffna during the dry season. Physicochemical parameters were analyzed, and the Water Quality Index (WQI) was calculated to assess overall potability. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was then applied to identify key variables influencing groundwater contamination. The results were compared against Sri Lankan Standards and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Findings revealed that WQI values ranged from 41.23 to 73.25, indicating that water quality varied from moderate to poor. Salinity, EC, TDS, and nitrate were major contributors to groundwater pollution, particularly in urban and agricultural areas. Results revealed significant spatial variability in groundwater quality across the study areas, with elevated nitrate and TDS levels in agricultural zones, and higher salinity and chloride concentrations in urbanized coastal regions. PCA results demonstrated that TDS, chloride, sodium, and salinity were the dominant contributors to water quality deterioration. Location 1 exhibited the highest pollution levels, primarily due to anthropogenic influences and saline water intrusion, while location 3 had the best water quality. This integrated approach provides a detailed and scientifically robust assessment of groundwater quality in Jaffna.