Role of Groundwater Quality in Promoting Sustainable Aquaculture and Environmental Sustainability in Pedavadlapudi, Guntur, India

Groundwater serves as a primary source of drinking water, irrigation, and aquaculture in rural regions of India. Assessing its quality is essential to determine its suitability for various uses and its contribution to environmental sustainability. The present study aims to evaluate the groundwater quality of Pedavadlapudi village, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, and to assess its suitability for sustainable aquaculture while comparing its compliance with drinking water standards. Groundwater samples were collected from selected locations in Pedavadlapudi village. Physicochemical parameters including pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), total hardness, alkalinity, chlorides, sulphates, nitrate, dissolved oxygen (DO), and selected heavy metals were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The results were compared with drinking water standards prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (IS 10500:2012) and World Health Organization guidelines. Analysis revealed that certain parameters exceeded the permissible limits for drinking water as per Bureau of Indian Standards (IS 10500:2012) and World Health Organization guidelines. However, the groundwater exhibited favorable characteristics such as balanced pH and adequate mineral content, which are suitable for aquaculture practices. Although the groundwater of Pedavadlapudi village is unsuitable for direct drinking without treatment, it is appropriate for sustainable aquaculture applications. Proper utilization of this resource can promote eco-friendly fish culture practices, enhance rural livelihoods, and contribute to environmental sustainability aligned with the vision of Green India.