Research Journal of Recent Sciences _________________________________________________ ISSN 2277-2502 Vol. 3(ISC-2013), 385-392 (2014) Res. J. Recent. Sci. International Science Congress Association     
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Environmental Impact of Sugar mill Effluent on the Quality of Groundwater from Sangamner, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India K.K. Deshmukh Research Center in Chemistry, Sangamner Nagarpalika Arts, D.J. Malpani Commerce & B.N. Sarda Science College, Sangamner – 422605, Dist. Ahmednagar, MS, INDIAAvailable online at: 
www.isca.in, www.isca.me
Received 30th November 2013, revised 9th February 2014, accepted 13th March 2014 AbstractAmong the factors polluting the soil and groundwater, sugar mills certainly have a larger share in form of their discharges of the large account of wastewater as effluent. Increasing use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in raising the sugarcane production has also resulted in the degradation of soil and groundwater quality. Taking this view into amount, the present study aimed at conducting a detailed investigation of the impact of sugar mill effluent on the ground water quality in the vicinity of sugar mills in Sangamner. Fifteen groundwater samples were analysed for various parameters like pH, EC, TDS, Na, K, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl, HCO, SO2-, PO3-, NO and total hardness during the period of operation of sugar mill. The results revealed that there was significant variation in some parameters. The high values of Ca, Na, chloride, sulphates, nitrates and hardness in the samples which are located downstream suggest that sugar mill effluent is the source of soil and groundwater pollution. According to permissible limit suggested by Indian standard – drinking water specification -1991. During this study, it was found that the samples in flowing to the downward direction land located in the close proximity of stream of effluent are not suitable for either drinking or irrigation purposes. The investigation suggests that water quality management, an important issue for the sustenance of human civilization must become a major priority. Keywords: Sugar mill effluent, groundwater quality, groundwater pollution, environmental impact, spatial variations, salinisation. Introduction Undoubtedly, water is the most essential requirement not only for life sustenance but for the economic and industrial development. At the same, it is a known reality that water is an important issue in the maintenance of our environmental balance with the rapid growth of population and acceleration in industrialization. In last few decades, the tremendous increase in the demand for freshwater has also been a matter of great concern. The release of treated and untreated industrial effluents in unplanned manner is one of the major causes of water pollution. The effluents released from sugar cane factory into land and into various surface water bodies not only affect the water quality and soil but also pollute the groundwater due to percolation of some water soluble pollutants. Industrial and domestic waste water come into contact with natural water bodies. Such waste waters contain large amount of dissolved chemical constituents and many a times, microorganisms in them. In rural area small scale industries like dairy, poultry etc and large scale industries like sugar, distillery, paper etc. release the waste (solid and liquid) after partial treatments like lagooning or often without any treatment on the land surface or directly into the natural streams thereby admitting some hazardous chemicals. These waste material is also serving as a medium for growing bacteria, fungi or chemical minerals like Na, K, NO, PO3-etc get in groundwater by percolation through the soil and thus contaminate groundwater. Disposal of industrial waste in the open space and abandoned dug wells have thus caused the pollution of groundwater in some parts of rural India. Industrial effluents often infiltrate upto the of pheratic zone of aquifer depending upon the porosity and the permeability of the medium of infiltration resulting in acceptable concentration of TDS, fluorides and iron resulting in severe contamination of the groundwater. Sugar industry consumes substantial volume of water and chemicals in different processing units. All chemicals used wash away with the waste water discharged through industrial outlet. Thus effluents consist of all types of chemicals which contain toxic heavy metals. Effluents store pond is highly contaminated.  Effluents moves along with heavy metals and reach in shallow water table by leaching processes and contamination may disperse in a wide range of the region. Contamination of soils of close areas occurs when the effluents or polluted water comes under contact of soil. The regular contact of polluted water with soil makes the sodic soils and alters the physico chemical characteristics, texture and profile of soil stratum. India is widely known for its sugar industry; it has emerged as one of the largest sugar producing country in the world. In term of the economic development, sugar industry played a 
Research Journal of Recent Sciences ______________________________________________________________ ISSN 2277-2502Vol. 3(ISC-2013), 385-392 (2014) Res. J. Recent. Sci.  International Science Congress Association             
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vital role in the Indian subcontinent. The industry particularly in Maharashtra holds a very important position in the economy and politics of the state. These sugar industries have initiated many economic activities by setting up dairies, distilleries, paper mills and poultries etc. in their respective regions. Besides, many of sugar industries run their own educational institutions to impart education at different levels e.g. from KG to PG and have started the technical institutions. Thus, contributing to the social change rural areas within their jurisdiction. Increase in sugar industrialization along with high rate of urbanization and subsequent increase in population has led to unprecented increase in the environmental degradation of the resources. The damage to both aquatic and terrestrial  ecosystems caused by the enormous quantity of waste released in the form of effluent produces is certainly alarming. These pollutants not only alter the physico chemical characteristics of the recipient aquatic bodies but also affect the aquatic flora and fauna. Similarly, the rural and semi-urban population, drinking water from streams or rivers and using it for agricultural and domestic purposes has undergo serious health hazards on account of the sugar mill effluents, being discharged into the environment. Farmers have been using these effluents unscientifically for irrigation and found that the growth, yield and soil health is reduced. Contaminants such as Cl, SO2-, PO3-, Mg+2 and NO are discharged with the effluent which creates a nuisance due to physical appearance, odor and taste.  In recent past various studies have been made on the impact of sugar mill effluent on groundwater quality6-13.   Sangamner area is of particular importance because effluents from municipal sewage, agricultural runoff, sugar cane factory effluents and industrial waste are discharged into the Pravara River bringing out considerable change in the groundwater quality. However there exists negligible data and information available about the effect of sugar mill effluent on the quality of groundwater of this area. Considering these serious issues, the present study was carried out to find out the possible effects of such effluents on the quality of groundwater in the proximity of a sugar factory.  Sangamner Sugar Factory: The place of study is Sangamner sugar factory which is located at Ghulewadi, one of villages in Sangamner Tehsil of the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. It is included in the toposheet no 47/I/2 of the survey of India and lies between 18 36 N to 19 1 N latitude and 74 1 W to 74 56 W longitude (Figure-1). Sangamner sugar factory is located in the study area. It is a Co-operative Sugar factory started in 1966-67 with the initial capacity of 800 tons of sugarcane crushed per day (TCD). This initial capacity has been expanded two to three times and presently it is 3500 TCD (since 1989-90). The raw water requirement for the industry is about 1500-1700 lit/ton/day. The water goes through the internal processes, in the boiling house, mill house and filter cloth washing and comes out as an effluent. This effluent with very little partial treatment like lagooning goes through a zig - zag natural stream flowing through the agricultural area in the downstream part for a distance of about 5 km and finally meets the river Pravara at Sangamner. Geographical locations of lagoons are at higher elevation in the foothill zones where thickness of colluvial deposits is more, colluvium overlies on amygdaloidal/vesicular basalt that shows moderate degree of weathering. This has possibly favoured induced infiltration of effluent into the subsurface. In addition to this, while flowing through the natural stream the effluent infiltrates through the soils, leading to contamination and changes in chemical composition of water from nearby dug wells. It should be noted that water from this area was uncontaminated and was also of potable quality prior to installation of the sugar factory.   Methodology  The streams carrying effluent from sugar mills flows through the study area. The loss of some effluents envisaged due to percolation through the soil zone. This waste water is therefore, expected to reach the groundwater table. Hence it was essential to have the sampling sites near the stream and few meters away from the effluents stream. The groundwater composition is likely to vary from place to place due to the effect of mixing of effluent with natural groundwater. Hence representative water samples were collected from the wells close to the stream and progressively away from it. Thus fifteen sampling stations in the study area were selected (Figure-1) by adopting the above mentioned criteria. The wells which are used for drinking, irrigation and contaminated by sugar mill effluents were selected for sampling. The wells located in platea top, hill slopes and valley floor areas spread over either side of Pravara River were included.  By considering such an approach it should be possible to study the impact of sugar mill effluent on the groundwater quality. Considering the operational period of Sangamner sugar factory the groundwater samples were collected at appropriate time. The samples were collected in polyethylene bottles of one liter capacity.  The care was taken to collect samples after pumping for some time. The pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and temperature were measured in the field. The analysis was carried out in the laboratory by using the procedures given by APHA14. Using titrimetric methods, the analysis of chloride (Cl), total alkalinity as CaCO3, Calcium (Ca+2) and total hardness as CaCO3 (TH) was performed.  While nitrate, phosphate and sulphate were analyzed by spectrophotometric methods (Hitachi-2000, UV-visible spectrophotometer), the alkali elements like sodium and potassium were detected by flame photometer (E1 850 A, Equiptronics).  The data obtained through the chemical analysis of groundwater is presented in table 1. 
Research Journal of Recent Sciences ______________________________________________________________ ISSN 2277-2502Vol. 3(ISC-2013), 385-392 (2014) Res. J. Recent. Sci.  International Science Congress Association             
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Table-1 Physico–chemical Analysis for groundwaters from Sangamner area, Ahmednagar, (M.S.)  S. No  pH EC TDS Na K Ca Mg Cl HCO
3
 SO
4
 PO
4
 NO
3
 TH 
W1 9 860 559 12 1 88 51 45 302 18 0.6 27 429 
W2 9 1650 1073 23 1 189 3 141 327 18 0.4 32 481 
W3 9 3050 1983 41 0 181 84 325 306 28 0.4 35 797 
W4 8 3060 1989 49 1 128 93 325 327 33 0.4 15 712 
W5 9 2140 1391 67 0 72 117 182 468 23 0.4 37 662 
W6 8 2510 1632 72 1 297 29 224 516 40 0.5 25 862 
W7 8 6470 4206 182 1 413 183 875 504 66 0.3 97 1783
W8 8 3510 2282 184 2 208 20 280 617 63 0.3 42 2246 
W9 8 4420 2873 174 0 236 95 397 665 87 0.3 110 982 
W10 8 5840 3796 150 1 385 261 852 407 97 0.3 52 2043 
W11 9 3500 2275 6 0 189 144 442 339 39 0.3 43 1062 
W12 9 4370 2841 56 1 429 105 587 492 74 0.3 97 1504
W13 8 6440 4186 60 2 414 231 863 407 89 0.3 44 1984
W14 8 2270 1476 25 1 161 54 182 387 44 0.3 41 622 
W15 9 1570 1021 23 1 160 7 161 141 59 0.3 81 430 
(N.B.: All concentrations are reported in mg/l except pH and EC (µ/cm) Results and Discussion Spatial variations in the pH and EC: The pH of the groundwater from the study area varies from 8.1 to 9.1 indicating weakly to moderately alkaline nature of groundwater. Higher values of pH are related to higher ionic content of water. The higher values of pH have been obtained for samples (S. No. W1, W2, W3 and W5) which are close to the river channel and also in the downstream parts of Pravara River and near sugar factory region. These high values are indicative of the presence of higher amounts of carbonates and bicarbonates in the groundwater. The conductivity measurement is an indicator of ionic concentration of water. It depends upon temperature and concentration and types of ions present15. The electrical conductivity of the groundwater varies from 860 to 6470 S/cm. High EC is observed in the low lying alluvial part of the basin and near sugar factory area where stream is flowing along with effluents. Higher EC values suggest existence of highly mineralized groundwater. Mineralization is possibly due to higher residence time, sluggish movement of groundwater and intensive water – rock interactions in the alluvial aquifers. Low EC found for the samples (S. No. W1,W2,W3,W5,W6 and W15) are from upstream part along foothills or on the plateau top covered by non irrigated agriculture. Rolling topography, relatively higher gradient and higher rates of flushing of salts provide less time for water rock interaction leads to lower EC from the study area. Spatial variations in the cationic constituents: Calcium and magnesium are the dominant cations in the groundwater from the study area followed by sodium and potassium. On the average Ca+2+Mg+2 in equivalent units accounts for 75% of the sum of cations. On the individual basis, the values of Ca+2 range from 72 mg/l to 413 mg/l. Similarly, the values of Mg2+ range between 7 mg/l and 261 mg/l. In general, the Ca2+concentrations have been found to be higher in the wells which are located in the downstream part and sugar factory region (S. Nos. W7, W10, W12, W13) than in the upstream part. The higher calcium concentration in the wells suggest that the effluent carrying stream and plagioclase feldspar as the dominant source15. The higher concentration of Mg in groundwater from some of the wells is due to the weathering of pyroxenes present in the basaltic rocks from the study area. The concentration of Na+ varies from 6 to 184 mg/l and that of  from 0.2 to 1.6 mg/l. The values of Na increases in the downstream part of sugar mill effluent stream (S. No. W7, W8, W9 and W10). Sodium concentration in the groundwater is the result of chemical weathering of plagioclase feldspars present in the basalt. Apart from the natural sources, human activities i.e. sugar mill effluent have significant influence on the concentration of sodium in the groundwater16. In the study area however the higher Na concentration is the combined effect of geological source as well as evaporative concentration in the downstream part where water-table is at shallow depth. Higher concentration of sodium in the groundwater indicate that apart from contamination of groundwater from the effluent, the processes such as salinisation and/or alkalization of soils and groundwater due to excess irrigation are more important.  The concentrations of K is negligible. Spatial Variations in the anionic constituents: Amongst the four major anions (Cl, HCO, SO2- andNO), the chloride is found to be the most predominant anion followed by bicarbonate, sulphate and nitrate. The concentration of bicarbonate ranges from 141 mg/l to 665 mg/l. The high bicarbonate concentration observed in the downstream part of sugar mill effluent stream (S. No. W7,W8,W10,W11,W12 and 
Research Journal of Recent Sciences ______________________________________________________________ ISSN 2277-2502Vol. 3(ISC-2013), 385-392 (2014) Res. J. Recent. Sci.  International Science Congress Association             
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W13) is possibly due to flat topography, providing sufficient length of time for the aquifer material to interact with the groundwater17. Both silicate mineral weathering of basalt and dissolution of carbonate present in the alluvium and addition of effluent from sugar factory seem to be the potential sources of bicarbonates in the groundwater from the study area. The chloride concentration in the groundwater ranges from 45 mg/l to 875 mg/l. The chloride concentrations are higher in the downstream part of the sugar mill effluent (S.No.W7, W10, W11, W12 and W13). There is no lithological source of chloride in the area. Hence higher concentration of chloride in the area close to sugar-mill and other industries indicate contribution of chloride could be due to mixing of waste waters and severe contamination of groundwater from the chloride rich effluent as the source. The sulphate concentration in the groundwater of the area varies from 18 to 97 mg/l.  The higher concentrations of sulphate is observed in the downstream part which could be due to excessive use of fertilisers or use of soil amendments (S. No. W6, W7, W9, W10, W12 and W13). The lower values of sulphate have been observed in the upstream part of the basin (S. No. W1,W2,W3 and W15) indicating negligible contribution from lithological sources. The nitrate concentration varies between 15 to 110 mg/l. The high level of nitrate are observed in the downstream part and also around sugar factory area (S.No. W7,W9,W11 and W12). Around sugar mill there is mixing of effluent with the groundwater which is responsible for high orders of nitrate values. However, there does not seem to be any discernible pattern of distribution nitrate along the direction of groundwater movement. Thus, nitrate pollution in the area is the combined effect of agricultural activity, the mixing of sugar mill effluent and the animal wastes. Groundwater quality for drinking purposes: Groundwater is the only source of drinking water for more than 80% of the population in India. As a part of this dependency, most efforts are directed in locating the groundwater reservoir ignoring the quality aspect. The seriousness of the chemical contamination remains often neglected as the toxic chemicals do not show acute health effects unless they enter into the body in appreciable amount. However, the adverse health effects may result through the cumulative poison formed in the body. Thus, the sugar factory continuing its operation without taking environmental precaution may cause serious health problems. Such health related problems are observed in the Sangamner sugar factory region where the people used to drink groundwater. In view of this, it was decided to study the impact of sugar mill effluent on the groundwater resources in the area. Table 2 shows the critical parameters exceeding the Indian standard – drinking water specification – 1996, permissible limit along with the permissible limit for these parameters18. It is observed that the pH of 5(33.33%) samples exceeds the permissible limit prescribed by drinking water standard. It is found from the Table 2 that the Ca of 7(46.67%) samples have exceeded the permissible limit specified by drinking water standard18. Therefore, constant use of such well waters for drinking purpose may lead to kidney stones or joints pains in population. In case of magnesium it is observed that 6(40%) samples have exceeded the maximum permissible limit (Table 2) prescribed by drinking water standard18. It is observed from Table 2 that the nitrate of 5(33.33%) samples from the study area have exceeded the permissible limit of nitrate prescribed by drinking water standard18. However, nitrates do not directly contribute to the problem. It is the bacteria present in the digestive tract converts the nitrate into highly toxic nitrites and this might lead into 'blue baby syndrome' (Methamoglobinema) in infants. Thus, the groundwater resources contaminated with high levels of nitrate prove be environmental hazards19-21.  It is observed that wells from the irrigated agricultural surrounded by sugar cane field, close to cattle waste disposal areas and near sugar factory have been shown higher concentration of nitrate.  This is possible due to leaching of organic and inorganic fertilizers from irrigated land and effluents from sugar mill.Table-2 Critical parameters of drinking water exceeding the Permissible limit in the study areaParameter Indian Standard drinking water – specification IS 10500 -1991 (Reaffirmed 2009) No. and locations of the samples exceeding permissible limit  
Desirable Limit Permissible Limit % 
pH  6.5 to 8.5 No relaxation W2,W3,W5,W11 and W15 = 5 (33.33%) 
TDS, mg/L 500 2000 W7,W8,W9,W10,W11,W12,W and W13 = 7 (46.67%) 
Ca, mg/L 75 200 W6,W7,W8,W9,W10,W12 and W13 = 7 (46.67%) 
Mg, mg/L 30 100 W5W7W10W11W12 and W13 = 6 (40%) 
Cl, mg/L 250 1000 Nil 
SO
4, 
mg/L 200 400 Nil 
NO
3, 
mg/L 45 No relaxation W7,W9,W10,W12 and W15 = 5 (33.33%) 
TH, (as CaCO
3
) mg/L 300 600 W3,W4,W5,W6,W7,W8,W9,W10,W11,W12,W13 and W14 = 12 (80%) 
 
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Hardness of groundwater and groundwater quality for drinking purposes: The study shows that the hardness of groundwater of 12(80%) samples have exceeded maximum permissible limit (table 2) prescribed by drinking water standard18. Therefore, it is found in the study area that majority of the samples in the sugar factory area and wells along the path of sugar mill effluent is not suitable for drinking purposes.  On the basis of hardness, groundwater can be classified into four categories15. These are i. Very hard : 300mg/l. ii. Extremely hard class I : 300-600 mg/l. iii. Extremely hard class II : 600-1200 mg/l. iv. Extremely hard class III : &#x-3.3;夀1200 mg/l. In the study area, the groundwater has been categorized as per above classification. It is observed that the groundwater can be described as 3(20%) samples show extremely hard class I, 7(46.66%) shows extremely hard class II and 5 (33.33%) belong to extremely hard class III.  Therefore it is observed that sugar mill effluent has the impact on groundwater quality in the study area and it can be categorized as very hard to extremely hard type. Groundwater pollution due to sugar mill effluent: To evaluate the sugar mill effluent as a source of groundwater contamination, the wells from the study area are selected along the cross section from Chandanapuri Ghat to Karhe Ghat (figure 1). Out of 15 wells, 3 wells (S. No. S1, S2 and S3) from southern part penetrate predominantly through basaltic aquifers. Similarly from northern part through 7 wells (Sr. No. W15, W14, W13, W12, W11, W10 and W9) pierce though basaltic aquifers. All these wells both from southern and northern part of the valley section represent recharge areas of the basin. The remaining wells (S. No. W8, W7, W6, W5 and W4) displaying composite lithosection consisting of alluvium and basalt represent discharge area. Some of the wells (S. No. W7 and W8) located close to river bank show higher thickness of alluvial aquifers. In contrast, the wells which are situated close to the base of hills in Ghat section pierce through colluviums and basaltic lithology (S. No. S1, S2, S3 and S15). The groundwater flows from water divides on either sides (Chandanapuri Ghat and Karhe Ghat) to the central part of the valley where Pravara River is flowing. This is to say that groundwater flow is clearly associated with physiographic setup of the area.  Although the main Pravara valley is in the E-W direction, the slopes on northern part (Karhe Ghat) and southern part (Chandanapuri Ghat) of the vally have been eroded by numerous small to medium sized tributaries of the Pravara River. This has developed local valleys and water divides thereby affecting the regional flow pattern. As a result of this hydrogeomorphic and hydrogeological set up, the groundwater is flowing from southern part i.e. Chandanapuri Ghat towards the vally and similarly from northern i.e. Karhe Ghat where sugar factory is located to central part i.e. towards Pravara river (figure 2). Mechanism of groundwater pollution in the area: As sugar processing is a seasonal activity the samples for the groundwater pollution were to be collected only during the period of operation in the sugar factory. Artificial flow generated by the release of effluent also ceases for a couple of months when the factory closes in the rainy season. Subsequent to the rainy season, the average depth to groundwater in winter months is minimum i.e. 2.5 m.  During this period, the stream remains dry and factory operation recommences. The operational period of sugar factory corresponds with the major part of winter and early part of summer season in the area. The average depth to groundwater during early summer month is 4 m. During the period of operation of the factory, waste water percolates through porous and permeable soil and weathered basalt to reach the aquifer. Then the aquifer creates waterlogged conditions in the downstream reaches over confluence of Pravara River, favoring induced infiltration of waste water. This leads to salinisation of groundwater (figure 2). The primary cause of contamination of the shallow aquifer apparently seems to be the infiltration of effluents through the soil and weathered basalt. It is the downward percolation through the zone of aeration allows the pollutants to enter the shallow aquifer. This percolation forms a recharge mound at the water table and further lateral movement below it. The effluents, draining downwards and reaches the water table and get mixed with the groundwater and then becomes the part of a lateral flow. On the basis of TDS, salinisation of groundwater is defined by Mehta et al22. The waters with TDS content ranging from 400 to &#x-3.3;夀3000 mg /l have been designated as saline water.  Hem15classified water into four categories based on the TDS values. They are slightly saline (1000-3000 mg/l), moderately saline (3000-10,000 mg/l), very saline (10000 to 35000 mg/l) and brine (&#x-3.3;夀35000 mg/l). By using the same criteria, the wells along the cross section of Pravara basin were classified.  It is observed that in the recharge zone (S. No. W1) wells belong to fresh water class (TDS1000mg/l), the wells (S. No. W2, W3, W4, W5, W6, W8, W9, W11, W12, W14 and W15) which are in the intermediate part between recharge and discharge areas, belong to slightly saline water class. The wells (S. No. W7, W10, and W 13) are situated on the both sides of river representing discharge zone are moderately saline in character.  The wells (W15, W14, W13 and W12) located in the recharge zone near Karhe Ghat are expected to represent fresh water class. However, interestingly, all of them show slightly saline and moderately saline water characters (figure-2). This is possibly due to contamination of the wells by mixing of sugar mill effluent.  These wells are located in the down gradient direction of the effluent storage pond (lagoons) of sugar factory besides being in close proximity to the effluent carrying stream.  Due to mixing of effluents into the wells, saline water characteristics have been developed.  As mentioned earlier the ground water is slightly to moderately saline in character in the discharge zone.  This is possible because of alluvial lithology, flat topography and intensive irrigation practices that have lead to the problem of salinization. The observations further show that the area with  
Research Journal of Recent Sciences ______________________________________________________________ ISSN 2277-2502Vol. 3(ISC-2013), 385-392 (2014) Res. J. Recent. Sci.  International Science Congress Association             
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Figure-1 Location map of study area showing sugar factory in Sangamner, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
Figure-2 Mechanism of groundwater pollution due to sugar mill effluent in the study area
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TDS below 1000 mg/l lies in the recharge zone, which is predominantly non-irrigated agricultural region and located on the plateau and hilltop.  Therefore, absence of saline waters or presence of fresh water in this part is possible due to the faster circulation of ground water attributable to physiography.  On the contrary, in the discharge zone, flat topography responsible for sluggish groundwater flow conditions has lead to higher residence time and greater rock-water interactions.  In addition to this, intensive irrigation and excess use of fertilizers have lead to higher salinity in the area.Conclusion On the basis of chemical analysis of groundwater samples, it is possible to study the effect sugar mill effluent as a source of pollution of groundwater in the area. Sugar industries in India are mainly located in the rural parts. The study reveals that the sugar industries through their continued operation, without taking the environmental precaution may cause serious health problems to the rural population residing in the proximity. Comparison of data with the water quality standard indicated that the parameters like TDS, Ca, Mg, TH and nitrate have exceeded the prescribed limit in the majority of the samples particularly from the sugar mill effluent area. TDS of groundwater indicate slightly saline to moderately saline groundwater properties which suggests that the quality of groundwater from sugar factory area is almost unsatisfactory for drinking purpose. Majority of samples from sugar factory area have exceeded the permissible limit of nitrate.  It is clear that the groundwater becomes polluted due to sugar industry effluent from surrounding area. Hence it is not suitable for human consumption without prior treatment. The following measures have been recommended for the protection of groundwater. i. Lining the store pond and water proofing at the base of lagoon. ii. Treatment to effluent releasing from sugar factory is essential to meet the required standards established by Indian standards institutions. iii. Arranging public awareness programme and there is a need for periodic testing of groundwater in the vicinity of sugar factory. This information should be provided to farmers for maintenance of soil and groundwater quality. Acknowledgement The author is thankful to University Grants Commission (WRO), Pune for providing financial assistance under minor research project. The author is also thankful to Post-Graduate Research Centre in Chemistry, Sangamner College, Sangamner for providing necessary research facilities. References 1.Siddiqui W.A. and Waseem M., A comparative study of sugar mill treated and untreated effluent – A case study, Oriental Journal of Chemistry,28(4), 1899-1904 (2012)2.Pondhe G.M., Patil S.F. and Pawar N.J., Groundwater pollution due to sugar mill effluent at Sonai, Maharashtra, India, Environmental Geology, 34(2), 151-158 (1958)3.Bharati P.K., Groundwater Pollution, Biotech Books, New Delhi (2012)4.Sabade B.R., Industrial developments of Maharashtra, 22ndAnnual Convention IWWA, 17-27 (1990)5.Barugh, A.K., Sharama R.N. and Borab G.C., Impact of sugar mill and distillery effluent on water quality of river Galabil, Assam, Indian Journal of Environmental Health,35, 288-293 (1993)6.Kumar V. and Ghopra A.K., Influence of sugar mill effluent of physico – chemical characteristics of soil at Haridwar, Journal of Applied and Natural Science, 2(2), 269-279 (2010)7.Dhangar S.D. and Lohar P.S., Effect of sugar factory effluent on physico – chemical properties and cellulose activity of soil – A case study, International multidisciplinary Research journal, 3(1), 18-22 (2013)8.Samuel S. and Muthukkaruppan S.M., Physico-chemical analysis of sugar mill effluent, contaminated soil and its effect on seed Germination of Paddy, International journal of pharmaceutical and biological archives, 2(5), 146-1472 (2011)9.Mahar M.T., Khuhawar M.Y., Baloch M.A. and Jahangir T.M., Effect of spent wash of ethanol industry on groundwater: A case study of Rahimyar Khan district, Pakistan, J. of Environmental Science and Water Resources1(4), 85-94 (2012)10.Kumar P., Environmental effect of industrial effluent of groundwater, Oriental Journal of Chemistry,29(3), 1243-1249 (2013)11.Kadam S.A., Dahiwalkar S.D., Gorantiwar S.D., and Gadage S.B., Characteristic of Industrial Effluents and their possible impact on Groundwater quality, Int. J. Research in Chemistry and Environment,2(1), 124-129 (2012).12.Agale M.C., Patel N.G. and Patil A.G., Impact of sugar industry effluents on the quality of groundwater from Dahiwad Village, Dist Dhule (M.S.), Archives f Applied Science Research, 5(2), 58-60 (2013)
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16.Pawar N.J., Geochemistry of carbonate precipitation from the groundwaters in basaltic aquifers: an equilibrium thermodynamic approach, J. Geo. Soc. India,41, 119-131 (1993)17.Nikumbh J.D. and Pawar N.J., Hydrogeochemistry of groundwaters from Behedi Basin, Deccan Trap Hydrologic Province, India: In Contributions to Environmental Geo-science, edited by Pathan, A.M. and Thigale, S.S.,  Aravali Books Institution (P) Ltd., New Delhi, 137-150 (2000)18.Indian standard – Drinking water – specification IS 1050-1991 (Reaffirmed 2009) (2009)19.Hill A.R. Nitrate distribution in the groundwater of the Alliston region of Ontario, Canada, Groundwater, 20(6), 696 (1982)20.Pawar N.J. and Shaikh I.J., Nitrate pollution of groundwater from shallow basaltic aquifers, Deccan Trap Hydrologic Province, India, Env. Geol. 25, 197 (1995)21.Datta P.S., Deb D.L. and Tyagi S.K., Assessment of groundwater contamination from the fertilizers in Delhi area based on 18, NO and K composition, Journal of contaminant Hydrology, 27 (3-4), 249 (1997)22.Mehta S, Fryar A and Banner J, Control on the regional – Scale salinization of the Ogallala aquifer, Southern High plains Texas, USA, Applied Geology, 15, 849 (2000) 
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