Trace Element Geochemistry of Groundwater from Behedi Basin, Nasik District, Maharashtra

Abstract

Studies carried out on trace element geochemistry of groundwater from Behedi basin have shown spatial as well as temporal variations. While the spatial variations have been attributed to land use practices in the basin, the temporal changes indicated input of trace elements from soil zone due to rain-fed recharge. On the basis of spatio-temporal variations, weathering of rocks and human activity have been identified as the potential sources of trace elements in the groundwater. The budgeting of trace elements in the groundwater suggests that the rate of flushing of Cu is highest from the vadose zone to phreatic zone followed by Fe, Zn, Mn, Pb and toxic trace elements like Hg and As.