Abstract:

Groundwater serves as an essential resource in semi-arid areas such as Bagalkot District, Karnataka, but it faces increasing threats from intensive limestone quarrying activities. This research examines the seasonal fluctuations in groundwater quality adjacent to quarry sites and assesses the effects of mining operations on critical physico-chemical parameters. A total of twenty groundwater samples were gathered from bore wells at ten different locations during the pre-monsoon (March 2019) and post-monsoon (October 2018) periods. The analysis included parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), calcium, magnesium, chloride, sulphate, phosphate, and alkalinity, all conducted in accordance with established protocols.

To evaluate seasonal variations and statistical methods including Pearson’s correlation and paired t-tests were utilized. The findings indicated notable seasonal variations in pH, EC, TH, TDS, magnesium, chloride, and sulphate, with elevated concentrations typically observed in the post-monsoon season as a result of leaching and runoff. Levels of sulphate and phosphate consistently surpassed permissible thresholds, while hardness values exceeded the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recommendations at multiple sites, particularly those in proximity to quarry operations. In contrast, calcium and alkalinity did not exhibit significant seasonal changes. The results emphasize the quarrying-related degradation of groundwater quality and highlight the urgent need for enhanced monitoring, sustainable mining practices, and effective water management strategies to protect public health and ensure the long-term sustainability of groundwater resources in the area.