Rekha Patel, Manoj Kumar Sharma and Sankatha Prasad Sonkar
Abstract
Groundwater is a primary source of drinking water in many regions, but its quality is increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities. The present study evaluates heavy metal contamination and associated health risks in groundwater of the Maihar region, located in Madhya Pradesh. Groundwater samples were collected from five locations representing industrial, agricultural, residential, mining, and institutional areas during pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons of 2023. The concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Results revealed that iron exhibited the highest concentration, while cadmium and copper were present in lower amounts. Seasonal variations indicated higher concentrations during pre-monsoon and reduced levels during monsoon due to dilution. A health survey covering approximately 5% of the local population indicated that over 90% of individuals were healthy, with only minor occurrences of gastrointestinal and neurological issues. The findings suggest that although groundwater quality shows early signs of deterioration due to human activities, the current level of contamination poses minimal immediate health risk. Continuous monitoring and management strategies are recommended to ensure long-term water safety.