Authors:
Ashok Kumar Tarai,Kshyana Prava Samal,Rabindra Nath Hota,DOI NO:
https://doi.org/10.26782/jmcms.2026.09.00010Keywords:
: Factor analysis,Bivariate correlation matrix,Groundwater contamination,Hierarchical cluster analysis,Abstract
Bhubaneswar, the smart city of Odisha, is where water quality deterioration is a major concern due to the huge population growth and rural-to-urban migration. This study includes three types of land use patterns, such as high population density areas, industrial areas, and the vicinity of solid waste dumping sites. Five samples were collected from each category of vulnerable areas, totalling fifteen samples. Physico-chemical parameters such as pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), DO, Hardness, Alkalinity, Cl-, TDS, F-, NO3-, SO42-, Fe2+, Ca²?, Mg²?, Na?, K? and HCO?? were tested for each sample. The concentration of iron is exceeding the permissible limit at 45% of the sample locations due to geogenic processes. Most of the parameter’s concentration is within the permissible limit as stated in IS:10500 (2012). Factor 1 of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) suggests positive loadings for Ca²? (0.962), total hardness (TH) (0.946), TDS (0.894), and HCO?? (0.876), indicating that this factor is predominantly associated with groundwater mineralisation and water–rock interaction. Factor 2 of PCA indicates strong positive loadings of Na? (0.952) and Cl? (0.952), inferring the influence of salinity-related processes and ion exchange. Factor 3 of PCA interprets strong positive loadings for NO?? (0.907) and SO?²? (0.813), inferring a possible influence of anthropogenic activities such as domestic wastewater and other surface-derived inputs. Factor 4 was dominated by Mg²? (0.866) and F? (0.716), suggesting geochemical interactions. Factor 5 shows strong positive loadings for K? (0.866) and pH (0.532. This component may reflect a relatively distinct influence of potassium-bearing minerals and anthropogenic sources, especially where potassium is associated with domestic inputs. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) recommends classification of the physicochemical parameters into five groups at a phenon line at 0.65, which is mostly related to the mineralisation and hardness characteristics of groundwater. The current study suggests that the government needs to develop a policy for the consumption of groundwater in view of rapid urbanization and protect the fresh water from anthropogenic contamination.Refference:
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