The aim of this study was to assess environmental risk due to heavy metals such as cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) in the groundwater around integrated industrial estate (IIE) Haridwar. Index of geo-accumulation (I geo) values showed Cr contamination in groundwater of both the industrial areas. The quantification of contamination index showed that anthropogenic causes were source of contamination of all metals. Contamination factor showed that contamination levels in the study area ranged from low contamination to moderate contamination. Pollution linked index (PLI) values were highest in Bahadrabad old industrial area [ Shivalik Nagar [ commercial area [ IIE Haridwar = Aneki [ RNP. Ecological risk index (ERI) was highest in Bahadrabad old industrial area [ Shivalik Nagar [ commercial area [ IIE Haridwar [ RNP [ Aneki rural area. Values of PLI and ERI showed moderate pollution and low ecological risk due to heavy metals in the study area. Study showed that although Rajaji National Park (RNP) is a protected area, it was not free of metal contamination.

No abstract

The river Ganges is regarded as one of the most holy and sacred rivers of the world from time immemorial. The evaluation of river water quality is a critical element in the assessment of water resources. The quality/potability of water that is consumed defines the base line of protection against many diseases and infections. The present study aimed to calculate Water Quality Index (WQI) by the analysis of sixteen physico-chemical parameters on the basis of River Ganga index of Ved Prakash, weighted arithmetic index and WQI by National sanitation foundation (NSF) to assess the suitability of water for drinking, irrigation purposes and other human uses. These three water quality indices have been used to assess variation in the quality of the River Ganga at monitored locations over an 11-year period. Application of three different indexes to assess the water quality over a period of 11 years shows minor variations in water quality. Index values as per River Ganga Index by Ved Prakash et al. from 2000 to 2010 ranged between medium to good, Index values as per NSF Index for years 2000-2010 indicate good water quality, while Index values as per the weighted arithmetic index method for the study period indicate poor water quality.

A total of eighteen groundwater sources were sampled over a year to study physico-chemical properties and heavy metal content of ground water in and around the integrated industrial estate of Haridwar. Study area included locations with in approximately 5 kms around the industrial area. Samples taken were representative of different land uses including the ecosensitive zone of Rajaji National park. Ground water quality in the study area exceeds permissible standard limits for conductivity, hardness, alkalinity, nitrate, total solids and total dissolved solids at some locations. Total alkalinity in the study area was found to be maximum in summer (574.67 mg/l) at the Railway station area and minimum (85.33 mg/l) in rainy season.  Nitrate levels were found to be maximum in winter (1291.61 mg/l) at the rural area. Chloride level in the study area was found to range from a minimum (12.67 mg/l) in summer to a maximum (169.33 mg/l) in winter. Highest sulphate level (192.67 mg/l) was recorded at the rural area. Chromium and iron levels were found to exceed standard limits at almost all locations in the study area.