A comparative analysis of groundwater quality in a suburban area of Bangladesh

The necessity to explore groundwater for agricultural and domestic purposes has grown in importance because of overexploitation, depletion, and growing contamination of surface water supplies. This study investigates the relationships between groundwater compositions and quality in three unions of the Gopalganj district, namely-Ulpur, Nijra, and Kajulia, using a dual-method approach. Groundwater samples were assessed through comparative analysis against the Bangladesh Drinking Water Standards (BDWS) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, alongside Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) modeling to investigate water quality dynamics. The results revealed that 97.3% of arsenic (As) variability is due to various factors, such as pH, hardness, and iron (Fe), with hardness showing the strongest correlation. Similarly, 85.2% of chloride (Cl-) variability was linked to total dissolved solids (TDS), while 90.5% of electrical conductivity (EC) variability was influenced by Fe and manganese (Mn). Although some P-values were moderate, the high R2 values underscore the strong predictive power of the models. The findings offer valuable insights for improving groundwater management strategies and ensuring sustainable access to clean water, particularly in regions with similar hydro-chemical profiles. Additionally, this study recommended public health management and regulatory standards that contribute to the well-being of the local population while preserving the area's water resources.