A systematic study on occurrence, risk estimation and health implications of heavy metals in potable water from different sources of Garhwal Himalaya, India

The occurrence of heavy metals (HMs) in drinking water has been a critical water quality concern for a long time and can compromise its aesthetic value to the larger extent. Chronic exposure of human beings to these toxic and non-toxic HMs through water ingestion can result in significant health risks. To assess these associated health risks, the present study was planned, designed and carried out for analyses of nine HMs namely, Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in the potable water samples collected from different sources located across the Mandakini valley of Garhwal Himalaya, India using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The measured values of Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were found in the range of BDL-27.4 mu g l(-1), 0.26-4.5 mu g l(-1), BDL-139 mu g l(-1), 0.02-0.9 mu g l(-1), 0.4-5.5 mu g l(-1), 0.07-9.2 mu g l(-1), BDL-4164 mu g l(-1), BDL-0.8 mu g l(-1), and BDL-11.2 mu g l(-1), respectively. The observed values of analyzed HMs except Zn and Pb were found below the reference values prescribed by the WHO, USEPA and BIS. In addition, Zn concentration exceeded its maximum permissible limit (4000 mu g l(-1)) recommended by WHO for infants at one station only. The observed indices show that there are no health risks from HMs contamination via drinking water in the region. Moreover, the estimated hazard quotients for children and adults also revealed no potential health risks. The results of present study will be useful as baseline data for state and national regulatory agencies.

Automated summary

The occurrence of heavy metals in drinking water can pose a threat to water quality, but this study found that the concentrations of most heavy metals in potable water samples collected from the Mandakini valley in the Garhwal Himalaya region of India were below the reference values, indicating no health risks. The results of this study provide important baseline data for state and national regulatory agencies.