Assessment of mine water quality for domestic and irrigation purposes, Neyveli coal mine region, Southern India

Abstract

Fourteen mine water samples were collected from mine water channels to assess the water quality for domestic and irrigation purposes. The pH of the mine water is moderately acidic to slightly basic. The major ion contents of the mine water suggest that the water is suitable for irrigation and domestic purposes. The calcium and magnesium concentration in the mine water may be derived from the dissolution of halites and dolomites. Whereas, the concentration of phosphate may be derived from agricultural practices and the application of phosphate fertilizers. Based on the Piper diagram, the major water types are mixed CaNaHCO₃, mixed CaMgCl followed by CaCl. The evaporation process is the main controlling factor that governs the water quality. Wilcox diagram of mine water shows the majority of the samples falling under the good to permissible and the permissible to doubtful category. The irrigation and domestic water quality standard calculation suggest that all the samples fall under the suitable category. However, most of the samples fall under the high salinity – low sodium hazard category. The comparative results suggest that the majority of the major ion concentration is similar to water data studied by various workers in this region.