Spatial distribution and seasonal variation of trace hazardous elements contamination in the coastal environment

Abstract

Groundwater is the second largest water source for daily consumption, only next to surface water resources. Groundwater has been extensively investigated for its pollution level in urban areas. The groundwater quality assessments in industrial areas associated with every urban landscape are still lacking. In order to examine the spatial distribution characteristics, pollution levels, and sources of trace metals in the densely populated Chennai coastal region of Tamilnadu, India, physicochemical parameters and trace element concentrations have been determined in groundwater. 55 groundwater samples from Tamil Nadu's coastal region were collected and analyzed for physicochemical parameters such as pH, (EC), (TDS), and (TH) during the pre-monsoon (June 2015) and post-monsoon (January 2016) seasons. We used trace elements and analyzed them in this study (Mg, Zn, Pb, Ni, Co, Cu, Cr, and Fe). Furthermore, anthropogenic input from industries and power plants exacerbates the pollution of Ni, Mg, Fe, and Mn. Due to evaporites and anthropogenic input, samples with excessive salinity, total hardness, and water quality are considered unsuitable for irrigation or drinking. The results demonstrated that seasonal, geogenic, and anthropogenic influences all have a significant impact on the heterogeneous chemistry of groundwater.