Quality and Suitability of the Ground Water at Mirzapur Area of Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

M. R. Zaman*, R. A. Bahu+, A. Yousuf

Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi- 6205 (Bangladesh)

Physicochemical characteristics of groundwater from twenty (hand tube wells) sampling points were determined during the months of October and November 2002. The values obtained were compared with standards prescribed by BWPCB and WHO. The water samples were examined by measuring the values of the physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness and total alkalinity. The odour and colour of the water samples were also examined. The concentrations of various toxic and nontoxic elements like Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and As were measured along with the concentrations of some selected anions such as HCO3-, Cl- and SO4-2. Analyses of the water samples collected show that the groundwater of the area is alkaline in nature. Bicarbonate ions among anions and iron ions among cations are dominant constituent.

Water quality of Rajshahi city; Bangladesh