Hydrogeochemical properties of groundwater and associated human health hazards in coastal multiaquifers of India

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2024 Mar;31(12):18054-18073. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-27765-w. Epub 2023 May 26.

Abstract

Due to the scarcity of water supplies, coastal groundwater quality most importantly influences sustainable development in the coastal region. Rising groundwater pollution through heavy metal contamination is an intense health hazard and environmental concern worldwide. This study shows that 27%, 32%, and 10% of the total area come under the categories very high, high, and very low human health hazard index (HHHI) accordingly. This area's water quality is also much polluted; the study shows approximately 1% has very good water quality. High concentrations of Fe, As, TDS, Mg2+, Na, and Cl- are relatively noticed in the portion of the western part of this district. The concentration of heavy metals in coastal aquifers influences the groundwater pollution of that region. The average heavy metal concentration in this region is 0.20 mg/l (As) and 1.160 mg/l (TDS). The groundwater quality and hydrogeochemical properties are determined through the Piper diagram. The study stated that TDS, Cl- (mg/l), and Na+ (mg/l) are the most regulatory issues of vulnerability. In the present study region, a huge number of alkaline substances are present resulting in the water being unfit for drinking purposes. Lastly, it is clear from the study's findings that multiple risks exist there like As, TDS, Cl-, and other hydrochemical parameters in the groundwater. The proposed approach applied in this research work may be a pivotal tool for predicting groundwater vulnerability in other regions.

Keywords: Coastal multiaquifer; Groundwater contamination; Human health hazard; Water quality; Water scarcity.

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Groundwater* / chemistry
  • Humans
  • India
  • Metals, Heavy*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical* / analysis
  • Water Quality

Substances

  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Metals, Heavy