ASSESSSMENT OF SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN KUSHTIA FOR AGRICUTURAL USES

Abstract

The assessment of water quality in agriculture is essential for irrigating various crops. An investigation was conducted during January-March, 2013 to assess the ionic constituents of groundwater and surface water of the Kustia district in Bangladesh. Exactly 40 water samples were collected and analyzed for pH, EC, TDS, cations (Ca, Mg, Na, K, and P) and anions (HCO; and COQ3) of different locations in the Kustia district. The calcium content in different sources varied from 11.86 to trace amount. The highest amount was recorded in Padma river water while rain and dew water shoed no Ca content. Highest amount (10.52 mg L"') of Mg was found in Padma river water. Likewise Ca content, Mg was also nil in rain and dew water. The SO,-S content ranged from 0.521 mg L”' to trace) was found in the treatment of Canal water. The soluble P content ranged from 0.412 mg L”' to trace. The soluble K content varied from 0.324 mg L” to trace which is suitable for irrigated agriculture. The dissolved Na content was nil in rain and dew water but the 4.20 mg L’' was observed in pond water which is not problematic for irrigated agriculture. Maximum amount (3.226 mg L”) of carbonate and bicarbonate was found in the pond water while the trace amount of CO; & HCO3 was found in the rain and dew water. Maximum amount (2.34 pS cm’) of electrical conductivity was found in the pond water. The EC ranged from 3.24 to nil. The pH of the solution is very important in plant nutrition, and range pH beyond the limit can lead to problems. In the analysis of kustia district water the pH was slightly acidic to slightly alkaline ranging from 6.30 to 7.6. The concentration of TDS was found within the safe range for agricultural uses. The electrical conductivity was found suitable for irrigation uses.