GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION BY HEAVY METALS FOR GURUKUL NARSAN, HARIDWAR

Abstract

This dissertation was aimed at one of the most crucial problems of modern world and that is degradation of the natural resources at the cost of human suffering. The heavy metal poisoning has become a major issue in countries like Bangladesh and Nigeria. These have become national issues in these countries. Some of the major reasons involve natural leaching of heavy metals and anthropogenic sources like industrial wastes. The rapid growth of industries have resulted in huge waste generation. This waste can be toxic and hazardous if not disposed properly. There have been evidences that industries around the world through their sewage and effluents have been responsible to contaminate the natural water resources which in turn have affected the general population via development of serious conditions by the heavy metal poisoning. This study involved sample collection from 24 locations in the Gurukul Narsan Block of Haridwar district in the state of Uttarakhand in India. The samples were analysed for following in-situ measurements, pH, temperature and Electrical Conductivity. These were analyzed for these elements using the ICP-MS technique: Gold(Au), Arsenic(As), Calcium(Ca), Chromium(Cr), Uranium(U), Barium(Ba), Cadmium(Cd), Nickel(Ni), Copper(Cu), Iron(Fe), Manganese(Mn), Lead(Pb), Selenium(Se), Potassium(K), Magnesium(Mn) and Sodium(Na). The values obtained were judged for their maximum permissible limits as prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards(BIS). The conclusion was drawn that the groundwater samples in this area suggest that the water doesn’t contain hazardous levels of heavy metals. This might not pose a problem in recent times but as industrialization booms in the area, these can serve as potential hotspots for the heavy metal poisoning. And thus strict regulations for the treatment and monitoring of waste disposal should be a benchmark for the industries in the area