Evaluation of Water Quality in the Agricultural Fields Surrounding the Rajpura Dariba Mining Region

Sneha Keelka, Neha Jain, Prachi Jain, Mukesh Kumar Sharma, Pallavi Kaushik

Abstract: The areas surrounding the mining region often bear the increased burden of mining waste, even with the implementation of waste management practices. Heavy metal contamination and disturbance in normal physicochemical characteristics pose a serious threat to the ecosystem. Consequently, regular monitoring and management of susceptible environmental systems are essential to prevent the harmful effects of waste exposure on local flora and fauna. This instigated the inception of the present study to assess the water quality indices (WQI) in the region surrounding the Rajpura Dariba mining area, in Rajsamand district, Rajasthan, India. Water samples were collected from croplands and dumping sites near the mining area during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. These samples were analysed for quality parameters like pH, EC (Electrical conductivity), TDS (total dissolved solids), Cl- (chloride), TH (Total Hardness), Mg+2 (Magnesium), Ca+2(Calcium), and F- (fluoride), using standard procedures. The samples were also assessed for lead, Cadmium and Zinc contamination levels using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) methods. The results indicate that the water quality parameters significantly deviated from the standards established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Furthermore, the water quality indices suggest that the water samples are of poor quality and unsuitable for drinking purposes. Hence, the study concludes that the water in this area needs to be treated before being used for agricultural and domestic purposes to prevent severe toxicological implications.

Keywords: Rajpura Dariba, Water quality, Heavy metal, toxicological implications, WQI

How to Cite?: Sneha Keelka, Neha Jain, Prachi Jain, Mukesh Kumar Sharma, Pallavi Kaushik, "Evaluation of Water Quality in the Agricultural Fields Surrounding the Rajpura Dariba Mining Region", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1546-1552, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25827135814, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25827135814