Groundwater quality index and human health risk assessment of heavy metals in and around Asansol industrial area, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Both the quality and quantity are equally important during the administration of water assets. Unscientific practices at Asansol industrial zone that houses a diverse range of industries, releases a lot of untreated sewage along with the municipal waste that is adversely affecting the groundwater quality of this area. Poor quality water poses a risk of adverse effects on human health. Groundwater collected from 26 study locations has shown the prevalence of bicarbonate in the groundwater. Though some fluctuation in the parameters was observed both in pre and post monsoon season, the range is well within the permissible limit. Piper diagram shows the mixing of cations in the groundwater. Heavy metal analysis revealed that presence of copper (Cu) was higher due to the industrial discharges that reach to the groundwater. Human health risk assessment data, here clearly showed the non-carcinogenic risk associated from arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in the region. Thus, this study will be proven helpful in reforming the municipal planning strategies for groundwater resources in this region accordingly.