Evaluation of Groundwater Quality in an Urbanized Watershed with a Special Reference to Heavy Metal Concentration

Water, a vital natural resource for various purposes, is challenged by urbanization and industrialization, impacting its quality. This study evaluates groundwater quality, focusing on heavy metal concentration, in the Vishwamitri watershed. Heavy metals in groundwater pose environmental and health risks. Methods including IDW interpolation and Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) were employed. The research identified variations in the levels of heavy metal concentrations during both the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Cadmium and lead concentrations have surpassed permissible limits of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). In the pre-monsoon period, the average concentration of heavy metals exhibits the sequence Fe (0.111 mg/L) > Pb (0.110 mg/L) > Cr (0.083 mg/L) > Mn (0.062 mg/L) > Cd (0.007 mg/L) > Cu (0.006 mg/L). Conversely, during the post-monsoon period, the average heavy metal concentration follows the order Fe (0.135 mg/L) > Mn (0.116 mg/L) > Pb (0.083 mg/L) > Cr (0.078 mg/L) > Cu (0.013 mg/L) > Cd (0.012 mg/L). HPI values indicated pollution levels below critical thresholds. The analysis of spatial patterns identified localized areas of contamination concentrated in the southern and central regions of the research site. This study emphasizes the significance of effectively addressing the issue of pollution related to heavy metal to ensure safe groundwater for human consumption. Further research aims to identify contamination sources and assess health risks.