Abstract:
Groundwater was polluted mostly by sea water intrusion in coastal areas and it has an adverse effect on crop growth and productivity. Desalination using natural bioabsorbents may be economical and eco-friendly approach. Hence to utilize the organic amendments a study was undertaken to characterize the chemical constituents of various organic amendments and to find out the suitable amendment for reducing the salinity of groundwater. The results of the laboratory experiment revealed that among all the bio adsorbents, Moringa seed powder (T1) and Amla bark powder (T5) @ 0.5 per cent concentration showed a better reduction of EC in the water samples from 4.57 dS m-1 to 4.12 and 4.06 dS m-1, respectively at 144 hours of incubation. Though the moringa seed powder reduced the salt load of water but caused a foul odour on the fourth day of treatment. The Amla bark powder @ 0.5 per cent concentration were used in water having different concentrations of EC viz., 3.54 (E1), 4.91 (E2), 6.50 (E3), 8.15 (E4), 10.57 (E5) and 13.28 (E6) dS m-1. The EC of the water samples were reduced to 3.46 (E1), 4.67 (E2), 6.21 (E3), 7.69 (E4), 9.18 (E5) and 11.31 (E6) dS m-1. From the study, it is concluded the use of organic amendments also showed better results for the reduction of salt content in the groundwater samples.