Pollution Research Paper

Vol.20, Issue 02, 2001; Page No.(245-255)

DISTRIBUTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HEAVY METALS IN JEEDIMETLA INDUSTRIAL AREA, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA.

PRADIP K. GOVIL

Abstract

Detailed studies have been carried out in and around jeedimetla Industrial Development Area, Andhra Pradesh to determine the extent of heavy metal contamination in soil and water. Distribution maps for different heavy/trace metals in the study area have been prepared. Soil, surface water and groundwater samples were studied during one hydrological cycle. It was observed that the soil as well as water in the area has a high contamination of Pb, Ni. Cu, Mn, Zn in soil and As, Ni, Cr, Sr, Zn, Cd, V and Ba in the water. The concentration levels of these elements were found to be far above the normal distribution of these elements in nature or the permissible limits of these elements in water. A stream of water flows through the study area and the studies reveal that the water of the stream is highly contaminated with heavy metals. The concentrations of some of the heavy metals in stream samples were as high as nickel 300 ppb, strontium 2500 ppb, boron 700 ppb and molybdenum 40 ppb. Studies on the soil samples reveal very high concentrations of some of the heavy metals such as barium 1200 ppm, nickel 700 ppm, zinc 1000 ppm and copper 400 ppm. At some places, pH of the water was found to be abnormally low, i.e. 1.80 to 3.0 only. Total dissolved solids (TDS) were present in the range of 5000-8000 mg/l. Low pH could be one of the main factors contributing to high TDS in the water. Geochemical maps showing the distribution patterns of heavy metals have been prepared to determine the extent and distribution of pollutants in the study area.

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