Development and evaluation of a water quality index for groundwater quality assessment in parts of Jabalpur District, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract Groundwater is an important source for drinking water supply in Jabalpur District, Madhya Pradesh, India. An attempt has been made this work to understand the suitability of groundwater human consumption. The parameters pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Sulphate (SO4), Iron (Fe), Nitrate (NO3), Chloride (Cl), Total Hardness (TH), Alkalinity (TA), and Sodium (Na) were analyzed estimate quality. quality index (WQI) applied categorize quality, which quite useful infer people policy makers concerned area. WQI study area ranges from 17.90 176.88. According rating, sites 1, 3, 4 are not appropriate or have low site 2 moderate condition, whereas 5 excellent condition. current suggests that with deteriorated needs treatment before HIGHLIGHTS values 3 106.99, 176.88, 161.25, showing suitable purposes. value 17.90, fit Principal component analysis reveals four responsible high WQI. outcome will be helpful formulating effective management measures residents region,