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Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution. Vol. 22, No. 1 (2025), pp. 134-148.
doi: 10.36922/ajwep.8142

ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE

Assessment of groundwater quality in Patna
district, Bihar, India, using the Water Quality Index

method (Canadian Council of Ministers of the

Environment method)

Bandana Mahto , Premlata Singh * and Baboo Rai 3
2
1
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Patna Campus, Patna, Bihar, India
2 Department of Mathematics , Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Patna Campus, Patna, Bihar, India
3 Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Patna, Bihar, India
*Corresponding author: Premlata Singh (psingh@bitmesra.ac.in)

Received: December 23, 2024; Revised: March 2, 2025; Accepted: March 4, 2025; Published online: March 20, 2025

Abstract: In this study, we assessed the groundwater quality in Patna district, Bihar, India, using the Water Quality
Index (WQI) method, specifically the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment approach. Secondary
data from various agencies (2004 – 2020) were analyzed to evaluate physicochemical parameters and spatial-
temporal trends. Results indicated that while most samples fell within the permissible limits, samples from some
locations showed elevated pH, electrical conductivity, hardness, alkalinity, chloride, and nitrate, suggesting
localized contamination from natural and anthropogenic sources. Piper diagram analysis reveals Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-HCO₃
−
dominance, pointing to carbonate rock dissolution, with some influence from agricultural and industrial activities.
WQI classification categorized 76% of samples as fair to excellent, whereas 24% were marginal to poor. A heatmap
analysis highlighted an improvement in water quality after 2012, though water from some stations remained
persistently poor. Quantum geographic information system-based spatial mapping using the inverse distance
weighting technique effectively visualized pollution hotspots and safe water zones. In conclusion, findings from the
study underscore the need for regular monitoring, pollution control, advanced treatment methods, and sustainable
groundwater management to ensure safe drinking water.
Keywords: Groundwater; Contamination; Water quality index; Quantum geographic information system;
Spatial mapping

1. Introduction wells. Groundwater is a primary source of drinking
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water for billions of people worldwide. Ecologically,
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Groundwater is one of the most widely distributed groundwater supports aquatic habitats, maintains river
resources on Earth, accounting for approximately 0.6% flows, and aids vegetation growth, especially in arid
of the world’s total water resources. It is also the largest regions. Groundwater also regulates soil moisture,
1
1,6
source of freshwater, making up around 30.1%. As a preventing desertification. In addition, groundwater
2
1,2
valuable economic resource, groundwater provides over serves as a buffer against droughts and climate change,
85% of public water supplies, primarily sourced from ensuring water availability in times of crisis. 1,2

Volume 22 Issue 1 (2025) 134 doi: 10.36922/ajwep.8142