Assessment of Spatial Variation in Terrain Parameters Impacting Surface and Groundwater Quality for Sustainable Geo-Environmental Management

Abstract

Soil and water conservation measures crucial for quality enhancement should focus on terrain-specific challenges. Evaluating groundwater resources from wells in the area is essential to ascertain their appropriateness for different applications. In semiarid tropical regions, the risk of inland salinity can escalate under extreme conditions like droughts and reduced monsoonal rainfall. During droughts, the groundwater table declines, leading to deterioration in groundwater quality, making it unsuitable for consumption, industrial processes, and arboriculture. In this scenario, analysing the spatial variation in water quality parameters becomes crucial for safeguarding environmental geology and effectively managing the geo-environment of impacted regions. Unfavourable geo-environmental conditions can be mitigated by reducing surface and groundwater pollution, sheet erosion, landslides, and land subsidence. Examining the variation in groundwater quality across both spatial and temporal dimensions is necessary to recommend treatments that make groundwater suitable for various uses, including potable purposes. The spatial as well as temporal variations of different water quality parameters, determined through a composite water quality index, can inform land use alterations, resource exploitation without unacceptable consequences, and artificial recharge measures that do not pollute the geo-environment. Enhancing the sustainability of the geo-environment can be achieved by investigating and prioritizing conservation measures and practices. Employing temporal remote sensing alongside related datasets facilitates the assessment of delineated watersheds within the region through the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Model. This approach is essential for prioritizing watersheds and formulating strategic action plans to sustain a balanced geo-environment.