Trace metals contamination in groundwater and implications on human health: comprehensive assessment using hydrogeochemical and geostatistical methods

Abstract

Monitoring the groundwater chemical composition and identifying the presence of pollutants is an integral part of any comprehensive groundwater management strategy. The present study was conducted in a part of West Tripura, northeast India, to investigate the presence and sources of trace metals in groundwater and the risk to human health due to direct ingestion of groundwater. Samples were collected from 68 locations twice a year from 2016 to 2018. Mixed Ca–Mg–HCO3, Ca–Cl and Ca–Mg–Cl were the main groundwater types. Hydrogeochemical methods showed groundwater mineralization due to (1) carbonate dissolution, (2) silicate weathering, (3) cation exchange processes and (4) anthropogenic sources. Occurrence of faecal coliforms increased in groundwater after monsoons. Nitrate and microbial contamination from wastewater infiltration were apparent. Iron, manganese, lead, cadmium and arsenic were above the drinking water limits prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Water quality index indicated 1.5% had poor, 8.7% had marginal, 16.2% had fair, 66.2% had good and 7.4% had excellent water quality. Correlation and principal component analysis reiterated the sources of major ions and trace metals identified from hydrogeochemical methods. Human exposure assessment suggests health risk due to high iron in groundwater. The presence of unsafe levels of trace metals in groundwater requires proper treatment measures before domestic use.

Positive Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Heavy Metals in Groundwater and Possible Health Risks for Human beings in an Industrialized City of South India

“…The higher concentration of Fe causes stomach irritation and enhances the iron bacterium that influences the taste of water (Brindha et al 2020). The concentration of Mn in groundwater varied from 0.055 to 0.41 mg/L (mean = 0.123 mg/L) before lockdown, and from 0.03 to 0.40 mg/L (mean = 0.113 mg/L) after COVID-19 lockdown period.…”

“…Like Fe, Mn concentration in groundwater also decreased after COVID-19 lockdown (Figure . 2b). Brindha et al (2020) showed that Mn affects the taste of water, and precipitates in food when used for food preparation and also promotes the growth of algae in reservoirs.…”

Recent Developments in Chitosan-Based Adsorbents for the Removal of Pollutants from Aqueous Environments

“…Improving water quality is one of the major environmental challenges worldwide to be solved, since water resources are increasingly scarce due to population growth, climate change and increased demand for water in industrial and agricultural activities [ 1 ]. In addition, the inappropriate disposal of organic and inorganic contaminants combined with disinformation and neglect in the treatment of these compounds can result in irreversible damage to the aquatic environment and, consequently, to humans [ 2 , 3 ]. Dyes, phenolic compounds, metallic ions and micropollutants, such as pesticides and drugs, have all been detected in wastewaters, surface and even drinking water, indicating that the conventional methods used in treatment plants are not optimised for their removal [ 4 ].…”

Graphene-Based Materials Immobilized within Chitosan: Applications as Adsorbents for the Removal of Aquatic Pollutants

“…The rapid development of industry, agriculture and urbanization, coupled with multiple human activities that can negatively impact the environment, has led to environmental pollution, and especially the contamination of water bodies [1]. Harmful pollutants in water, such as heavy metal ions, organic pollutants and chemical dyes, represent sources of toxicity and create the potential for bio-accumulation and contamination of the aquatic food chain [2]. The continuous developments in novel techniques and routes that are capable of providing clean and safe water have become a significant interest for scientists [3].…”