International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 4, Issue 6, June-2013 863 ISSN 2229-5518 IJSER © 2013 http://www.ijser.org ASSESSMENT OF GROUND WATER QUALITY INDEX (WQI) IN AND AROUND BALGOPALPUR INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, BALASORE, ODISHA, INDIA Kausik Kumar Das, Tanuja Panigrahi, Bita Mohanty & Dr. R.B. Panda Abstract: To assess the quality index of ground water in and around Balgopalpur Industrial Estate, water samples from 30 different locations were collected spreading over a period of three seasons in the year (2011-2012) namely post monsoon, winter and summer season (July2011-June2012). The index of water quality was assess by measuring various physic-chemical parameter such as pH, Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), Total Hardness (TH), Total Alkalinity (TA), Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Iron and Chloride content. After analysis of WQI, all the samples indicates that water of all location is not acceptable for direct consumption and is not within the permissible limit. The Pump house water may be use for direct consumption which is nearly equal to the permissible limit. Other some samples were also can be used for drinking purpose after treatment. Key words: WQI, Permissible Limit, Balgopalpur Industrial Estate, Physico-chemical Parameter. 1 INTRODUCTION “Water” the elixir of life referred as nature was worshiped since Vedic days. The Rig-Veda depicts that water functions as givers and sustainers of life. Ground water is a gift of nature. About 210billion m3 including recharge through infiltration seepage and evaporation. Ground water is the main source of drinking water [1]. Ground water accounts for drinking and irrigation as it is the easily available source in Balgopalpur Industrial Area. The presence of higher concentration (i.e. above permissible limit) of any ion in ground water indicates pollution of ground water. Today human activities are constantly adding industrial, domestic and agricultural waste to ground water reservoirs at an alarming rate [2]. Disposal of industrial effluent and sewage into fresh water cause ground water pollution [3]. The rapid growth of urban areas has adversely affected the ground water quality due to over exploitation of resources and improper waste disposal practices. With growing industrial sectors, urban areas also developed near the industrial areas. So, the consumption of fresh water is increased day-by-day. Kausik Kumar Das, Research Scholar P.G. Dept. Of Environmental Science, F.M. University, Balasore-756020, Odisha, India E-mail:-kausikkumar9@gmail.com Tanuja Panigrahi, Bita Mohanty, Research Scholar P.G. Dept. Of Environmental Science, F.M. University, Balasore-756020, Odisha, India E-mail:-bita.mohanty@gmail.com E-mail:-tanuja.panigrahi237@gmail.com Dr. R.B. Panda, Associate Professor in P.G. Dept. Of Environmental Science, F.M. University, Balasore-756020, Odisha, India E-mail:-rb_panda07@rediffmail.com Ground water contamination is generally irreversible i.e. once it is contaminated it is difficult to restore the original water quality of the aquifer. Pollution of ground water resources has become a major problem today. Water quality is a major factor in determining the welfare of the society. The presence of various toxic substances in the water bodies causes health hazards. A regular monitoring of water bodies with required number of parameters vis-a-vis the quality of water not only prevents outbreak of disease and occurrence of other health hazards but also checks the water from further deterioration and there by protects it. Water Quality Index (WQI) is one of the most effective expressions which reflect a composite influence of contributing factors on the quality of water for any water system [4]. Therefore the present work deals with WQI of drinking water collected from various locations of Balasore district, Odisha, India (Fig-1). The Index is based on Tiwari and Mishra (1985), [5], Singh (1992), [6] and Yazadandoost and Katdare (2000), [7], [1]. 2 STUDY AREA Balasore is one of the coastal districts of Odisha. It lies on the northern most part of the state having 21 degree 03' to 21 degree 59' North Latitude & 86 degree 20' to 87 degree 29' East Longitude (Fig-2). Geographical area of the district is 3634 sq.km. As per the 2001 Census, the population of this area is 2023000 [8]. The climate of Balasore district is mostly hot and humid. The relative humidity is 55% during June to September, 28% in October to March and 20% during April to May. The soil type of the study area is IJSER