Total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) is a well-established method to detect ultra-trace elements present in water as well as in other liquids that can be diluted into the water medium. In the present case study, we have applied the TXRF technique to analyze various elements present in the Maha Kumbh-2025 water sample, which was collected from the nose point of Triveni Sangam, at Prayagraj, India. In addition, we have also performed intercomparative quantitative analysis of other water samples collected from different water resources. Our results show that the concentrations of different elements present in the Maha Kumbh-2025 water samples are well within the acceptable limits defined by the WHO guidelines (for drinking water). Furthermore, we did not observe the presence of any heavy toxic elements (e.g., chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb)) in the Maha Kumbh-2025 water sample within the range of detection limits (DL) of our technique. This case-study-based investigation provides a site-specific insight into the elemental quality of water at a location where a large mass-gathering festival is organized. It clearly demonstrates the practical applicability of TXRF as a rapid and reliable monitoring tool for assessing the quality of water from environmental pollution aspects.
Tiwari et al. (Sun,) studied this question.