Abstract

HEAVY METAL POLLUTION INDEX ON GROUNDWATER QUALITY BETWEEN TAMILNADU AND PONDICHERRY STATES, INDIA

R. Abdul Vahith*, J. Sirajudeen and J. Muneer Ahamath

Abstract

The objective of the study is to reveal the seasonal variations in the groundwater quality with respect to heavy metals contamination. Water samples were collected from 23 different locations in monsoon, winter and summer seasons. The concentrations of trace metals such as copper, iron, manganese, chromium and lead were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The analytical data was compared with the guidelines given by WHO. The Calculated value of HPI is 259. The results reveal that the concentration due to lead is higher than the permissible limit prescribed by the WHO. The result shows that the water quality of the study area is very poor and not suitable for drinking purpose. The heavy metal contamination may due to the discharge of industrial, municipal wastes, disposal of solid wastes, land filling and other anthropogenic influences in this region. It is a well known fact that the heavy metal ions are potentially toxic to human health and could be quite detrimental for human life. The results have been used to suggest models for predicting water quality. The analysis reveals that the groundwater of the area needs some degree of treatment before consumption, and it also needs to be protected from the perils of contamination.

Keywords: Heavy metal pollution index, Industrial pollution, Seasonal variation, Groundwater.