Corrosivity of groundwater and its implications for material degradation in water distribution systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62638/ZasMat1754Abstract
A complete study of groundwater quality and corrosion potential was conducted in Theni District, Tamil Nadu, using 37 water samples collected from nine locations between March and April 2025. 23 physicochemical parameters and 4 metal ions were analyzed as per standard procedure, The scaling and corrosive tendency of water was analyzed by seven corrosion indices including Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), Ryznar Stability Index (RSI), Puckorius Scaling Index (PSI), Potential to Promote Galvanic Corrosion (PPGC), Larson Skold Index (LI), Aggressiveness Index (AI) and Corrosivity Ratio (CR). Results showed that LSI, PSI, RSI, and PPGC consistently indicated corrosive water, whereas the remaining indices reflected a range from scaling to moderate corrosion, illustrating spatial variability of pH, alkalinity, chloride and sulphate concentrations. GIS study of physicochemical parameters found that samples from Uthamapalayam, Allinagaram, Thevaram, and Aundipatty were above the limits, indicating corrosive water conditions. While zinc, copper, and lead levels were within acceptable ranges, iron levels at Kumuli, Gudalur, and Cumbum exceeded WHO criteria, most likely due to pipeline corrosion under aggressive groundwater conditions. Nonmetallic piping such as PVC or corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel are recommended to extend pipe life. The findings include a quantitative assessment of corrosion risk in the Theni District, as well as information on water treatment and infrastructure protection methods.
Keywords:
Water quality parameters, Corrosivity indices, Theni District, GISReferences
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