Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

Vol.16, Issue 4, 2010; Page No.(621-626)

HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION RISK OF GROUNDWATERS IN AN INDUSTRIAL AREA OF BANGALORE, SOUTH INDIA

Charmaine Jerome1 and Anitha Pius

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the level of heavy metal contamination of ground water in the pre monsoon and post monsoon seasons. Concentration of selected metals- Fe, Zn, Cr, Co, Cu, and Pb were estimated by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry in groundwater, from 31 sampling sites in Peenya, a significant industrial area in Bangalore. The mean concentration levels of the heavy metals could be arranged as Cr>Fe>Zn>Pb>Co>Cu in the pre monsoon season and Cr>Zn>Pb>Fe>Co> Cu in the post monsoon season. The spatial distribution of concentration of the heavy metals largely reflects the localization of major impact sources, with the most affected areas restricted to a radius of a few kilometers from point sources. The findings indicate that most of the water samples were contaminated and hence unfit for drinking purpose. This is probably because of seepage of effluents from the industries into the ground water régime and may have adverse effect on the health of people residing in close proximity to the study area, thus suggesting an urgent need for proper remedial measures.

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