Groundwater Contamination in Perspective of Different Elements, Water Quality Index and Health Implications

Abstract

The physico-chemical properties of groundwater and its plausible health threats are of enormous significance at the current situation worldwide. The present research work determines the degree of pollution in addition to accompanied health menaces to the local inhabitants at Aiho village of Malda district, West Bengal, India. In the present study wetlands and groundwater sources in the locale vicinity have been associated with common health issues among the local populace who consume aquatic animals and drink groundwater is a cause for concern. In view of that, overall 17 samples of groundwater were selected from distinct sources from the studied village. The physico-chemical analysis results in presence of various ions like Calcium (Ca2+), Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Bicarbonate (HCO3-), Sulphate (SO42-), Chloride (Cl-), Nitrate (NO3-), Fluoride (F-) and few elements; Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn) in the samples. Few ions; Ca2+, Mg2+ and F- are detected to surpass the acceptable border in some investigated samples. Some physical parameters; pH and TH were not found to be within the allowable range but TDS range was suitable for all the samples. Excess amount of different elements in the groundwater samples results in health threats to local inhabitants, though, the hazards due to Mn and Zn are inconsequential. Since water quality index (WQI) signifies the excellence of surface as well as ground water especially water used for domestic purpose, WQI was measured ranging from 69.29682 to 175.40829 for the experimental samples indicating good to poor quality but not excellent or very poor to unsuitable for domestic use. Further, Dermal acquaintance was found to be quiet hazardous for all occupants, however, the oral contact was supposed to be precarious to some extent. Children and youths are prone to both the ions NO3- and F- as contaminants, and adult persons are affected by NO3- pollutants comparatively.