SUITABILITY ANALYSIS OF IRRIGATION WATER FROM THE SPRINGS OF DEUMAI KHOLA WATERSHED, ILAM, NEPAL

Abstract

This study was aimed to assess the quality of groundwater from the springs of Deumai khola watershed, Ilam, Nepal, for the suitability in irrigation purposes. A total of 11 samples were gathered and examined during the PRM season. These samples were obtained from various springs. The investigation focused on determining the physicochemical characteristics, including EC, TDS, pH level, %Na, temperature, SAR, total hardness, alkalinity, total iron content, and the concentration of major ions such as Na+ , K + , Ca2+ , Mg2+ , NO3 - , SO4 2- and Cl- . The ground water of the research area was somewhat alkaline to marginally acidic with average pH of 7.47. The average value of EC and TDS was observed 110.82 µS/cm and 53.73 mg/L respectively. The determination of concentration of chemical parameters was performed by using spectrophotometric method, flame photometric method and titration method. The average value of %Na and SAR was found to be 29.44 and 0.56 respectively. Also, the abundance order of major cations was; Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ and that for anions was; Cl- > NO3 - > SO4 2- . All of the parameters met the requirements set forth by the FAO for irrigation water.