Geoinformatics-driven mapping of heavy metal contamination and associated health risks.
Potable groundwater of Ludhiana district in Punjab, India, has become a significant source for water consumption due to the growing contamination of surface water sources. A total of 60 groundwater samples were taken at 13 blocks and concentration of the heavy metals such as Arsenic, Lead, Selenium, Chromium and Cadmium was determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy and Ion Chromatography. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were assessed using hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI) incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR). The results showed that district-wide carcinogenic risks across Ludhiana, induced primarily by As with contributions from Cr and Pb contamination in groundwater. No non-carcinogenic risk was identified due to iron (Fe) and selenium (Se). Pb exceeded BIS (1991) limits in 45% of samples, followed by Cd (20%), Se (11.67%), and As (3.33%). Therefore, the harmful effects caused by groundwater pollution must be taken seriously and addressed promptly. These findings confirmed that groundwater containing As, Cr, and Pb above permissible values is unsuitable for consumption posing serious health hazards to the population of study area.