EVALUATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SALINE GROUNDWATER IN RESPONSE TO GEOGENIC SOURCES IN FARIDABAD DISTRICT OF HARYANA Shraddha Rajput¹* and Shashank Shekhar¹ Department of Geology, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007 Abstract The Faridabad district is characterized by a unique geological setup. The climatic conditions in the district varies from arid to semi-arid. There is limited freshwater availability. The principal lithologies in the study area are alluvium and quartzite. The alluvium is of Quaternary age while quartzite is of Precambrian age. The prevailing geological conditions with anthropogenic forcings has led to degradation of groundwater quality in the district. Generally, the groundwater quality in the district varies from marginally saline to saline. The freshwater availability is limited to some north eastern and eastern parts of the district which is drained by the river Yamuna. The groundwater in study area has been found to contain high concentration of sodium, chloride, fluoride, calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate which are associated with geogenic sources. The present study discusses about the brackish nature of the groundwater of the district. The article describes geogenic impact on the groundwater quality through the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. It also summarizes the possible health issues associated with various geogenic contaminants in the district. 2008 Study Area 2008 Observations The analysis for the year 2008 shows that the groundwater samples mainly indicate Na-Cl Facies. It is opined that this facies is geogenic in origin. Alternatively it is possible that overexploitation of fresh water lead to saline groundwater upconing from deeper saline groundwater sources. The salinity hazard as observed from SAR value varies from high to very high level. 2009 2009 In the year 2009 again it is predominance of chloride facies. Besides the level of salinity hazard also remained same as that of year 2008. 2010 2010 During 2010 there is not very significant change in facies. However the concentration of total dissolved solute has decreased. Also the salinity hazard in overall has decreased. This is also supported by the fact that from 2009 to 2010 there is decrease in concentration of bicarbonate, chloride, calcium, magnesium and sodium ions. Fig 1. Geomorphic map of Faridabad district (ArcGIS 10.1) Health issues Intake of highly saline water containing Na and Cl can lead to stroke and cardiovascular disease, Edema and stomach cancer. A high intake of Mg may cause gastrointestinal disturbances. Higher intake of Ca can lead to hypercalcemia (a condition of abnormally high concentration of calcium in blood) (Micronutrient Information Centre, Oregon State University). Similarly high bicarbonate levels can result in anorexia and heart disease. References CGWB (2007); Faridabad district Gazetteer (1994); Rajput and Shekhar (2015a); Rajput and Shekhar (2015b); Rajput and Shekhar (2016). The decrease in the concentration of Ca, Mg and Na from 2009 to 2010 could be linked to rise in the rainfall in year 2010 (Indian Meteorological Department, IMD) which might have resulted in dilution. It is possible that decrease in the concentration of bicarbonate and chloride from 2009 to 2010 is linked to increased recharge by higher amount of rainfall in 2010. Conclusion The salinity in groundwater of Faridabad district is primarily controlled by geogenic factors. Anthropogenic factors may lead to upconing of saline groundwater. However we have established that the temporal variations in rainfall also has significant control on the level of salinity in groundwater. Hence the salinity level of groundwater is dynamic in nature. Acknowledgment & Methods: The study has been done by analysing secondary data available. This data was accessed from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) database. The article is the part of M.Phil. Work of the first author (SR). Software used for this study are Aq.QA & ArcGIS.