Occurrences, sources and health hazard estimation of potentially toxic elements in the groundwater of Garhwal Himalaya, India

Abstract

High concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in potable water can cause severe human health disorders. Present study examined the fitness of groundwater for drinking purpose based on the occurrence of nine PTEs in a heavy pilgrim and tourist influx region of the Garhwal Himalaya, India. The concentrations of analyzed PTEs in groundwater were observed in the order of Zn > Mn > As > Al > Cu > Cr > Se > Pb > Cd. Apart from Mn and As, other PTEs were within the corresponding guideline values. Spatial maps were produced to visualize the distribution of the PTEs in the area. Estimated water pollution indices and non-carcinogenic risk indicated that the investigated groundwater is safe for drinking purpose, as the hazard index was < 1 for all the water samples. Assessment of the cancer risk of Cr, As, Cd, and Pb also indicated low health risks associated with groundwater use, as the values were within the acceptable range of ≤ 1 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−4. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to describe the various possible geogenic and anthropogenic sources of the PTEs in the groundwater resources although the contamination levels of the PTEs were found to pose no serious health risk. However, the present study recommends to stop the discharge of untreated wastewater and also to establish cost-effective as well as efficient water treatment facility nearby the study area. Present work’s findings are vital as they may protect the health of the massive population from contaminated water consumption. Moreover, it can help the researchers, governing authorities and water supplying agencies to take prompt and appropriate decisions for water security.

Environmental Implications of the Soil-to-Groundwater Migration of Heavy Metals in Mining Area Hotspots

“…It is important to emphasize that other anthropogenic activities, such as agricultural practices or the improper disposal and infiltration of domestic and municipal wastewater, can also contribute to the contamination of groundwater with heavy metals [2,9,73]. Nonetheless, given that the groundwater was sampled at hotspots in close proximity to the Majdanpek mine open pits, tailings, overburdens, or transportation routes, these sources are considered to have a minor impact on the heavy metal content in the groundwater.…”

“…However, groundwater is being adversely affected by human activity at an accelerating rate. Moreover, over the past few decades, anthropogenic activities, such as rapid urbanization, industrial development, untreated industrial discharges, the overuse of fertilizers in agriculture, and traffic, have become the primary causes of heavy metal groundwater contamination worldwide [9][10][11]. Heavy metals pose a particular threat in areas where mining activities such as surface mining, deep mining, or auxiliary projects occur [12][13][14].…”

Self‐assembly of thiourea intercalated graphene oxide based dual IIP for the SPE coupled FAAS method development of Cu(II) and Pb(II) determination

“…For Cu(II) it is the corrosion of distribution pipes and erosion from natural deposits. Apart from that, mining activities, seawater intrusion, discharge of industrial and domestic effluents, weathering sedimentary rocks, adsorption at clay layer, extensive agricultural activities, leaching from the laterite and lateritic soil layers, and combustion residues of the thermal power plant contribute to the Cu(II) and Pb(II) pollution 15,16 . It becomes imperative to monitor their presence in the environment.…”

“…Apart from that, mining activities, seawater intrusion, discharge of industrial and domestic effluents, weathering sedimentary rocks, adsorption at clay layer, extensive agricultural activities, leaching from the laterite and lateritic soil layers, and combustion residues of the thermal power plant contribute to the Cu(II) and Pb(II) pollution. 15,16 It becomes imperative to monitor their presence in the environment. One of the most difficult challenges is determining these at trace or ultra-trace levels in complex sample matrices.…”

Variability of groundwater fluoride and its proportionate risk quantification via Monte Carlo simulation in rural and urban areas of Agra district, India

“…About two hundred million peoples, from 25 developing countries are severally affected by the detrimental consequences of fluorosis 16 , 17 , 20 , 21 . In India alone, approximately 66 million individuals, includes six million children below 14 years of age, and 45 million in China, face risks such as teeth mottling, bone deformities and neurological damage by regular use of ground-drinking water containing fluoride levels ≥ 1.5 mg/L 22 . The existing body of literature provides valuable insights into the diverse sources, distribution patterns, and mitigation strategies related to groundwater fluoride contamination.…”