Assessment of Irrigation Water Quality of the River Cauvery and Its Distributaries in Tamil Nadu, India through Hydrochemical Analysis
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The river Cauvery and its tributaries are vital for irrigation in Tamil Nadu, India, but face pollution from anthropogenic activities, raising concerns about water suitability. This study analyzed water samples from the river Cauvery and its distributaries in the Tiruchirappalli district across four seasons to assess irrigation suitability using hydrochemical parameters. The results showed that parameters such as Electrical Conductivity (EC), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) were within permissible limits for irrigation. The Koolayar channel exhibited slightly elevated chemical levels compared to other distributaries in both summer (EC: 960 µS/cm, Cl: 174 mg/l, Ca: 120 mg/l & Na: 112 mg/l) and winter (EC: 996 µS/cm, Cl: 149 mg/l & Na: 106.6 mg/l). Piper diagram analysis revealed that chloride dominance, particularly in summer season. Overall, the river Cauvery and its distributaries remain suitable for irrigation despite localized pollution. These findings support sustainable water management and agricultural practices in the study region.
