Community-Engaged Research on Water Quality Analysis and Environmental Risk Zone (ERZ) Mapping using GIS and Neuro- Fuzzy Models in Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, India

Water, a basic amenity and universal solvent, is utilized by the population. Physicochemical analysis of the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu was performed to evaluate its suitability for potable purposes. The quality of groundwater was determined through the analysis of pH, electrical conductivity, sulfate content, nitrate content, total hardness, calcium content, magnesium content, sodium content, and total dissolved solids. The results were computed and compared with WHO and BIS water quality standards. In several regions, the permissible limits of electrical conductivity, sulfate, nitrate, magnesium, total hardness, and other parameters were exceeded. High concentrations of these parameters may be attributed to urbanization, saline water intrusion, and the influence of sewage. The obtained results suggest the need for regular monitoring of groundwater quality in this study area to prevent further contamination. A neurofuzzy weighted algorithm was applied to assign weights to each geochemical parameter, culminating in an environmental risk zone assessment. This emphasizes the critical need for ongoing evaluation and proactive measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of groundwater resources in the region. The current research is validated with the field data collected from local community people of Ramanathapuram district. This research portraits the current scenario of groundwater in the study area and it necessitates the government to take measures, awareness and policies related to the improvement of groundwater quality.