Isotopic characterization of groundwater system in Northern Gujarat, India

The groundwater related problems in India are increasing day by day. Total 54 % of India is facing severe groundwater quality and quantity issues. The issues are far bigger in North Western part of the country. Studies indicate that the situation is going to take more serious turns in the upcoming future due to rapid increase in groundwater exploitation. For the proper management of groundwater resources in this area it is very important to understand the recharge system and the effect of monsoon rains in groundwater recharge process. For the last few decades stable isotopes are being vastly employed to study the groundwater systems. This techniques are not only environment friendly also very cost effective. Isotopic characterization of groundwater systems is generally done to identify the source and origin of recharge, interconnection between shallow zone and deep zone, impact of surface water bodies on groundwater, contribution from precipitation etc.. In this paper a broad idea has been given about the recharge system and aquifer connectivity of Northern Gujarat area based on isotopic data of pre-monsoon season (2017). Comparison with rainfall isotopic compositions was also done in order to see the impact of rainfall on groundwater recharge