Quantifying Heavy Metals in White Clay and Groundwater of Bijoypur: A Comprehensive Study of Potential Impact Analysis

Heavy metal contamination in water especially in groundwater sources is increasing due to changes in geochemistry in the aquifers. This study aimed to investigate the abundance of heavy metals in white clay, lake water and groundwater along with assess the potential heavy metal impact on groundwater. Four white clay, two lake water and six groundwater samples were taken from Bijoypur and its vicinity. Quantification of heavy metal concentrations in white clay and water samples were conducted by using ICPMS. To assess the degree of pollution in the water samples, the Metal Index (MI) and Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) were computed. The mean concentrations (mg kg-1) of heavy metal in white clay were as (0.0104), Cd (0.0005), Co (0.0105), Cr (0.2230), Cu (0.0290), Fe (36.08), Mn (0.044), Ni (0.15), Pb (0.059) and Zn (0.045). The mean concentrations (mg L-1) of heavy metal in groundwater showed that as (0.029), Fe (15.093), Mn (0.383) and Ni (0.043) exceeded WHO, 2011 recommended permissible values. As-Fe (r=0.89), Cr-Pb (r=0.93) exhibits a very strong correlation in groundwater. As per the HPI values, 17% of samples show a high pollution index and 33% of samples show a medium pollution index. As per the MI values, 33% of the samples show a seriously affected water quality. The findings revealed a significance presence of heavy metal in white clay, lake water and groundwater. It is imperative to thoroughly monitor any potential effects of heavy metals (HMs) on human health that may result from direct groundwater drinking.