Hydrogeochemical Characteristics, Quality Assessment and Health Impact Analysis of Groundwater for Drinking in the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh

Groundwater is the major source of water supply for drinking in the Chittagong University (CU) campus. A comprehensive analysis, in terms of physico-chemical, geochemical, trace metals and biological parameters, was performed to ensure the suitability of groundwater for drinking. According to Piper, Chadha, Pie and Schoeller diagrams, Ca-Mg-HCO3 type water was found both in winter and summer seasons. Gibb’s plot specified that majority of the samples fell in the rock dominance. The multivariate analysis indicated that the hydrochemistry was governed by both the geogenic and anthropogenic sources. Comparison of physico-chemical factors, ionic compositions and trace metals results with standard values suggested that majority of the parameters were within the acceptable limit, except pH and Fe, for both seasons. Additionally, drinking…