Assessment of borehole water quality in different areas of the Musahari block, Muzaffarpur

Abstract

Borehole water is the most precious natural resource on Earth. It is widely used for drinking and other anthropogenic activities. The deteriorating quality of borehole water is becoming an important concern. This study focuses on the quality of borehole water in the Musahari Block of Muzaffarpur. Fifteen water samples were collected during the pre-monsoon season and analyzed for physicochemical parameters, including pH, TDS, TA, turbidity, EC, TH, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, As, Fe²⁺, F⁻, and a microbial parameter, namely total coliform, measured using standard procedures to assess its current quality status. The results obtained from the sample analysis were compared with the drinking water quality standards set by BIS and WHO. The analysis revealed elevated levels of physicochemical parameters such as TDS, alkalinity, turbidity, and iron, while some parameters fell below the acceptable range, underscoring the need for improved water treatment. Therefore, suitable mitigation measures should be adopted to enhance the water quality in the polluted area. The health risks associated with these parameters were also assessed.