TRACE METAL ANALYSIS IN GROUNDWATER OF THE HANDRI RIVER BASIN, KURNOOL DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA

Abstract

Quantitative analysis of trace metals in the groundwater of the Handri river basin was conducted using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Descriptive statistics, box whisker plots, and GIS assessed their spatial distribution in South India. The elements arsenic, cadmium, and iron were the most abundant, with iron having the highest concentration and copper the lowest. Chromium, copper, nickel, and zinc complied with BIS and WHO standards for drinking water. In certain locations of the Handri river basin, elevated concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, iron, lead, and manganese were found to be polluting and endangering the water. A comprehensive analysis revealed that, out of 41 water quality sites, copper, chromium, nickel, and zinc were within acceptable limits, while arsenic and cadmium exceeded the limits. Twenty groundwater sites showed elevated iron content, revealed by a spatial distribution map. Excessive manganese and lead levels were observed in specific stations, such as Gorantla, Bondi Madugula, Ramachandrapuram, Konganapadu, and Tangaradona. The study suggests that population growth and industrialization contribute to resource depletion and environmental deterioration. The cohesive findings from descriptive models, box whisker plots, and spatial analyses aim to guide decision-makers in developing adaptive groundwater trace element monitoring strategies for the Handri basin in Kurnool district, India.