Groundwater quality refers to the physicochemical, biological, and radiological characteristics of subsurface water that determine its suitability for specific uses and its impacts on ecological and human health. It is governed by source geology, residence time, redox conditions, and hydrologic flow paths, as well as anthropogenic inputs such as agricultural fertilizers, industrial effluents, mining activities, and urban wastewater. Key parameters include major ions, trace metals, nutrients, organic contaminants, pathogens, and emerging pollutants (e.g., pharmaceuticals, PFAS), commonly assessed via monitoring networks, hydrochemical modeling, and risk assessment frameworks to support resource management, remediation strategies, and regulatory standards.
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