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Abstract:
Erratic rainfall, limited surface water, and intensive agriculture have increased dependency on groundwater in semiarid to sub-humid aquifer systems of the north Indian state, Punjab. Rapid declining water levels and water quality deterioration are common issues in Indian states. The present study is a comprehensive study carried out to examine the quality and extent of contamination due to trace elements and nitrate in aquifer systems and the distribution of toxic elements in agricultural and barren soils. Potential toxic elements are analyzed in groundwater samples covering both the shallow (<60 m) and deeper aquifers (>60 m) from rural and urban areas and agricultural and barren soil up to a depth of 35 ft. Elements such as As, B, Cd, Li, Mn, Pb, Sr, U, and Se exceed the prescribed limits. The soil pollution level was determined using various pollution indices like the geo-accumulation index, enrichment factor, pollution index and pollution load index, and potential ecological risk assessment. Shallow aquifers mostly are exceeding nitrate permissible limits (45ppm) more than deep aquifers. Contaminants concentration increases toward groundwater flow direction, from northeast to southwest possibly due to arid climatic conditions. The soil analysis results revealed that pollution in the region is due to anthropogenic activities mostly with few elements of geogenic origin. This study demonstrated an urgent need for agriculture management cropping patterns, use of more surface water, the use of purified water for domestic uses, and some quality control measures that are warranted to protect the health of the exposed community in Punjab.
