Evaluation of heavy metal contamination and human health risk using geo-statistical techniques in selected shallow hard rock aquifers of southwest India

Abstract

Groundwater is a vital natural resource for drinking and irrigation purposes in India. Heavy metal contamination in groundwater is a global concern and leads to potential health risks to humans and the ecosystem. The aim of this study is to evaluate heavy metal contamination and human health risk in hard rock aquifers of southwest India. Groundwater samples were collected from open wells during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. Heavy metal analysis was conducted using ICP-MS. Geostatistical interpolation technique was applied for spatial analysis. The results revealed that north-west region of the study area have a significant concentration of heavy metals in both the seasons due to intensive agricultural activity. Human health risk assessment in the study area revealed that children are more prone to health risks than adults and infants. Further, this study suspects moderate risk to the groundwater dependent ecosystem. Factor analysis indicates that heavy metals present in groundwater were derived from both geogenic and anthropogenic factors during both seasons. The study concludes that regular monitoring of groundwater is essential to control heavy metal contamination from anthropogenic activities. The heavy metal data obtained from this study can be a valuable database for decision makers to choose the areas of concern, for future water management plans.