『Abstract
Water samples collected from the six reservoirs of Damodar River
basin in pre- and post-monsoon, have been analysed, to study the
major ion chemistry and the weathering and geochemical processes
controlling the water composition. Ca, Na and HCO3
dominate the chemical composition of the reservoir water. The
seasonal data shows a minimum concentration of most of the ions
in post-monsoon and a maximum concentration in pre-monsoon seasons,
reflecting the concentrating effects due to elevated temperature
and increased evaporation during the low water level period of
the pre-monsoon season. Water chemistry of the reservoirs strongly
reflects the dominance of continental weathering aided by atmospheric
and anthropogenic activities in the catchment area. Higher concentration
of SO4 and TDS in Panchet, Durgapur and Tenughat
reservoirs indicate mining and anthropogenic impact on water quality.
The high contribution of (Ca+Mg) to the total cations, high concentration
of dissolved silica, relatively high (Na+K)/TZ+ ratio
(0.3) and low equivalent ratio of (Ca+Mg)/(Na+K) suggests combined
influence of carbonate and silicate weathering. Kaolinite is the
possible mineral that in equilibrium with the water, implying
that the chemistry of reservoir water favours kaolinite formation.
The calculated values of SAR, RSC and sodium percentage indicate
the ‘excellent to good quality’ of water for irrigation uses.
Keywords: Hydrochemistry; Reservoirs; Damodar River; Weathering;
Anthropogenic; Water quality; Solute flux; India』
Introduction
Damodar River basin
Materials and methods
Results and discussion
Hydrochemistry
Seasonal and spatial variation in the major ions
Source and mechanism controlling water chemistry
Quality assessment
Factor analysis
Discharge and solute flux
Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References