1Department of Studies in Earth science and Department of Studies in Geography, Manasagangotri, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka, India.
2Department of Studies in Geology, University of Bangalore, Bangalore 570001, Karnataka, India.
*Email: mayanaga_raju@yahoo.co.in
Online published on 3 January, 2012.
Information about vulnerability of groundwater to contamination is essential to facilitate groundwater planning and management. The vulnerability of shallow groundwater to contamination in and around part of Cauvery basin between Mettur dam and Erode town, Tamil Nadu, India, is evaluated using the “LGRSIDWQ” method within a Geographic Information System (GIS). “LGRSIDWQ” parameters are calculated from geological, soil and elevation contour maps and groundwater level data of the study area and thematic maps are prepared. Finally, the maps are integrated through the “LGRSIDWQ” model within the GIS to demarcate vulnerable zones. In the present study, “LGRSIDWQ” indices for both generic industrialmunicipal and pesticide pollutants are derived and vulnerability maps for both classes are prepared. The result of the study shows that 50 percent of the area is highly vulnerable to industrial and municipal pollutants and more than 81 percent of the area is highly vulnerable to industrial waste pollutants.
GIS, demarcate, pollutants, integrated, contour, model
