Hydrochemical Analysis and Associated Health Risk Assessment of Groundwater Quality of Hisar District of Haryana, India

Abstract

Groundwater is a major drinking water resource supporting nearly half of the world's population but its quality is being compromised by various anthropogenic factors. This study provides an in-depth analysis of groundwater quality in Hisar district, Haryana, India by integrating hydrogeochemical parameters and advanced analytical techniques. It evaluates the groundwater quality using samples collected from 76 locations (wells, tube wells, and hand pumps) in the pre-monsoon season. Groundwater Quality Index (GWQI) and Fuzzy GWQI (FGWQI) assessments depicted water quality varying from “unsuitable” to “excellent” across the district. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were employed to isolate the underlying geogenic and anthropogenic factors, while saturation indices computed via PHREEQC confirmed the supersaturation and active precipitation of carbonate minerals. A random forest-based sensitivity analysis quantified the relative influence of individual parameters on the computed indices. The hydrochemical evaluation indicated that the dominant hydrogeochemical process influencing groundwater quality is water–rock interaction and Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–HCO₃⁻ is the dominant water type. Chloro-alkaline index analysis highlighted an exchange of sodium and potassium ions in the groundwater with magnesium and calcium ions in the aquifer matrix. A 5-year historical validation (2019–2023) using pixel-wise linear regression trend mapping revealed zones of continuous degradation concentrated in the core urban and intensely cultivated regions. Health risk was also assessed using target hazard quotients and hazard index which indicated associated noncarcinogenic health risks especially for children. The study's findings will help policy-makers in decision-making and formulating plans related to the problems associated with groundwater management.