Assessment of trace metals in groundwater of Jammalamadugu and Yerraguntla areas of YSR Kadapa Dt., AP, India

Abstract

Ground water is the only primary source of drinking water in the study area. So, a comprehensive study has been carried out with respect to heavy metals like Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Mercury, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Lead, Selenium and Zinc in ground water sources of Jammalamadugu (JMD) and Yerraguntla (YGL) areas of YSR Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh. Ten groundwater samples from each area were collected and analyzed for trace metals by ICP-OES method. The results showed that the mean concentration level of various heavy metals in the JMD area followed the sequence: Zn > Fe > Mn > Se > Cu > Cd>Mo ∼ Pb > Ni > Cr > As∼Hg where as in YGL area the mean concentration of heavy metals was in the order: Zn> Fe> Se> Mn> Ni> Mo> Cd> Pb> Cr> As∼ Hg ~Cu. The concentration of eleven heavy metals, except cadmium, in both areas was detected within the permissible limits of WHO. The Concentration of Cadmium in 40% of samples of JMD area and 30% samples of YGL area was detected above WHO guidelines. Cadmium (Cd) is an extremely toxic industrial and environmental pollutant. Drinking water with high Cadmium levels severely irritates the stomach, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, kidney damage, osteoporosis and osteomalacia. Some of the groundwater sources are safe for drinking, but proactive measures should take to check the levels of trace metals periodically.