Identification of Controlling Factors of Groundwater Chemistry in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2026.v11.n05.008Keywords:
KMA, Groundwater, Multivariate techniques, Principal component AnalysisAbstract
The present study assesses seasonal variations and controlling factors in groundwater quality in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area using descriptive statistics and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Twenty-two physicochemical and microbial parameters were analyzed for both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The results reveal significant seasonal variation in groundwater quality due to the combined influence of geogenic and anthropogenic processes. During the pre-monsoon season, groundwater quality is mainly controlled by salinity and mineral dissolution, hardness and microbial contamination, organic pollution and fluoride enrichment, and sulfate enrichment. In the post-monsoon season, additional processes such as nutrient pollution, nitrate and fluoride influence, alkalinity and sodium enrichment, and microbial contamination become more prominent due to rainfall recharge and contaminant leaching. Several stations, particularly Stations 6, 7, 9, 13, 16, 20, and 21, show severe groundwater quality deterioration due to the influence of multiple contamination processes. The study highlights the strong seasonal and spatial variability of groundwater quality in the study area and emphasizes the need for effective groundwater management and pollution control strategies.
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