GIS BASED ANALYSIS OF DISTRIBUTION OF HEAVY METAL POLLUTANTS IN INDIA: SOURCES, TOXICITY AND THEIR MITIGATIONVINEET KUMAR RAI, PRAVIN KUMAR, ASHUTOSH SINGH, DIPAK PRASAD AND PRAVEEN KUMAR RAIAbstract The major heavy metals of concern for India in terms of their environmental load and health effects are lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, copper and aluminum. Their source is mostly anthropogenic- industrial activity, vehicles, etc. Natural causes like seepage from rocks, volcanic activity and forest fires can also contribute. Geographical information system (GIS) provides a platform in which attributes data related with heavy metals pollutants can be integrated with spatial data. In this study, ARC GIS-10.3 software is used for data integration and analysis. Minerals like fluoride and arsenic salts are of natural origin, but human activity can also aggravate the situation. The toxic chemicals are discharged by industries into air, water and soil. Once they enter our biological system they disturb the biochemical processes. In the present study, state wise distribution of heavy metals like Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Copper (Cu), Arsenic (As) and Fluoride (F) were identified in India. These chemicals presumably pose the problems of health hazards, so that it is necessary to exercise strict control on those which offer the most serious threats during manufacturing and handling. In general heavy metal toxicity can cause chronic degenerative diseases the symptoms being mental disorders, pain in muscle and joints, gastro intestinal disorders, vision problems, chronic fatigue, and susceptibility to fungal infections. Sometimes the symptoms are vague and difficult to diagnose at early stage. Industrial workers and populations living near the polluting industry are more susceptible and have to be monitored. Malnourished people and pregnant women are vulnerable. |