Impact of water quality parameters on the CCME index: a case study of the Eloor Industrial Belt, Kerala, India

This study evaluates groundwater quality in the Eloor Industrial Belt, Kerala, India, using CCME WQI and multi-season hydrochemical analysis. Groundwater samples from 10 open wells were collected during pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons in 2019 and 2020 and analysed for 19 physicochemical parameters, including major ions, nutrients, and heavy metals. Statistical techniques (such as correlation analysis) were applied to examine interrelationships among water quality parameters and to assess the influence of groundwater-level variability on overall water quality. The results indicate that most wells located near industrial zones exhibit marginal to poor groundwater quality, whereas wells situated in residential areas show good to excellent quality. Strong positive correlations were observed among total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, total hardness, magnesium, calcium, and chloride, reflecting dominant ionic controls linked to industrial contamination. Seasonal groundwater-level fluctuations associated with drought conditions had no statistically significant effect on CCME WQI values, suggesting that industrial pressures exert a stronger influence on groundwater quality than short-term hydrogeological variability. By integrating long-term groundwater quality data, CCME WQI assessment, and groundwater-level analysis in a climatically sensitive industrial region, this study provides novel insights into groundwater quality degradation mechanisms and offers scientifically robust evidence to support groundwater monitoring, management, and environmental policy development.