Abstract
Surface water samples from Godavari river basin was analyzed quantitatively for the concentration of eight heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, nickel and zinc using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The analyzed data revealed that iron and zinc metals were found to be the most abundant metals in the river Godavari and its tributaries. Iron (Fe) recorded the highest, while cadmium (Cd) had the least concentration. Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, iron and zinc metals are within the acceptable limit of BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) 1050 (2012) Specification for drinking water, pp 1–5). The analysis of Godavari river and its tributary’s water samples reveals that the water is contaminated at selected points which are not suitable for drinking. Nickel and Copper concentration is above acceptable limit and other metal concentration is within the acceptable limit. Comprehensive study of the results reveals that out of 18 water quality stations monitored, water samples collected at 7 water quality stations are found to be within the permissible limit for all purposes. While Rajegaon, Tekra, Nandgaon, P. G. Bridge, Bhatpalli, Kumhari, Pauni, Hivra, Ashti, Bamini, and Jagda stations were beyond the desirable limit due to presence of copper and nickel metals. The contents of copper metal ions were higher at some water quality stations on Wunna river (Nandgaon); Wardha river (Hivra) and Wainganga river (Kumhari, Pauni, Ashti) during Feb. 2012, while nickel concentration during Feb. 2012, June 2012, March 2013 and Aug. 2013 at some water quality stations on rivers Bagh, Indravati, Pranhita, Wunna, Penganga, Peddavagu, Wainganga and Wardha. It can be concluded that rapid population growth and industrialization have brought about resource degradation and a decline in environmental quality.
Highlights
Heavy metals are elements with a specific gravity that is at least four to five times the specific gravity of water at the same temperature and pressure (Duruibe et al 2007; Garbarino et al 1995)
The analyzed data revealed that iron and zinc metals were found to be the most abundant metals in the river Godavari and its tributaries
Nickel and Copper concentration is above acceptable limit and other metal concentration is within the acceptable limit
Summary
Heavy metals are elements with a specific gravity that is at least four to five times the specific gravity of water at the same temperature and pressure (Duruibe et al 2007; Garbarino et al 1995). Due to heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, selenium, cadmium, copper, zinc, uranium, mercury, and nickel serious health hazards are caused due to transfer of these contaminants into food chain. Due to changing environmental conditions and extreme use of agrochemical heavy metals are being accumulated in soils which are transferred to water system by leaching. This poses a serious threat to human life (Nicholson et al 2003; Wong et al 2003). Soil contamination is of great concern (Hussain et al 2014)
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