Groundwater quality assessment with reference to some heavy metals toxicity and its probable remediation around Ballarpur area of Wardha valley coalfields, Maharashtra

Abstract

Wardha valley coalfields are one of the major coal contributors in central India. The present study strives to assess the groundwater quality around Ballarpur area of Wardha Valley Coalfields concerning some heavy metals. 14 groundwater samples were taken for each pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season to assess Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni, and Zn by AAS. Results disclosed that Cd, Fe, Pb and Ni were above the maximum permissible limit as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (2012). Fe, Zn, Cu and Al are the major percentage contributor in groundwater samples for both seasons. Shallow aquifer is more contaminated than deep. The PCA study has shown strong associations among a few heavy metals. The correlation coefficient study revealed that all heavy metals negatively correlate with pH values suggesting that contamination is favored in acidic water. Sampling locations and corresponding values imply mining activity as an influential cause for contamination. Hence, Acid Mine Drainage could cause a lower pH in the study area, augmenting heavy metals dissolution. To overcome, a flow system of anaerobic wetland and limestone drain could be a remedial method which will treat the mine discharge and mitigate the contamination.