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Procedia Environmental Sciences 35 (2016) 328 – 336

International Conference on Solid Waste Management, 5IconSWM 2015

Assessment of Groundwater Quality in and around the

Jawaharnagar Municipal Solid Waste Dumping Site at Greater
Hyderabad, Southern India
R.M. Kurakalva a,*, K.K. Aradhib, K.Y. Mallela c, S. Venkatayogi d*
a
Senior Scientist, CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, India
b
Scientist, CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, India
c
Postgraduate Student, Department of Environmental Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
d
Profeesor & Principal, University College of Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and population growth are largely responsible for exponentially increasing rate of solid waste in the urban
areas. The proper management and recycling is a major problem of Municipal Corporation which is great concern of human
health and environment. The purpose of this study is to assess groundwater contamination in and around of Jawaharnagar
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) dumping site due to heavy metals and its relationship between hydrochemical data. Groundwater
samples were collected from the wells located in the vicinity of the dumping site and its surrounds in a watershed. The samples
were analyzed for physicochemical properties as well as for major ion concentrations such as Ca 2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, CO32ˉ, HCO3ˉ,
Clˉ, NO3ˉ, Fˉ and SO42ˉ using ion chromatograph. Results suggest the high concentrations of major ions such as Ca2+, Mg2+, and
F- is observed in groundwater indicating differential weathering of minerals present in granite rocks in the study area. A good
number of samples are showing higher values for NO3ˉ than that of World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water guideline
values. This demonstrates the oxidation of ammonia and similar sources from lechates originating from municipal solid waste of
the study area. Further, heavy metals such as Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn are analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-
Mass Spectrometer. The data revealed elevated concentrations of Arsenic (0.04-0.36 ppb), Cadmium (0.00-0.09 ppb), Chromium
(24.0–28.0 ppb), Copper (0.61–2.9 ppb), Iron (11.99-35.26 ppb), Manganese (1.04-107.2 ppb), Lead (0.19-1.32 ppb) and Zinc
(1.49 –49.59 ppb). The present study demands proper management of landfill site and municipal solid waste to reduce further
groundwater contamination via percolation of toxic substances.
© 2016
© 2016TheTheAuthors.
Authors. Published
Published by Elsevier
by Elsevier B.V. B.V.
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
([Link]
Peer-review under responsibility ofthe organizing committee of 5IconSWM 2015.
Peer-review under responsibility of the organizing committee of 5IconSWM 2015

* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: krngri@[Link]

1878-0296 © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
([Link]
Peer-review under responsibility of the organizing committee of 5IconSWM 2015
doi:10.1016/[Link].2016.07.013
 R.M. Kurakalva et al. / Procedia Environmental Sciences 35 (2016) 328 – 336 329

Keywords:MSW, Groundwater Quality, Jawaharnagar, Hyderabad;

1. Introduction

The generation of solid waste has become an increasing environmental and public health problem everywhere
in the world, particularly in the developing countries. The rapid expansions of urban, industrial and commercial
activities prompted by rapid population growth are the major cause for producing huge amounts of solid wastes. The
quality of the municipal solid waste (MSW) depends on various factors such change in the life style, food habit,
standard of living and cultural tradition of inhabitants and climate. The quantities of MSW generation rate both in
terms of per day and per capita basis for the seven most important metros cities as shown in Fig.1 in accordance
with CPCB report [1]. Further, Indian Ministry of Urban Development has estimated waste generation is about
100,000 MT in its manual on solid waste management. It is observed in most of the Indian cities dispose off their
waste simply by open dumping and only few (94) landfill sites have been constructed/operational in the country out
of which 34 new landfills have been constructed during 2014 that exhibits the threat on environment [2]. Lack of
appropriate MSW management leads to significant soil, water, air and aesthetic pollution which is associated human
health problems, as well as an increase in greenhouse gas emissions [3]. Further, if the solid waste disposal facilities
are not properly designed these landfill sites has further contributed to environmental degradation especially the
groundwater resources. Landfills have been identified as one of the major threats to groundwater resources areas
near landfills have a greater possibility of groundwater contamination because of the potential pollution source of
leachates originating from nearby sites [4-7]. It has been observed few studies reported impact of landfill on
groundwater quality and no detailed report on the present site to the best of our knowledge. The present study made
an attempt to evaluate impact of groundwater contamination due to heavy metals and its relationship between
hydrochemical data in and around of Jawaharnagar Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) dumping site.

Fig. [Link] generation rate per day for the seven major metro cities of India

2. Materials and methods

2.1 Study area:

2.1.1 Description of the study area

The Jawaharnagar municipal solid waste dumping site and its surroundings is under urban local body called
330 R.M. Kurakalva et al. / Procedia Environmental Sciences 35 (2016) 328 – 336

Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Hyderabad. The area under investigation belongs to Ranga
Reddy district of Telangana with coordinates between 17°26’ N to 17°34' N latitude and 78°32.5’ E to 78° 40' E
longitude. The area falls in the Survey of India (SoI) topographic map number 56K/10 to a scale of 1:50,000 in order
to understand the extent of groundwater contamination (Figure 2).

The Jawaharnagar dumping yard utilizes an “Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Management Scheme” started in
2010 by GHMC to manage the waste disposal in the city. The city produces around 4,500 metric tonnes of solid
waste everyday, which is transported from three collection units located in Imlibun, Yousufguda and lower Tank
Bund to the garbage dumping site of Jawaharnagar. The site is 35 km away from Hyderabad city, 10.5 km away
from the state Highway connecting Hyderabad- Nagpur in West direction from the boundary of the project site. The
various processes such as rag picking and incineration are practicing at dumping sites as shown Figure 3.

2.1.2 Total Waste Generation

The average daily waste generation from GHMC is around 5454 TPD, with a per capita generation of about 648 g
per day as on year 2011 and it is expected that the daily waste should be 9201 TPD, with a per capita generation of
about 739 g per day by 2021 [8]. The solid waste management project at the Jawaharnagar dump yard on the city
outskirts is runs by RamkyEnviro Engineers Ltd. Hyderabad has multiple violations of environmental laws and
causing health hazards. For example, the foul smell emanating from the dumping yard has been taking a toll on the
health of over 1 lakh residents of the nearby colonies. The stench is distinctly noticeable even in the residential areas
about 7-8 km from the dumping yard [9].

2.1.3 Sampling and analytical methodology

The sampling locations were selected for comprehensive analysis to cover the entire study area. Water samples
were collected from bore wells in the study area during November 2012. Total 12 groundwater samples were
collected in polythene bottles from various wells in the study area. The locations of water samples were recorded
using handheld Garmin GPS in the study area and shown in Figure 2. The samples were analyzed for various
parameters according to the standard methods [10]. The pH, EC and TDS of water samples were measured in-situ
using portable meters (Eutech Instruments, model: pHTester10, ECTester11 + and TDSTester11+ respectively).
Bicarbonate and carbonate were analyzed by classical volumetric method. Major cations such as calcium,
magnesium, sodium, potassium [11] and anions like chloride, nitrate, sulphate, fluoride [12] were analyzed by Ion
chromatography (Metrohm, Model: 882 Compact IC plus).

3. Results and discussion

3.1 Hydrochemistry of groundwater:

The groundwater hydrogeochemistry is primarily controlled by water-rock interactions as well as anthropogenic

pollution. Thus, the various indices were evaluated to understand the hydrogeochemistry of groundwater in the
study area and summary of analytical results of are presented in Table 1. Physicochemical parameters such as pH,
EC, TDS, major anions, cations and toxic metals were included for discussion. Results showed that the pH value is
with an average of 7.04 exceeding from the standards prescribed for compost in Municipal Solid Waste
(Management and Control) Rules 2000. This may be due some basic contents in the waste. However, its higher
range accelerates the scale formations in water heating apparatus either in industrial or domestic purposes. The
average EC value is 897 µS/cm while average TDS value1589 mg/L is observed.

From the data of alkalis (Na+ and K+) and alkaline earths (Ca2+ and Mg2+), reveal that high concentration of
Ca2+ than others with following order Ca>Na>Mg>K . In contrast, the increased Na + concentration and decreased
Ca2+ and Mg2+ values can be explained by the probability of the loss of Ca 2+ and Mg2+ and gain of Na+ by the cation
exchange process [13]. Among the various anions (Table 1) determined in groundwater samples, HCO 3ˉ, Clˉ, SO42ˉ
are the major anions identified in the groundwater (Cl> HCO3>SO4). This could be due to available carbonates in
 R.M. Kurakalva et al. / Procedia Environmental Sciences 35 (2016) 328 – 336 331

the rocks might have been dissolved and added to the groundwater system during irrigation, rainfall infiltration and
groundwater movement increases the bicarbonate [14]. Further, an increased chloride concentration may be due to
the process of the removal of other ions from the system as sampling done during post monsoon, either by
precipitation or by adsorption. The high content of chloride in water causes salinity related problems.

India

Fig. [Link] map of study area with groundwater sampling locations

332 R.M. Kurakalva et al. / Procedia Environmental Sciences 35 (2016) 328 – 336

Fig. [Link] of Jawaharnagar dump yard near Hyderabad under Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC)

Table 1:Summary statistics of the analytical data

Concentration
Water quality Parameter
Min Max Average
Physicochemical parameters
pH 6.7 7.4 7.04
Ec (µS/cm) 196 1930 897
TDS (mg/L) 778 3070 1589
Cations (mg/L)
Ca2+ 53.78 191.97 107.85
Mg2+ 18.01 93.79 47.27
Na+ 65.41 164.99 95.90
+
K 0.12 14.54 3.07
 R.M. Kurakalva et al. / Procedia Environmental Sciences 35 (2016) 328 – 336 333

Concentration
Water quality Parameter
Min Max Average
Anions (mg/L)
HCO3 143.80 451.40 270.80
Clˉ 53.28 665.90 288.90
NO3ˉ 0.25 439.21 133.01
SO42ˉ 13.64 167.15 78.19
ˉ
F 0.37 2.64 1.25
Heavy metals (µg/L)
As 0.04 0.36 0.10
Cd 0.00 0.09 0.03
Cr 24.0 28.0 25.70
Cu 0.61 167.15 78.19
Fe 0.37 2.9 1.28
Mn 1.04 107.2 22.74
Pb 0.19 1.32 0.58
Zn 1.49 49.59 13.10

3.2 Water quality assessment:

According to the notification issued by Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) on
25th September, 2000, usage of groundwater in and around landfill sites for any purpose both drinking and irrigation
is to be considered after ensuring its quality.

Accordingly, the analytical results of ground water samples (Table 2) were compared with the Bureau of Indian
Standards (BIS) drinking water specifications [15] to assess the groundwater quality. The various key parameters
are considered and discussed in detail below in order to assess the suitability of the groundwater for use either for
drinking or irrigation purpose.

The prescribed limit of pH for drinking purpose given by Bureau of Indian Standards is 6.5-8.5. In the study
area, most of the groundwater has pH value within the prescribed limits indicating its suitability for drinking.
Classifications of electrical conductivity of groundwater in study area are given in Table 3. It is found that 33.33%
of the samples are within the permissible limits and 58.33% samples fall in not permissible limit but they are
marginally poor in quality and only 8.33% of the sample location can be classified as hazardous according to the
WHO guideline values [16]. The groundwater is classified depending upon their TDS values [17,18] and the data
are presented in Table 4 representing that 100% of the sample are exceeding 500 mg/L of TDS [17] which cannot be
used for drinking. The results further demonstrated that the groundwater of the area is fresh water type for 16.66%
as well as the 83.33 % of the samples represent brackish water in accordance with Freeze and Cherry classification
[18] (Table 5).
Total hardness (TH) of groundwater samples in the present study exhibited minimum content of 120 to a
maximum of 525 mg/L with an average of 290 mg/l. Please note that the maximum allowable limit of TH for
drinking purpose is 500 mg/L and the most desirable limit is 100 mg/L as per the WHO standard. The spatial
distribution of hardness shows higher concentrations were observed in the central part of the study area (i.e.
Kampally and surroundings). According to the Sawyer and McMacartly [19] classification, 16.66% of samples fall
in the hard category, on the other hand 41.66% of the samples falls in very hard category (Table 6) are not suitable
for drinking.
334 R.M. Kurakalva et al. / Procedia Environmental Sciences 35 (2016) 328 – 336

Table [Link] samples of the study area exceeding the permissible limits prescribed by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

BIS* Ref [15]

No. of samples % of samples Drinking Water Specification
Parameter Units exceeding exceeding IS:10500 :2012
Acceptable Limits Acceptable Limits Requirement Permissible Limit in the
(Acceptable Limit) absence of alternate source
pH -- -- -- 6.5-8.5 No relaxation
EC µS/cm -- -- -- --
TDS mg/L 12 100.00 500 2000
Calcium mg/L 10 83.33 -- --
Magnesium mg/L 9 75.00 -- --
Sodium mg/L -- -- -- --
Potassium mg/L -- -- -- --
Total Hardness mg/L 6 50.00 200 600
(as CaCO3)
Fluoride (as F-) mg/L 8 66.66 1.0 1.5
Chloride (as Cl-) mg/L 9 75.00 250 1000
Sulphate (as SO4) mg/L -- -- 200 400
Nitrate (as NO3) mg/L 7 58.33 45 No relaxation
Arsenic µg/L -- -- -- --
Cadmium µg/L -- -- 0.003 No relaxation
Chromium µg/L -- -- -- --
Copper µg/L -- -- 0.05 1.5
Nickel µg/L -- -- 0.02 No relaxation
Manganese µg/L 1 8.33 -- --
Lead µg/L -- -- 0.01 No relaxation
Zinc µg/L -- -- 5 15

b.d.l: below detection limit

Table 3. Groundwater classification based on electrical conductivity

EC us/cm Classification Sample No. No. of samples % of samples

<1500 Permissible 1,3,6, and10 4 33.33

1500-3000 Not permissible 2,4,5,7,9,11,12 7 58.33

>3000 Hazardous 10 1 8.33

Total 12 100
 R.M. Kurakalva et al. / Procedia Environmental Sciences 35 (2016) 328 – 336 335

Table 4. Groundwater classification based on TDS (Davis and De Wiest 1966)

TDS (mg/l) Classification Samples No. of samples % of samples

<500 Desirables
for drinking Nil Nil Nil

500-1000 Permissible
for drinking 1 and 10 2 16.66

1000-3000 Useful
for irrigation 2,3,4,5,6 9 75.00
7 and 9
>3000 Unfit
for drinking
and irrigation 8 1 8.33%

Total ----- ---- 12 100

Table 5. Groundwater classification of all groundwater based on TDS (Freeze and Cherry 1979)

TDS (mg/l) Classification Sample No. No. of samples % of samples

<1000 Fresh water type 1 and 10 2 16.66

1000-10000 Brackish water type 2,3,4,5,6 10 83.33

7,8 and 9

10000-100,000 Saline water type Nil Nil Nil

>100,000 Brine water type Nil Nil Nil

Total 12 100

Table [Link] classification based on hardness (Sawyer and McMcartly 1967)

Total Hardness as Classification Sample No. No. of samples %of samples

COCO3 (mg/l)
<75 Soft Nil Nil Nil

75-150 Moderately 2,4,8,10,11 5 41.66

High

150-300 Hard 3,9 2 16.66

>300 Very hard 1,5,6,7,12 5 41.66

Total 33 100

The analytical data on cations demonstrated that 83.33% and 75 % of the samples with Ca 2+ and
Mg2+concentration are exceeding the BIS limits, whereas Na+ and K+ concentrations is within permissible limits.
This may be due to the ion exchange process occurring in the aquifer. The permissible limit for bicarbonate (i.e. 300
mg/l) is exceeded in majority of the samples which confirm that all carbonate minerals are dissolved in the
groundwater. This is further evidence that no carbonate is detected in all the groundwater samples investigated.
Fifty eight percent of groundwater samples are showing higher values for nitrate than that of the WHO permissible
limit of drinking water [16]. The common sources of nitrate in water are the leachates from the landfill sites whether
in use or abandoned, local agricultural field, domestic sewage [Link] concentration varies between 0.37 to 2.64
mg/l with average 1.25 mg/l which is slightly higher concentration in some samples. However, the average
concentration falls within permissible limit of 1.5 mg/l according to BIS limits. Chloride content in groundwater
varies between 53.28 mg/l and 665.90 mg/l with an average of 288.90 mg/l indicating 75 % of the samples are
exceeding acceptable limits. Sulfate in the study area is found to be within the acceptable limit of 200 mg/l as per
BIS standards.
336 R.M. Kurakalva et al. / Procedia Environmental Sciences 35 (2016) 328 – 336

Heavy metal are the major indicator of anothropogenic impact which having various sources like dry deposition
from incineration plants, industrial effluents traffic activities and landfill leachate etc. Therefore monitoring of
heavy metals which are toxic in nature are concern to assess the landfill impact on groundwater quality. The results
of metal analysis of groundwater reveal that all the toxic metals are nearly falls within the prescribed standard
except Mn in few samples. The low concentration is perhaps due to its requirement for several microbial enzymatic
activities. It appears that there is no indicator compound(s) that is unique to landfill leachate which is not presented
in uncontaminated water.

Conclusions

Groundwater quality assessment studies around Jawaharnagar municipal solid waste dumping site indicating
that the pollution source is dominated over natural process in the vicinity of studied area. However the excess
nitrate contamination is expected due landfill activities. Heavy metals in all the samples are found within the
permissible limits of drinking water guideline values. This study further suggested that the leachate, soil and
sediments from surrounding water bodies needs to be monitored to evaluate the vulnerability of groundwater
contamination in the study area.

Acknowledgement

The authors are grateful to Director, CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad for his kind
permission for publishing this work and financial support from the CSIR-NGRI (Project code: MLP-6601-
28(KRM). We are thankful for the support rendered from the project staff namely [Link] and
[Link] Kata in fieldwork and data processing.

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