Trace Elements Concentration in Domestic Groundwater Wells in Northern Parts of Kelantan, Malaysia

Abstract

Groundwater is one of the major alternatives of freshwater supply in rural as well as in urban areas in Kelantan. The need for groundwater has been rising day by day for irrigation purposes. The degree of trace elements pollution and the suitability of groundwater for drinking purpose were assessed through analysis of 32 groundwater samples of shallow aquifer. A total of 15 trace elements investigated includes As, Pb, Sr, Ba, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Cd, Fe, Zn, Cr, B, Se, and Al. The study reveals that most of the samples analysed contain marginally low concentrations of trace elements. The majority of toxic elements (As and Pb) are found to be in minute quantities and thus assumed to be inattentive in the wells. The concentration of all the elements except Fe and Mn were found far well within the permissible limits of WHO, thus pointing to the unpolluted source of water supply in the area. The concentration of Fe is higher in eight samples whereas Mn is on the higher side in twelve samples during post-season. Overall, all the elements show higher concentrations during post season owing to the less intensity of rainfall. Overall, the water in the area is safe for various purposes, but the source and contamination levels of Fe and Mn needs to be evaluated in detail. Moreover, appropriate use of law and regulations and effective water management is required amid rising population to preserve the quality of this resource for future generations.