A systematic study on occurrence, risk estimation and health implications of heavy metals in potable groundwater of Garhwal Himalaya, India

Abstract

Abstract Groundwater is consumed by major part of the population for drinking and other purposes. The occurrence of heavy metals (HMs) in drinking water has been a critical water quality concern for a long time and can compromise its aesthetic value to the larger extent. Chronic exposure of human beingsto these toxic and non-toxic HMs through water ingestion can result in significant health risks.To assess these associated health risks,the present study was planned, designed and carried out for analyses of nine HMs namely Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in the potable groundwater samples collected from different sources located across the Mandakini valley of Garhwal Himalaya, India using ICPMS. The observed values of analyzed HMs except Zn and Pb were found below the reference values prescribed by the WHO, USEPA, and BIS. The highvalue of Pb (11.252 µg l− 1 at one site) may be ascribed due to the corrosion of materials contained with lead or copper and household plumbing systemswhile Zn concentration exceeded its MPL (4000 µg l− 1) recommended by WHO for infants only at one station. These observed concentrations were further used to calculate HMs pollution indices to determine water quality based on their classification for assessment of health risks.The observed indicesshow that there are no health risks from HMs contamination via drinking water in the region. Moreover, the estimated hazard quotients for children and adults also revealed no potential health risks.The details of measurement protocols, employed methodology, and the results obtained are discussed below.