Pollution Research Paper

Vol. 36, Issue 2, 2017; Page No.(271-276 )

RELATION OF GROUNDWATER ARSENIC, IRON, AND REDOX SENSITIVE MANGANESE TO AQUIFER TYPE IN BARAK BASIN, ASSAM, INDIA

TUSHAR DEB KANUNGO

Abstract

Metals are ubiquitous, and they alter the reducing state of the physical environment of sub-surface water-sediments interface. The present work described the distribution pattern and occurrence of manganese in groundwater at Silchar Town in the Barak basin and observed that it triggers the reductive dissolution of arsenic into groundwater from aquifer type materials. Samples were collected from bore wells (n=30, depth 20m-65m) in the month of Jan. – Feb. during 2014 and 2015. Arsenic and manganese was analysed using FI-HG-AAS and Iron using a UV-visible spectrophotometer, and the results were compared with the WHO (2004). The study revealed that in dry season arsenic concentrations ranged from below detection limit (BDL) to 188 μg/L, Fe from 0.2 to 17.28 mg/L and concentration of Mn outstripped the WHO limit of 0.5 mg/L, ranged up to 1.92 mg/L. There exists a positive correlation between depth profiles of Mn and As. However, a contrarian relationship exists between Fe and Mn up to ~60m depth. The relationship among Fe, Mn and As concentrations hold highest at the lowest concentrations of DO and the relative abundance is in the order of Fe > As > Mn. With the increase of depth decrease of DO is seen. 20% borewells contained ≤10 μg/L of arsenic. Given the toxicity of these metals, the vast majority of the population, who uses borewells as their only source of drinking water, is running at risk.

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