HYDROGEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND SEASONAL SUITABILITY ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER FOR AQUACULTURE IN PEDAVADLAPUDI, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA

Abstract

Groundwater plays a crucial role in sustaining rural livelihoods in the Pedavadlapudi village, Mangalagiri Mandal, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh. In the present study, we evaluated the seasonal variations in groundwater quality and its suitability for drinking and aquaculture purposes. Groundwater samples were collected from three locations during the summer (May 2025), rainy (September 2025), and winter (January 2026) seasons. Physicochemical parameters, such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, sodium, bicarbonate, ammonia, and copper, were analysed following the procedures outlined in the Bureau of Indian Standards (IS) 3025. The results were compared with drinking water standards prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (IS) 10500 and World Health Organization guidelines. The study revealed significant seasonal variations in terms of TDS, hardness, sodium, ammonia, and alkalinity. Although most samples exceeded the permissible limits for TDS and hardness, they were found to be moderately suitable for aquaculture owing to adequate alkalinity and acceptable pH levels. Elevated ammonia levels during the rainy season may indicate the possible effects of agricultural runoff. The study concludes that although groundwater in Pedavadlapudi is unsuitable for drinking without treatment, it can support aquaculture with appropriate management practices.