Abstract
In western Tamil Nadu, the Noyyal River basin is the primary water source for agriculture, industry, and consumption. The present research aims to evaluate the quality of surface water and the implications of heavy metal contamination on the surface waters within the Noyyal River basin. The major chemistry of the surface water exhibits the CaMgHCO3 type with dominant silicate weathering. The sodium absorption ratio and sodium percentage show the acceptability of water for irrigation purposes. On the other hand, water quality is unsuitable for human consumption during both seasons. The heavy metal pollution index revealed that 32% of monsoons and 40% of summer locations have a higher index (>100). Hazard index and Probability cancer risk show a higher risk of metal pollution, especially chromium in children than in adults and newborns. Principal component and cluster analysis shows that metals entering the river system mainly through industrial wastewater discharge during summer and monsoon seasons experience significant weathering through rainfall runoff. In essence, the study shows industrial activity plays a major role in increased surface water pollution in the study region with metals causing a major impact on the environment and human health, especially on children compared to adults.
Published Version
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