The Impacts on Consumer Health from Dug Well Contamination - A Crucial Drinking Water Source

Abstract

Main objective of this review is to analyse potential sources of pollution, constituents, consumer health risks related to contaminated drinking water, and remediation strategies. Dug wells with poorly protected well mouth-covering or unlined wells are more susceptible to biological and chemical contamination. Physical irregularities in the lining and covering of the well act as a door to the entry of pollutants into the well. Residential, municipal, commercial, industrial, and agricultural activities can have an impact on ground water quality. Agriculture is one of the most common human activities that have an impact on both surface and groundwater. Water resource quality is determined by geological characteristics such as soil kinds, topography slope, plant roots, water dissolution with minerals/soils, and the radioactive decay of elements. Septic tanks, pit latrines, and sewer systems are the main source of faecal contamination in the groundwater system. Pesticides, fertilisers, and livestock dung frequently introduce heavy metals into aquifers, posing a direct hazard to human health. Waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, syphilis, and typhoid have been linked to a lack of adequate water. Drinking water containing various anions and heavy metals, such as Cd, Cr, Co, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn, and others, has a substantial negative impact on human health. Drinking water treatment removes impurities from the source water, making it safe to drink. The long-term goal of decontamination is to detect and remove hazardous compounds from water cost-effectively and reliably.