Chapter 10 - Contamination of water resources: With special reference to groundwater pollution

Abstract

The present scenario of technological world has a direct impact on nature. Natural resources are depleting day by day which is a matter of great concern. The availability of safe water both in terms of quality and quantity needs early redressal. Earlier groundwater was supposed to be the safest natural resource for human uses, but man-made activities on earth's surface open chances of infiltration of unwanted substances through the soil into the groundwater resulting in contamination. When the contaminant level goes beyond the permissible limit as per (IS 10500:2012), water is said to be polluted with respect to that particular contaminant and may pose several health issues if consumed by humans. This chapter gives an insight of the importance of groundwater, type of groundwater contamination, pollution of groundwater, and source of groundwater pollution. A detailed study of arsenic contamination in groundwater in India carried out by Central Ground water Board, Ministry of Jal Shakti, India, shows that in parts of 152 districts from 21 states/Union Territories, arsenic concentration greater than 0.01 mg/L has been observed. The most affected states are Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. The land having alluvial formation in these states ought to be responsible for arsenic groundwater contamination. Arsenic concentration greater than 0.01 mg/L in drinking water is unacceptable as it may result in severe damage to human health. Skin disorders like hyperkeratosis occur due to long-term arsenic ingestion. In arsenic affected areas where multiaquifer system is present, tapping of deeper arsenic-free aquifer is the utmost suitable remedy to get arsenic-free groundwater for community-based usage. As an alternative source surface water which is free from arsenic can be used instead of arsenic contaminated groundwater. Minor treatment of surface water through organized piped water supply system is a feasible solution to supply arsenic-free water.