Groundwater quality and heavy metal assessment of Ranbir Singh Pura, Jammu and Kashmir

Groundwater is the only source available for drinking in the study area. Water samples from 25 sampling sites were collected (handpumps, motors and borewells) for period (October to November) 2022 with the aim to evaluate the water suitability for irrigation and drinking purpose. Physico-chemical parameters (n = 15), heavy metals and water quality index (WQI) were determined to check the drinking water suitability. The obtained results were then compared with the BIS-2012 and WHO drinking water standards. Results indicate 52% of water samples from study area under good category of WQI. Groundwater was found suitable for irrigation purposes according to different irrigation indices except permeability index for which 60% samples were found unsuitable. According to heavy metal evaluation index, groundwater of the study area found to be highly contaminated with arsenic (As), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr). High contamination of Fe (heavy metal pollution index [HPI] = 120.45) and Cr (HPI = 7240.8) was recorded as per HPI. For different age groups in the study area, hazard quotient value for Cr and As was found at risk. Study region was found contaminated with the Cr, As and Pb concentrations which impact the health of locals. So, continuous monitoring of the groundwater of study area is suggested.