GROUNDWATER CHEMISTRY OF SHALLOW AQUIFERS IN THE COASTAL ZONES OF COCHIN, INDIA

Abstract. The coastal aquifers of Kerala, India experience severe degradation of water quality due to various anthropogenic activities. An attempt is made here to study the groundwater chemistry of aquifers, which lie along the coastal zone of central Kerala. Results in general indicated that the groundwaters in the shallow aquifers were found to be deteriorated. Based on Hill-Piper trilinear diagram it is confirmed that some of the dug wells were characterised by high amount of sodium and chloride (>200 mg/l) indicating the influence of saline water incursion. The presence of E. coli in all dug wells indicated potentially dangerous fecal contaminations, which require immediate attention. The study further raises points for the need of action for a sustainable utilization of precious resources