Groundwater Quality of Aligarh District of Uttar Pradesh

Groundwater samples from eight irrigation wells, five domestic wells (depth 4 to 36 m) and two canals (both rural and urban) used for irrigation and drinking purposes were analysed for nutrients, heavy metals and pesticides during the period 1996–97. The results indicate that pH, alkalinity, NO₃, F, PO₄ and CI⁻, Zn, Al, Cu, Fe and Pb were within the tolerance limits, while Cr and Cd were at threshold level. The concentration of heavy metals was higher in domestic wells than in irrigation wells and concentration of heavy metals decreased with increase in the depth of well. Concentration of pesticides, viz. HCH, 2,4-D, malathion, parathion, aldrin/dieldrin were within the recommended limits, while DDT was beyond the limit.