Effective monitoring of groundwater chemistry is essential in areas with increasing industrial activity and water demand. This study assesses heavy metal pollution, potential health risks, and sources of contamination in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. In 2024, 60 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for Cr, Cu, Cd, Zn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Mn using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (30 pre-monsoon and 30 post-monsoon). Some concentrations exceeded the limits set by WHO (2017), USEPA (2018), and BIS (2012). Spatial distribution patterns were mapped using IDW interpolation, and Pearson correlation, PCA, and HCA were applied to identify contamination sources. The heavy metal pollution index (HPI) indicated moderate to high pollution, while the heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) and degree of contamination (DOC) confirmed heavy metal enrichment in several locations. Health risk assessment showed that the hazard quotient (HQ) for Cd, Ni, and Mn was above the safe limit, and the hazard index (HI) indicated a significant non-carcinogenic risk, especially for children. To ensure the long-term safety of groundwater, immediate mitigation measures such as sewage treatment, rainwater harvesting, and strict monitoring of industrial discharges are necessary.
Sugumaran et al. (Thu,) studied this question.