Evaluation of Metal Contamination in the Groundwater of the Aosta Valley Region, Italy

Abstract

One hundred and sixty-two groundwater samples were collected from eighteen locations of the Aosta Valley region during the years 2007–2015 to determine the concentrations of Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn. A heavy pollution index (HPI) model was used to evaluate the metal contamination status in the groundwater of the study area. Spatial distribution maps of the HPI values were prepared using a geographic information system (GIS) technique so that the groundwater quality status of the area could easily be recognized. The concentrations of As, Ba, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn did not exceed the drinking water permissible limits for years considered. However, the concentrations of Al, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Se were above the drinking water permissible limits established by the World Health Organization (WHO 2006). The HPI values were above the critical pollution index of 100 during the years 2011 and 2012. The groundwater in this study area was contaminated with some metals and urgently requires treatment to control current and future contamination problems.