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Springs are the most important source of drinking water in high-altitude areas of the Himalayas. Due to anthropogenic activities in spring recharge areas, contamination in springs has been noticed. To ensure human safety, the objective of the present study is to evaluate the quality of spring water, ionic composition, and potential sources of pollution. To check the water quality index (WQI) of springs using the weighted arithmetic index, physicochemical parameters like pH, TDS, EC, Ca2+, Mg+, Cl−, F−, SO42−, NO3−, and Na+, K+ are analyzed with the water sample collected in August 2022. Correlation matrix and principal physicochemical parameters analysis are used to identify various factors influencing the ionic strength of spring water in the study area. In Chuhar Valley, spring water’s EC varies from 143.70 μS/cm to 456.00 μS/cm, and its pH ranges from 5.99 to 7.22. Magnesium concentrations range from 6.80 mg/L to 108.24 mg/L, whereas calcium levels range from 2.52 to 62.24 mg/L, demonstrating significant variation. Results indicate that all the physicochemical parameters of most of the sites are well within the permissible limits given by the World Health Organization. The current study shows that Mg2+ is the dominant cation, whereas HCO3− is the dominant anion in Chuhar valley of Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. The overall relative ionic abundance in the study area is Mg2+ > Ca2+ > HCO3− > SO4− > K+ > NO3− Na+ > Cl > F−. The calculated WQI of 16 water samples of Chuhar valley ranges from 5.83 to 93.48. The matrix reveals that HCO3− and Ca2+ show a common origin in their source which may be Limestone and Dolomite in Chuhar Valley. The results indicate that spring water quality is excellent in the study area and seems to be fit for human consumption except for the two locations (Kasambhal and Ger Nallah). Before being suitable for human consumption, Kasambhal Spring (WQI: 93.48) and Ger Nallah Spring (WQI: 86.14) need to undergo some minor treatment. The findings of the study would be useful for the local authorities in water management.

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Assessment of Springs’ Water Quality Using Weighted Arithmetic Index in High-Altitude Areas of Chuhar Valley, Northwestern Himalaya, India

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2025年

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  • Dharam Chand,
  • Renu Lata,
  • Sumati Rathore,
  • Rakesh Kumar Singh

摘要

Springs are the most important source of drinking water in high-altitude areas of the Himalayas. Due to anthropogenic activities in spring recharge areas, contamination in springs has been noticed. To ensure human safety, the objective of the present study is to evaluate the quality of spring water, ionic composition, and potential sources of pollution. To check the water quality index (WQI) of springs using the weighted arithmetic index, physicochemical parameters like pH, TDS, EC, Ca2+, Mg+, Cl−, F−, SO42−, NO3−, and Na+, K+ are analyzed with the water sample collected in August 2022. Correlation matrix and principal physicochemical parameters analysis are used to identify various factors influencing the ionic strength of spring water in the study area. In Chuhar Valley, spring water’s EC varies from 143.70 μS/cm to 456.00 μS/cm, and its pH ranges from 5.99 to 7.22. Magnesium concentrations range from 6.80 mg/L to 108.24 mg/L, whereas calcium levels range from 2.52 to 62.24 mg/L, demonstrating significant variation. Results indicate that all the physicochemical parameters of most of the sites are well within the permissible limits given by the World Health Organization. The current study shows that Mg2+ is the dominant cation, whereas HCO3− is the dominant anion in Chuhar valley of Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. The overall relative ionic abundance in the study area is Mg2+ > Ca2+ > HCO3− > SO4− > K+ > NO3− Na+ > Cl > F−. The calculated WQI of 16 water samples of Chuhar valley ranges from 5.83 to 93.48. The matrix reveals that HCO3− and Ca2+ show a common origin in their source which may be Limestone and Dolomite in Chuhar Valley. The results indicate that spring water quality is excellent in the study area and seems to be fit for human consumption except for the two locations (Kasambhal and Ger Nallah). Before being suitable for human consumption, Kasambhal Spring (WQI: 93.48) and Ger Nallah Spring (WQI: 86.14) need to undergo some minor treatment. The findings of the study would be useful for the local authorities in water management.