Wastewater Characterization of Chiniot Drain and Evaluation of Groundwater Contamination Using Water Quality Index (WQI) and GIS Techniques

Groundwater pollution is considered a major concern in today’s world. Most industries Pakistan produce untreated wastewater, extracting from and contaminating nearby water source the soil. This study was conducted Nithar Ke area of Chiniot District to assess impact flow wastewater over on groundwater quality. It aimed to: (1) investigate conditions industrial wastewater; (2) spatial variability different parameters using GIS map; (3) check appropriateness for drinking purposes quality index (WQI). Physical chemical characteristics, including pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, TSS, CO3, HCO3, chlorides, alkalinity, hardness, Ca, Mg, arsenic, copper, chromium, nickel, iron, manganese, sulfate, were tested samples, variance analyzed (geographic information system). The (WQI) developed determine purposes. WQI values determined within range 41 89.5, which showed poor good discovered that such as BOD, COD, TDS had average concentrations 192 mg/L, 264 2.62 6039 respectively, polluted water, exceeded permissible limit. Iron manganese most common contaminants found area. biplot correlation circle iron turbidity positive relationship. Further soil stratification characteristics recommended this detailed analysis causes metal contamination.