Hydro-Chemical Analysis and Sustainability of Groundwater in Coastal Kasaragod District, Kerala, India: An Integrated Approach

Abstract

Groundwater quality is a critical factor in the sustainable management of coastal water resources, particularly in regions prone to seawater intrusion and anthropogenic pressures. Using an integrated geochemical approach, this study investigates Hydro-chemical dynamics of groundwater in the coastal zones of Kasaragod, Kerala, India. Groundwater samples from key locations were analyzed using Piper, Schoeller, and Stiff diagrams, complemented by statistical techniques to assess spatial variability and Hydro-chemical facies. The study identified two dominant Hydro-chemical facies—Ca-Mg-HCO₃ and Na+K-Cl—indicating freshwater recharge in inland zones and seawater intrusion in coastal areas due to excessive groundwater extraction. Elevated sulfate levels and evidence of cation exchange further suggest anthropogenic contamination and ionic imbalance affecting groundwater quality. These findings underline the necessity for sustainable groundwater management practices, including regular monitoring, regulation of extraction, and pollution control measures, to ensure the long-term viability of groundwater resources. This study offers a framework for addressing groundwater quality challenges in coastal environments, with regional and global implications for water sustainability.