Groundwater contamination status in Malaysia: level of heavy metal, source, health impact, and remediation technologies

Groundwater is defined as water that exists underground in voids or gaps in sediments and is extracted for human consumption from aquifers. It is critical to our daily lives because it contributes to the sustainability of our natural ecosystem while also providing economic benefits. Heavy metals are metallic compounds with a relatively high atomic weight and density compared to water. In Malaysia, heavy metal contamination of groundwater has become a concern due to rapid population growth, economic development, and a lack of environmental awareness. Environmental factors or their behaviors, such as density, viscosity, or volume, affect the distribution and transportation of heavy metals. The article discusses the difficulties created by the presence of heavy metals in groundwater supplies and the resulting health problems. Additionally, remediation methods are discussed for managing contaminated water to preserve the ecological environment for current and future generations, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

Automated summary

Groundwater, extracted from aquifers, is crucial for sustaining natural ecosystems and driving economic benefits. However, in Malaysia, the contamination of groundwater by heavy metals has raised concerns due to population growth, economic development, and limited environmental awareness. This article explores the challenges posed by heavy metals in groundwater and their impact on human health, as well as the remediation methods for managing contaminated water and their advantages and disadvantages.