Integrating multivariate hydrogeochemical analysis with human health risk assessment: An inverse geochemical and statistical modeling approach

Abstract

Chandigarh, an urban center meticulously planned in India, partially relies on groundwater for its water supply. However, rapid urbanization, geological heterogeneity, and anthropogenic actions have elevated the significance of ensuring water quality. This research employs advanced methodologies including inverse geochemical modeling through PHREEQC, multivariate statistics, and the Nemerow Pollution Index (NPI) to discern the governing factors influencing water quality. Furthermore, a human health risk assessment evaluates the potential non-carcinogenic impacts of NO3− and F− on human health. Results indicate during PRM (pre-monsoon), 90 % of shallow aquifer samples exceed an NPI value of 1.0, denoting water impurities. In POM (post-monsoon), 70 % of both shallow and deep groundwater samples surpass this threshold. Approximately 70 % of PRM deep groundwater samples and 75 % in POM exhibit “hard water” characteristics. Hydrogeochemistry is primarily influenced by rock-water interactions, corroborated by Gibb's diagram and negative values of chloro-alkaline indices (CAI-I and CAI-II) indicating cation exchange reactions. Piper's plot illustrates a prevailing Ca-Mg-HCO3 hydrochemical facies, with oversaturation of calcite, dolomite, aragonite, and fluorite at varying depths. Saturation indices (SI) affirm calcite oversaturation, implying CaCO3 precipitation and CaF2− dissolution. Additionally, 33 % of PRM and 52.4 % of POM shallow groundwater samples indicate carbonate weathering's influence on mineral content. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Pearson's correlation demonstrate contributions from irrigation return flows and anthropogenic activities alongside geogenic factors, enriching Na+, SO42−, NO3−, and Cl− concentrations. The combined statistical and geochemical models offer a comprehensive insight into groundwater geochemistry which will help the policy makers and municipality to manage groundwater resources effectively in the area.