Exploration of Groundwater Quality in Coastal Areas of Thanjavur and Thiruvarur Districts, Tamil Nadu, India

This study examines the groundwater quality in the coastal areas of Thanjavur and Tiruvarur districts of Tamil Nadu, focusing on key physicochemical parameters to assess its suitability for human consumption. Groundwater in this region plays a vital role in sustaining livelihoods, but many areas are under increasing threatened from salinity intrusion and anthropogenic activities. Sixteen groundwater samples were collected from different locations and analyzed for 12 physical and chemical parameters using standard procedures. The results indicate significant spatial and seasonaldifferences in groundwater quality, with TDS and chloride concentrations exceeding permissible limits in some areas. The highest TDS (3200 mg/l) was recorded in Sethupavasatram (SG11) during the northeast monsoon, while the highest total hardness (875 mg/l) was observed in Senthalaivayal (SG13) and chloride concentration (750 mg/l) in Ammanichatram (SG12) during the pre-monsoon period. These findings underscore the need for sustainable groundwater management practices and policy interventions to ensure long-term reliability of water resources and reduce pollution in these coastal districts.