S T U D I E S ON H E A V Y M E T A L S IN T H E G R O U N D W A T E R S OF T H E CITY OF A L I G A R H U . P . ( I N D I A )

MOHAMMAD

A J M A L and R A Z I U D D I N

Environmental Research Laboratory, Chemistry Section, Z.H. College of Engineering and Technology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202001, India

(Received June 25, 1984) Abstract. A study was conducted to determine the levels of heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and

Zn along with physico-chemical parameters in ground waters of Aligarh city, U.P. (India). Twenty seven samples of hand pump water and twenty three samples of municipal water supply were collected from different localities of the Aligarh city, five times during the period of two months at intervals of 12 days. The samples were analysed for physico-chemical characteristics (pH, electrical conductivity, chlorides, sulphates, total hardness, total alkalinity, nitrate-nitrogen, fluoride, calcium and magnesium) and heavy metal contents. The concentrations of heavy metals in the hand pump water samples were found in the ranges of Cd (ND-5.00); Cr (ND-30.00); Cu (ND-82.50); Fe (16.80-460.00); Mn (ND-425.00); Ni (ND-25.00); Pb (ND-25.00) and Zn (28.60-775.00)lag 1-1. The heavy metal concentrations in the municipal water supply samples were found to be Cd(ND-5.00); Cr(ND-25.00); Cu (ND-37.50); Fe (8.00-37.50); Mn (ND-320.00); Ni (ND-25.00); Pb (ND-25.00) and Zn (2.00-271.87) lag 1 1 It appears from the results of these studies the concentrations ofCd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the ground waters of the Aligarh City were found to be lower than the prescribed limits of World Health Organisation (1984), whereas the values of Fe and Mn were found above the prescribed limits in some localities. The chloride total hardness and nitrate-nitrogen were comparatively higher in the hand pump water than the municipal supply water. The reason of higher values of these parameters may be ascribed to the surface disposal of sewage wastes, wastes from metal processing industries and other house hold refuses.

1. Introduction Indiscriminate discharge of waste products may result in severe pollution of the surface and ground waters. The natural quality of ground water tends to be degraded by the disposal of wastes on land. The leachate from these discharge percolates into ground and pollutes the ground water. The extent of this pollution has grown in recent years with the increase in population as well as increase in the agricultural and industral activities of man. The information available regarding the magnitude of the problem is meagre. The heavy metals are probably the most harmful and insidious pollutants because of their non-biodegradable nature and their potential to cause adverse effects in human beings at certain levels of exposure and absorption. Cadmium is one of the most toxic to man and animals (Friberg et al., 1974). Cadmium gets accumulated and is retained mainly in the liver and kidney, thus causing pathological changes of the hepatocytes of the liver as well as kidney, tubules and glomeruli changes (Itokawa et al., 1974; Colucci et aL, 1975). The two major effects of chronic cadmium toxicity in persons that have been occupationally exposed to cadmium are obstructive lung disease and renal dysfunction. The lung disorders are primarily suggestive of pulmonary emphysema. The Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 6 (1986) 18 l - 194. 9 1986 by D, Reidel Publishing Company.

182

M O H A M M A D AJMAL AND RAZI U D D I N

most common abnormality from chronic cadmium exposure involves renal toxicity characterized by proteinurea. Other disturbances of renal tubular function include glycosuria, amino acid uria, decreases the urine concentrating ability, and abnormalities in renal processing of uric acid, calcium and phosphorus. (Drinking water and Health, Vol. 3, 1980). Several epidemiological surveys have suggested that there is an increased incidence of prostrate cancer in cadmium workers as compared to the general population (Kipling and Waterhouse, 1967; Lemen etal., 1976, Potts, 1965). Copper is an essential element in human metabolism (World Health Organisation, 1973) and is considered to be non toxic for man at levels encountered in drinking water. The greatest danger of toxicity arises when children consume acidic beverages that have been in contact with copper containers or valves (Food and Drug Administration, 1975). However, a few patients with Wilson's disease (heptolenticular degeneration) are adversely affected by the estimated average intake of copper (Scheinberg and Sternlieb, 1965). The toxicity of chromium depends upon its valence. Trivalent chromium is relatively non toxic and is considered essential for humans and animals for efficient lipid, glucose and protein metabolism. Hexavalent chromium exerts adverse effects on the renal, hepatic and gastrointestinal systems and the skin. Carcinogenic and mutagenic potential of hexavalent chromium has also been shown (U.S. Environment Protection Agency, Part II, 1983). Iron is an essential element in human nutrition but becomes highly toxic when administered parenterally. Humans are generally well protected from oral dose, but children from 1 to 2 yr of age are particularly vulnerable to iron toxicity from ingestion of iron supplements that have been commercially prepared for adults (Fairbanks et al., 1971). Kawamura et al., (1941) reported an epidemic of manganese intoxication in Japan resulting from contaminated well water. They have reported neurological symptoms and the deaths of two patients whose organs contained large quantities of manganese. Nickel has also been shown to be toxic by several workers (Berg and Burbank, 1972; Sunderman, 1971). Nickel salts exert their action mainly by gastrointestinal irritation and not by inherent toxicity (Schroeder et al., 1961). Zinc is an essential element for humans. There is evidence of borderline deficiencies of the element in the United States as well as in other parts of the world (Hambidge and Walravens, 1976). Zinc has low toxicity when taken orally (Evans, 1976). Synder et al. (1971) have described the effects of lead poisoning on man. Lead has been demonstrated to be extremely deleterious as related to haem biosynthesis (Chisholm, 1971). Goyer and Rhyne (1973) have reported that elevated blood lead disrupts the blood enzyme delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity in humans and can induce a reduction in haemoglobin. An.association between cardiovascular mortality rates and the hardness of local drinking water supplies has been reported in the several area of the world (Comstock, 1979). The excessive or deficient levels of essential micronutrients such as Co, Cr, Cu, and Zn may also have detrimental effects on health (Westendorf and Midleton, 1979). This paper presents results of analyses for heavy metals i.e. Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni,

STUDIES ON HEAVY METALS IN T H E G R O U N D W A T E R S OF T H E CITY OF ALIGARH

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200m To 1Cm S00

5Cm To 1Kin

1:20, 000

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INDEX 9 TUBE-WELL i,,I4. WATER SUPPLY ,1~ HAND PUNP SAMPLING 9 LOCATION

Fig.1. Map of Aligarh city showing sampling locations.

183

184

MOHAMMAD AJMAL AND RAZI UDDIN

Pb, and Zn and physico-chemical characteristics in the ground waters (hand pump and municipal supply) of the Aligarh city. Aligarh town is situated in the north west of Uttar Pradesh in India. Coverning an area of five thousands sq.km and lying between 27 o30' and 28 o9' 15" north latitude and 77030 ' and 78~ ' 15" longitude west. The average rainfall is about 59 cm per annum and the maximum and minimum temperatures attained are 37.0 ~ and 10.0 ~ respectively on an average. The status of the Aligarh city have attained three lacs population as per 1981 census report. Ground water serves as a source of drinking water in the Aligarh city. On conducting a survey it was found that most of the city area is covered by both hand pump water and municipal water supply whereas at some places either hand pump or municipal water supply was available for consumption. Aligarh city has fourteen tube well for municipal water supply in different localities, each having a different aquifers (Figure 1). Each hand pump has also a different equifer. The depth of the hand pumps and municipal tube wells varies from 20 to 30 ft and from 350 to 400 ft below the ground levels respectively. The water of municipal supply is occasionally treated for disinfection by hypochlorite.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1.

SAMPLE

COLLECTION

Twenty seven samples of hand pump water and twenty three samples of municipal supply water were collected from different localities of Aligarh city five times over a period of two months (April and May 1983) at 12 days intervals. Polyethylene 1 1 screw cap bottles were used as the containers for water samples. Prior to use the bottles were cleaned sequentially as follows: a detergent wash, tap water rinse, soaking in 1~o HNO3 for 24 hr and high purity water rinse. The bottles to be used for collection were then dried

TABLE I Detection Limits of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer ( S H A N D O N S O U T H E R N Model A 3400) for the heavy metals Heavy metals

Detection limit in ppm (for 1 ~o absorption)

Cd Cr Cu Fe Mn Ni Pb Zn

0.02 0.06 0.05 0.08 0.03 0.07 0.15 0.01

7.42-7.50 7.60-7.70 7.45-7.56 7.80-7.90 7.70-7.80 7.29-7.50 7.67-7.80 8.00-8.25 7.00-7.15 7.70-8.00 7.20-7.45 7.80-8.00 7.56-7.70 7.80-8.00 7.85-8.00 7.00-7.30 7.50-7.70 7.54-7.70 7.63-7.70 7.45-7.60 7.30-7.45 7.70-7.80 7.62-7.80 7.50--7.60 7.45-7.50 7.00--7.20 8.00-8.30

pH

II

112.00-127.50 111.00-117.60 119.20-122.30 152.00-160.00 165.00-175.40 139.50-154.00 140.50-156.00 126.30-133.30 170.80-181.00 98.00-110.00 119.00-130.00 165.00-171.20 149.00-155.00 190.00-210.00 150.50-154.00 136.00-144.70 155.00-169.50 156.20-163.00 152.80-160.00 215.50-218.30 149.40-165.00 125.50-140.70 165.70-190.50 110.50-120.80 160.00-173.00 165.00-175.00 132.00-148.20

Electrical conductivity (micromhos c m - ~)

175.00-184.00 13.00-15.00 10.00-12.00 79.00-88.00 70.00-80.00 164.00-172.00 138.00-150.00 40.00-50.00 55.00-70.00 12.00-15.00 232.00--240.00 186.00-200.00 175.00-184.00 65.00-72.00 35.00--44.00 72.00-84.00 228.00-240.00 153.00-166.00 77.00-90.00 164.00-177.00 151.00-160~00 175.00-184.00 128.00-132.00 10.00-15.00 180.00-192.00 178.00-184.00 152.00-160.00

440.00--455.77 370.81-381.00 130.60-145.60

--

Sulphates

341.82-362.50 45.97-52.55 43.97-53.00 55.00-64.65 70.00-86.40 140.00-160.96 285.85-295.70 111.00-120.94 173.90-188.60 9.99-15.00 539.72-550.00 450.76-465.90 325.50-340.83 15.99-22.00 51.97--63.00 119.93-125.50 454.90--475.76 200.00-212.89 120.93-132.00 340.00-350.82 445.80-458.00 456.00-470.66 120.93-133.00 68.00-85.50

--

Chlorides

605.00-628.00 600.00-620.00 206.00-212.00

382.00--400.00 240.00-256.00 266.00-280.00 322.00-340.00 300.00-312.00 396.00--412.00 410.00-432.00 385.00--400.00 275.00-300.00 212.00-224.00 620.00-648.00 590.00-620.00 405.00-420.00 118.00-124.00 279.00-292.00 490.00-512.00 620.00-640.00 380.00--400.00 378.00--400.00 540.00-552.00 577.00-600.00 565.00-580.00 160.00-172.00 241.00-252.00

--

Total hardness

332.00-348.00 328.00-340.00 340.00-356.00

314.00-325.00 251.00-264.00 200.00-212.00 316.00-320.00 306.00-316.00 318.00--122.00 320.00-332.00 267.00-280.00 277.00-292.00 253.00-264.00 390.00--400.00 250.00-260.00 295.00-308.00 297.00-308.00 287.00-300.00 326.00-336.00 325.00-332.00 306.00-320.00 297.00-304.00 299.00-308.00 278.00-292.00 275.00-288.00 310.00-312.00 260.00-268.00

Total Alkalinity

N.B.: 1. Two values represent the minimum and maximum of five measurements taken over a period of two months. 2. All parameters except pH and electrical conductivity are expressed in mg 1- i.

Ameer Nishan Babri Mandi Badar Bagh Bhamola Cotton Mill Delhi Gate Dube Ka Praw Jai Ganj Jail Road Jamal Pur Jouhar Bagh Kave Ki Sarai Khaidora Mamu Bhanja Marris Road Masoodabad Nai Basti Pathanan Phaphala Rasal Ganj Sarai Behram Beg Sarai Mian Sasni Gate Shah Kamal Sir Syed Nagar Upper Kot Usman Para Veterinary Hospital Vishnupuri

Sampling locations

Parameters

TABLE

4.50-5.00 4.50-5.00 10.00-10.50

4.80-5.5O 5.00-6.00 7.00-7.50 3.41)--4.00 4.50-5.00 5.60-6.00 12.00-13.00 5.00-6.00 4.50-5.00 4.00--4.50 6.60-7.50 8.20-9.00 1.90-2.00 1.20-2.00 3.00-4.00 14.50-17.00 5.30-6.50 6.00-6.80 8.50-10.50 3.40-4.00 6.00-7.00 4.70-5.00 4.50-5.00 4.00-5.00

NitrateNitrogen

P h y s i c o - C h e m i c a l C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s in t h e h a n d p u m p w a t e r o f A l i g a r h city

1.00-1.02 1.00-1.05 1.00-1.05

0.98-1.00 0.95-0.99 0.91-0.93 0.94-0.98 0.90-0.93 0.93-0.95 0.93-0.97 1.00-1.05 0.90-0,91 0.90-0.93 0.96-0.99 0.98-1.00 0.99-1.00 1.00-1.15 0.97-1.00 0.98-1.00 0.94-0.96 1.00-1.07 1.00-1.06 0.99-1.00 0.96--I.00 0.91--0.92 0.99-1.02 1.00-1.03

Fluoride

250.55-281.78 232.00-248.49 60.00-68.96

148.33-160.32 95.70-102.60 100.00-112.22 126.77-136.27 120.60-125.04 155.50-165.12 165.00-173.14 156.36-165.12 106.10-120.24 65.60-71.77 264.24-299.79 247.80-265.83 156.70-168.33 45.50--49.69 110.12-117.03 198.90-205.20 260.00-284.52 148.46-160.32 150.15-160.32 206.46-221.24 222.45-240.48 225.32-232.46 60.65-68.93 90.26-101.00

Calcium

84.75-102.43 80.55-88.76 21.24-27.76

52.25-57.34 26.41-36.11 31.76-39.52 43.32-49.77 42.65-49.77 50.09-58.65 52.67-61.97 52.14-58.65 33.56--41.96 28.00-33.18 88.76-106.80 91.93-102.24 51.00-60.26 14.20-18.05 35.30--41.48 65.50-73.68 82.24-94.18 51.46-57.34 50.06-57.32 70.69-78.56 78.41-85.40 71.60-80.52 20.77-24.88 28.00-34.64

Magnesium

~"

rn r

~r~

O :Z

"~ rn

~e rn ,..]

rn

O

7.48-7.60 7.86-8.00 7.75-7.85 7.85-8.00 7.65-7.80 7.45-7.60 7.70-7.80 7.66-7.70 7.50-7.60 7.80-7.90 7.67-7.75 7.70-7.85 7.89-8.10 7.85-7.90 7.45-7.75 7.59-7.70

Jouhar Bagh Kave Ki Sarai Khaidora Mamu Bhanja Marris Road Masoodabad Nai Basil Pathanan Phaphala Rasal Ganj Sarai Behram Beg Sarai Mian Sasni Gate Shah Kamal Sir Syed Nagar Upper Kot Usman Para Veterinary Hospital Vishnupuri 97.00-105.00 99.94--103.94 110.00-113.94

125.00-128.30 129.90-133.30 147.20-149.90 100.00-110.00 110.00-114.00 150.00-156.00

139.00-148.00 100.00-112.00 95.00-100.00 50.00-52.00 136.00-146.00 81.00-85.00 115.00-124.00 126.00-132.00 50.00-60.00 96.00-100.00 112.00-114.00 178.00-184.00 135.00-144.00

78.00-86.00 111.00-116.00 120.00-128.00 133.00-140.00 50.00-55.00

19.75-25.98 85.95-91.00 58.50-66.84 110.94-113.86 112.80-118.97

119.00-125.93 105.94-113.00 70.00-79.96 28.76-36.00 195.97-110.00 70.93-77.00 99.74-110.00 210.84-215.70 30.98-35.00 90.95-98.60 93.00-100.00 320.00-325.83 61.00-69.50

75.00-80.00 136.00-144.00

Sulphates

20.98-26.00 111.94-115.00

Chlorides

119.00-124.00 155.00-162.00 139.20-143.80 138.00-141.20 149.00-156.40 138.00-141.20 125.00-135.60 150.00-160.00 118.60-124.00 152.60-160.00 122.00-130.70 136.50-141.20 130.00-135.60

115.50-120.00 110.50-117.90 139.20-143.80 150.00-156.40 129.00-133.30 126.00-128.80 152.50-163.00 -

Electrical conductivity (micromhos c m - 1)

267.00-280.00 245.00-260.00 246.00-260.00

200.00-216.00 214.00-224.00 200.00-212.00 175.00-188.00 270.00-280.00 229.00-240.00 220.00-228.00 131.00-140.00 200.00-212.00 270.00-284.00 230.00-244.00 428.00--448.00 219.00-228.00

132.00-140.00 240.00-256.00 205.00-220.00 260.00-276.00 383.00-400.00

170.00-180.00 221.00-228.00

Total hardness

284.00-300.00 290.00-296.00 291.00-300.00

258.00-264.00 265.00-280.00 304.00-320.00 320.00-332.00 256.00-268.00 300.00-312.00 297.00-304.00 225.00-236.00 320.00-332.00 260.00-272.00 260.00-272.00 275.00-284.00 314.00-324.00

290.00-300.00 300.00-316.00 290.00-300.00 297.00-312.00 275.00-280.00

306.00-316.00 276.00-288.00

Total Alkalinity

N.B.: 1. Two values represent the minimum and maximum of five measurements taken over a period of two months. 2. All parameters except pH and electrical conductivity are expressed in mg 1- i.

7.86-8.00 7.40-7.55 7.60-7.70 7.65-7.75 8.15-8.20 7.60-7.70 7.89-8.00 -

pH

Ameer Nishan Babri Mandi Badar Bagh Bhamola Cotton Mill Delhi Gate Dube Ka Praw Jai Ganj Jail Road Jamal Pur

Sampling locations

Parameters

TABLE III

8.00-10.00 3.5(I--4.00 1.50-2.00

4.00--4.50 2.10-2.80 3.50--4.00 1.50-2.00 5.00-5.50 9.40-10.00 2.40-3.00 7.20-8.00 4.50-5.00 3.00--4.00 3.50--4.00 3.70--4.00 5.00-6.00

2.60-3.00 2.70-3.00 3.20--4.00 8.60-10.50 2.80-3.00

6.10-7.00 4.10--4.50

NitrateNitrogen

P h y s i c o - C h e m i c a l C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s in the m u n i c i p a l s u p p l y w a t e r o f A l i g a r h city

0.94-0.95 0.99-1.00 0.98-1.00

0.94-4).95 0.97-0.98 1.00-1.05 1.00-1.04 0.94-0.95 1.00-1.02 0.93-0.94 1.00-1.02 0.98-1.00 0.99-1.00 0.96-0.97 0.93-0.94 1.00-1.07

0.98-1.00 0.95-0.97 1.00-1.03 0.99-1.00 1.00-1.05

0.99-1.01 0.95--0.96

Fluoride

100.17-112.22 88.56-104.20 88.56-104.20

76.32-86.57 78.91-89.77 75.00-84.96 68.50-75.35 100.79-112.22 88.45-96.19 87.24-91.38 50.63-56.11 77.70-84.96 103.00-113.82 85.00-97.79 218.35-227.65 79.70-91.38

48.60-56.11 90.75-102.60 80.58-88.17 100.85-110.62 148.47-160.32

66.32-72.14 80.00-91.38

Calcium

32.36-39.04 31.61-38.06 32.00-38.06

25.66-31.96 27.67-32.20 25.62-30.25 22.60-26.35 32.53-39.04 29.00-34.16 28.50-33.67 15.32-19.52 25.58-30.25 33.45-40.99 31.61-36.11 77.82-83.18 27.71-33.91

16.30-20.49 30.17-36.60 25.83-31.72 32.36-38.79 50.72-57.34

20.50-25.62 27.24-32.45

Magnesium

Fo O~

. 4.00-5.00 ND ND 2.00-2.50 4.30-5.00 4.70-5.00 2.10-2.50 3.40-3.70 2.00-2.50 ND 4.40-5.00 4.50-5.00 2.20-2.50 4.20-5.00 2.00-2.50 4.00-5.00 4.50-5.00 1.80-2.50 2.20-2.50 2.20-2.50 4.20-5.00 4.50-5.00 1.80-2.50 ND . 4.50-5.00 4.50-5.00 2.20-2.50

Ameer Nishan Babri Mandi Badar Bagh Bhamola Cotton Mill Delhi Gate Dube Ka Praw Jai Ganj Jail Road Jamal Pur Jouhar Bagh Kave Ki Sarai Khaidora M a m u Bhanja Marris Road Masoodabad Nai Basti Pathanan Phaphala Rasal Ganj Sarai Behram Beg Sarai Mian Sasni Gate Shah Kamal Sir Syed Nagar Upper Kot U s m a n Para Veterinary Hospital Vishnupuri

. 8.50-12.50 15.00-25.00 16.00-25.00 10.00-12.50 ND ND ND ND 18.00-25.00 ND 24.00-30.00 ND ND ND 9.00-12.50 7.50-12.50 ND ND 7.50-12.50 ND 8.50-12.50 ND ND 15.00-25.00 . . 9.50-12.50 10.00-12.50 ND

.

Cr . 75.00-81.25 4.50-6.25 ND 9.00-12.50 8.60-12.50 35.50--43.75 4.00--6.25 25.00-37.50 4.50-6.25 ND 60.50-73.75 8.60-12.50 35.50--43.75 ND ND 4.50--6.25 4.40-6.25 4.50-6.25 5.00-6.25 4.10--6.25 4.00-6.25 10.00-12.50 4.00-6.25 ND . 77.50-82.50 4.30-6.25 ND

Cu . . 122.50-137.50 69.50-87.50 16.80-25.00 18.00-25.00 17.50-25.00 172.50-187.50 160.50-175.00 210.70-225.00 342.80-350.00 440.70--460.00 126.80-137.50 316.70-327.00 224.50-237.50 54.60-62.50 120.40-137.50 400.00-415.50 49.30-62.50 226.00-237.50 22.80-37.50 295.60-312.50 37.60-50.00 137.50-150.00 200.00-212.50 24.00-37.50 . . 262.00-275.00 169.70-187.50 209.40-225.00

Fe . 166.00-170.00 ND ND 237.40-242.50 95.40-112.50 9.50-12.50 9.50-12.50 120.00-130.50 65.60-75.00 51.70-62.50 10.00-12.50 70.70-80.00 18.20-25.00 ND 19.00-25.00 7.90-12.50 61.70-75.00 409.00--425.00 ND 254.60-260.80 60.00-75.00 73.00-80.00 9.30-12.50 49.20--62.50 . 325.00-337.00 17.50-25.00 ND

Mn

8.80-12.50 8.80-25.00 ND ND 10.00-12.50 ND 9.50-25.00 ND 9.50-25.00 ND 8.50-12.50 10.00-25.00 9.20-12.50 ND ND 9.50-12.50 10.00-t2.50 ND ND 10.00-12.50 9.50-12.50 9.40-12.50 ND 9.90-12.50 ND 9.50-12.50 9.60-12.50

18.60-25.00 18.60-25.00 10.00-12.50

Pb

9.50-12.50 7.60-12.50 ND 10.00-12.50 ND 9.10-12.50 8.50-12.50 ND 18.60-25.00 ND 20.00-25.00 19.00-25.00 10.00-12.50 ND ND 9.50-12.50 10.00-12.50 8.50-12.50 9.50-12.50 9.00-12.50 9.00-12.50 9.20-12.50 ND ND

Ni

N.B.: 1. Two values represent the m i n i m u m and m a x i m u m of five measurements taken over a period of two months. 2. ND: Not detectable.

Cd

Sampling locations

T A B L E IV

Ranges of concentration of heavy metals 0tg 1- x) in the hand p u m p water of Aligarh city

270.40-293.75 720.70-743.75 228.20-240.62

106.70-118.75 70.70-83.12 95.60-109.37 109.70-125.00 150.50-165.62 205.70218.75 66.70-78.12 702.20-737.50 220.00-231.25 160.70-181.25 756.00-775.00 208.00-228.12 28.60--43.75 168.50-193.75 167.40-178.12 95.60-112.50 150.00-168.75 39.80-53.12 185.60-203.12 200.00-225.00 67.50-81.25 193.60-203.12 32.40--46.87

622.40-665.50

Zn

=

>

0

n

=

-1

0

o z

-t

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M O H A M M A D AJMAL AND RAZI U D D I N

at 103 ~ for 1 hr cooled to room temperature, capped and labelled. The localities from where the samples were collected, are shown in the map of Aligarh city (Figure 1). All the water samples were collected in duplicate. One water sample was kept for the physico-chemical examination while the other was immediately acidified with 10 ml 6 N HNO 3 for heavy metal determination by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The samples of hand pump water were collected. When the taps were run at their maximum flow rate for at least 5 min whereas the samples of municipal supply water were taken. When the taps were run at their maximum flow rate for at least 2 min. The samples were brought to the laboratory and refrigerated at 4 ~ until analysed. 2.2. ANALYTICALPROCEDURE The physico-chemical characteristics of water samples were determined according to the standard methods (APHA, 1975) using a HACH model DR-EL/4 a kit for water analysis. Water samples for heavy metal analyses were filtered through whatman filter paper No. 1 and 500 ml of the filtered samples were acidified again with 5 ml of 6 N HNO 3 before concentrating to 50 ml (Parker, 1972). The concentrated samples were then analysed using a Shandon Southern model A 3400 atomic absorption spectrophotometer for heavy metals. A blank sample was made for each spectrophotometric analysis to account for analytical and instrumental error. The detection limits of the spectrophotometer (Shandon Southern model A 3400) for heavy metals i.e. Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn are given in Table I. Results and Discussion

The physico-chemical characteristics of ground waters are given in Tables II and III. The pH and the electrical conductivity of hand pump water samples ranged between 7.00-8.30 and 98.00-218.30 micromhos cm- 1 respectively, whereas of the municipal water supply samples it ranged between 7.40-8.20 and 110.50-163.00 micromhos cm- 1 respectively. The concentrations of physico-chemical parameter in the hand pump water samples were found to be: chlorides (9.90-550.00); sulphates (10.00-240.00) total hardness (118.00-648.00); total alkalinity (200.00-356.00); nitrate-nitrogen (1.20-17.00); Fluoride (0.90-1.15); calcium (45.50-299.79) and magnesium (14.20-106.80) mg 1- 1. In the municipal water supply samples these ranges were found to be: chloride (19.75-325.83); sulphates (50.00-184.00); total hardness (131.00-448.00); total alkalinity 225.00-332.00); nitrate-nitrogen (1.50-10.50); Fluoride (0.93-1.07); calcium (48.60-227.65) and magnesium (15.32-83.18)mg 1-1 High concentrations of chloride give an undesirable taste to water and beverages. Lockhart et al. (1955) have reported that the taste thresholds for chloride ion in water varied from 210 to 310 mg 1- 1. They noted that high chloride content of water may cause an unpleasant taste in coffee. The highest concentration of chlorides in the hand pump water was found at Kave KiSarai (550.00 mg1-1) followed by Pathanan (475.76 mg 1- 1); Sasni Gate (470.66 mg 1- 1); Khaidora (465.90 mg 1- 1); Sarai Mia (458.00 mg 1- 1); Usman Para (455.77 mg 1- 1); Veterinary Hospital (381.00 mg 1- 1);

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Babri Mandi (362.50mgl-i); Sarai Behram Beg (350.82mgl-i); Mamu Bhanja (340.83 mg 1- 1 and Jai Ganj (295.70 mg 1- i). The maximum concentration of chlorides in the municipal supply water was found at Sasni Gate (325.50 mg 1- l). These higher values of chlorides in the hand pump water as well as municipal supply water from these localities were found above the prescribed limit of WHO (1984) (250 mg 1-1 for chloride). The contamination of ground water may be due to the seepage of sewage as there is no proper sewerage system. The lowest concentration of chlorides was detected in the hand pump water at Jouhar Bagh (9.99 mg 1- 1) whereas in the municipal supply water, it was at Cotton Mill (19.75 mg 1- 1). Sulphates generally have less effect on taste than chlorides and carbonates. Taste thresholds vary according to the associated cation and range for sulphate from 200 to 500 mg 1- i. The maximum value of sulphates (240.00 mg 1- 1) in the hand pump water were found at Kave Ki Sarai, and Pathanan, whereas in the municipal water supply it was found as Sasni Gate (184.00 mg 1- i). The minimum concentration of sulphates (10.00 mg 1- l) in the hand pump water was detected at Bhamola and Sir Syed Nagar. In the municipal water supply, the lowest value of sulphates (50.00 mg 1- 1) was found at Jail Road, Marris Road, and Rasal Ganj. The concentrations of sulphates in the hand pump water samples as well as in the municipal water supply samples were found within the prescribed limit of WHO (1984) (400 mg 1- i). The total hardness is an important parameter of quality of water whether it is to be used for domestic or industrial purposes. Depending on the interaction of other factors, such as pH and alkalinity water with hardness above approximately 200 mg 1- 1 may cause scale deposition in the distribution ystem and results in excessive soap consumption and subsequent scum formation. Soft water with hardness of less than 100 mg 1- 1 may have a low buffer capacity and to be more corrosive for water pipes (WHO, 1984). The highest value of the total hardness in the hand pump water was observed at Kave Ki Sarai (648.00 mg 1-1) followed by Pathanan (640.00 mg 1-1); Usman Para (628.00 mg 1- 1); Khaidora (620.00 mg 1- 1), Veterinary Hospital (620.00 mg 1- i), Sarai Mia (600.00 mg 1- i), Sasni Gate (580.00 mg 1- 1), Saral Behram Beg (552.00 mg 1- 1) and Nai Basti (512.00 mg 1- 1). In the municipal water supply the maximum total hardness was found at Sasni Gate (448.00 mg 1- 1). The minimum value of total hardness in the hand pump water was found at Marris Road (118.00 mg 1- 1) whereas in the municipal water supply, it was recorded minimum at phaphala (131.00 mg 1-i). The values of total hardness in the hand pump water samples from most of the localities were above the prescribed limit of WHO (1984). 500 mg 1-i (as CaCO3) based on taste and house-hold use considerations. Nitrates are toxic when present in excessive amounts in drinking water. It has been recognised that the disease known as infant methaemoglobinemia is associated with the consumption of water containing extremely high levels of nitrate (Comly, 1945). There is possible links between high nitrate consumption and certain types of cancer (WindleTaylor, 1974). The highest concentration of nitrate-nitrogen in the hand pump water samples was detected at Nai Basti (17.00 mg 1- 1) followed by Jai Ganj (13.00 mg 1- 1). Rasal Ganj (10.50 mg 1- i) and Vishnupuri (10.50 mg 1- i). In the municipal supply

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water samples, it was found maximum at Jai Ganj (10.50 mg 1-1). These values were found above the prescribed limit of WHO (1984) (10 mg 1- 1 as nitrogen). The nitrate contamination in the ground water is due to the sewage discharges which leach soil nitrates into it. The lowest concentration of nitrate-nitrogen was observed in the hand pump water samples at Marris Road (1.20 mg 1-1). In the municipal supply water samples at the nitrate-nitrogen concentration (1.50 mg 1-1) was found minimum at Marris Road and Veterinary Hospital. There is no evidence of harmful effects associated with the relatively low levels of fluoride to which people are commonly exposed. At levels of fluoride above 1.5 mg 1- 1, mottling of teeth has been reported very occasionally, and at 3.0-6.0 mg 1- 1 skeletal fluorosis may be observed, when a concentration of 10 mg 1- 1 is exceeded, crippling fluorosis can ensue (WHO, 1970). The maximum value of fluoride in the hand pump water samples were found at Marris Road (1.15 mgl-1) whereas in the municipal supply water samples it was observed highest at Shah Kamal (1.07 mg 1-1). The minimum value of fluoride (0.90 mg 1- 1) in the hand pump water was recorded at Delhi Gate, Jamalpur and Jouhar Bagh, whereas in the municipal water supply, it was noted minimum (0.93 mg 1-1) at Pathanan and Sasni Gate. The values of fluoride in the ground waters were found within the prescribed limit of WHO (1984) (1.5 mg 1- ~). The ranges of concentration of heavy metals in the ground waters have been given in Table IV and V. The highest concentration of Cd (5.00 lag 1- 1) was found in the hand pump water samples from Babri Mandi, Delhi Gate, Dube Ka Paraw, Kave Ki Sarai, Marris Road, Nai Basti, Pathanan, Sarai Mia, Sasni Gate, Usman Para; and Veterinary Hospital, whereas the maximum values of Cr (30.00 lag 1- 1); Cu (82.50 ~tg 1- 1); and Zn (775.00 lag 1- 1) were observed at Kave Ki Sarai, Usman Para and Khaldora respectively. The highest value of Ni (25.00 lag 1- 1) was detected in the hand pump water samples from Kave Ki Sarai, Khaldora, Jamalpur, Usman Para and Veterinary Hospital whereas the maximum value of Pb (25.00 lag 1- 1) was found at Badar Bagh; Jai Ganj, Jamal Pur and Khaidora. The iron content in the hand pump water samples was found highest at Jouhar Bagh (460.00 lag 1- 1) followed by Nai Basti (415.00 lag 1- 1), Jamal Pur (350.00 lag 1- 1) Khaidora (327.00 lag 1- 1) and Sarai Behram Beg (312.50 lag 1- 1). The Mn concentration in the hand pump water samples was found maximum at Phapala (425.00 lag 1- 1) followed by Usman Para (337.00 lag 1- 1); Sarai Behram Beg (260.80 lag 1- x), Cotton Mill (242.50 lag 1- 1); Babri Mandi (170.00 lag 1- 1) and Jail Road (130.50 lag 1- 1). The levels of Fe and Mn in the hand pump water samples from these localities were found above the prescribed limits of WHO (1984) (Fe 0.3; Mn 0.1 mgl-1). The reason of higher concentration of iron and manganese in the underground water of these localities may be attributed to the soil characteristics. The soils of these localities might be rich in Fe and Mn which seep into the underground water. The maximum values of Cd (5.00 lag 1- 1), Cr (25.00 lag 1- 1), Cu (37.50 lag 1- 1), Pb (25.00 lag l-1) and Zn (271.87 lag l-1) in municipal water supply samples were recorded at Phapala, Upper Kot, Sasni Gate, Usman Para and Delhi gate respectively, whereas the concentration of Ni (25.00 lag 1- 1) was found at Sasni Gate. The highest

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values of Fe (37.50 lag 1- I) in the municipal water supply were found at Babri Mandi, Kave Ki Sarai, Khaidora, Nai Basti, Phapala, Sasni Gate and Upper Kot. The Mn level in the municipal water supply was observed highest at Phapala (320.00 lag 1- 1) followed by Sasni Gate (265.00lag l-l), Masoodabad (243.00lagl - l ) and Jail Road (127.50 lag 1- 1). The levels of Mn in the municipal water supply samples from these localities was found above the prescribed limit of WHO (1984) (0.1 mg 1-1). It is clear from the results given in Table IV and V that the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the hand pump water and municipal water supply sample are within the prescribed limits for drinking water quality as proposed by World Health Organisation (1984)(Cd0.005; Cr0.05; Cul.0; Fe0.3; Mn0.1; Pb0.05; and Zn 5.0 mgl 1) whereas the concentration of Fe and Mn were found above the prescribed limits in some localities. The physico-chemical characteristics, which have direct relation to total heavy metals levels are pH, conductivity and turbidity (Voughan, 1964; Singh and Kalra, 1975). Mathis and Cuming (1973) have also shown that the heavy metals are distributed unevenly in distribution system. Williams et al. (1973) have found that the heavy metals are also associated with the suspended colloidal materials. The complex forms of heavy metals in aquatic system are interchangeable and chemical transformation occur with the change in physico-chemical characteristics of water. The physico-chemical characteristics of aqueous phase (Mancy, 1971), the interaction with inorganic and organic components of suspended solids (Guy and Chakraborty, 1976) and availability of both inorganic and organic agents (Gardiner, 1974) greatly affect the distribution of heavy metals in aquatic system. Ground water contamination is related in many ways to the time required for the surface water to recharge the aquifer. In a recent study it was found that the soil of New Lead Belt mining region of south east, Missouri, U.S.A., had the ability to absorb higher levels of lead and zinc. Once the metal were sorbed in the soil, they could not be removed by rain water. On the basis of these findings it is concluded that ground water underneath the soil did not pose the heavy metal health hazard to the people consuming that ground water (Jennet and Linnermann, 1977). 4. Conclusions

These studies have shown that the concentrations of chlorides, total hardness and nitrate-nitrogen in the hand pump water samples are much higher than the WHO (1984) prescribed limits in some localities of Aligarh city. The values of these parameter in the municipal supply were, however, found lower than the prescribed limits because the municipal supply aquifers are much deeper than the hand pump aquifers. The concentrations of heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the hand pump as well as in the municipal supply samples were lower than the prescribed limits. The concentrations of Fe and Mn were found higher than the WHO (1984) prescribed limits in the hand pump as well as in the municipal supply samples in some localities of the city. The reason of higher values of these parameter in the under ground water may be ascribed to the

TABLE V

ND 2.20-2.50 . . ND 2.00-2.50 2.00-2.50 2.30-2.50 2.00-2.50 . . 2.20-2.50 ND ND 2.00-2.50 2.00-2.50 2.20-2.50 2.00-2.50 4.00-5.00 2.10-2.50 2.30-2.50 2.20-2.50 ND 2.20--2.50 . 2.20-2.50 2.20-2.50 2.00--2.50 .

Ameer Nishan Babri Mandi Badar Bagh Bhamola Cotton Mill Delhi Gate Dube Ka Praw Jai Ganj Jail Road Jamal Pur Jouhar Bagh Kave Ki Sarai Khaidora M a m u Bhanja Marris Road Masoodabad Nai Basti Pathanan Phaphala Rasal Ganj Sarai Behram Beg Sarai Mian Sasni Gate Shah Kamal Sir Syed Nagar Upper Kot U s m a n Para Veterinary Hospital Vishnupuri

.

.

. .

. .

. .

ND ND ND 9.50-12.50 ND . . ND 8.50-12.50 ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND 10.00-12.50 ND . 18.00-25.00 ND ND .

ND ND

Cr 4.50--6.25 ND . . ND 4.50--6.25 ND ND ND . . ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND ND 25.00-37.50 ND . ND ND ND .

Cu 9.50-12.50 25.40-37.50 . . . . 8.60-12.50 17.00-25.00 15.50-25.00 22.50-25.00 9.00-12.50 . . . . 25.00-37.50 25.50-37.50 15.50-25.00 9.50-12.50 18.00-25.00 24.80-37.50 9.50-12.50 25.00-37.50 8.00-12.50 15.50-25.00 16.00-25.00 27.10-37.50 18.00-25.00 . . 27.40-37.50 15.50-25.00 9.20-12.50 . .

Fe ND 8.50-12.50 . . 30.20-42.50 8.50-12.50 17.80-25.00 ND 118.20-127.50 . . 18.00-25.00 ND ND ND 235.60--243.00 8.50-12.50 ND 304.50-320.00 9.30-12.50 9.50-12.50 9.50-12.50 254.70-265.00 19.00-25.00 . 8.50-12.50 ND 19.00-25.00 .

Mn

10.00-12.50 ND 9.20-12.50

9.00-12.50 10.00-12.50 ND ND 10.00-12.50 ND ND 9.50-12.50 ND ND ND 20.00-25.00 ND

ND ND ND 9.50-12.50 10.00-12.50

ND ND

Ni

N.B.: 1. Two values represent the m i n i m u m and m a x i m u m of five m e a s u r e m e n t s taken over a period of two months. 2. ND: Not detectable.

Cd

Sampling locations

ND 9.50-25.00 ND

ND ND ND ND ND ND ND 9.50-12.50 ND ND ND ND ND

ND ND ND ND ND

ND ND

Pb

Ranges of concentration of heavy metals (lag 1-1) in the municipal supply water of Aligarh city

69.80-90.75 2.00-3.12 2.00-3.12

2.00-3.12 40.00-53.12 3.25--6.25 19.62-28.12 122.00-134.37 10.75-15.62 18.60-25.00 195.74-212.50 17.50-25.00 28.51--40.62 10.00-18.75 68.00-80.00 175.62-190.62

13.71-21.87 252.60-271.87 27.14--40.62 11.35-18.75 40.75-53.12

D

67.73-81.25 63.75-75.00

Zn

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surface disposal of sewage wastes, wastes from metal processing industries and other house hold refuses. Acknowledgements The authors are thankful to Dr B. B. Sundaresan, Director National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Dr V. R. Bhave, Incharge of Instrumentation, NEERI, Nagpur, for providing instrumentation facility and to Inian Council of Agricultural Research, N e w Delhi for financial assistance to one o f them (Razi Uddin).

References APHA: 1975, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Waste Water, 14th Edition, American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C. Berg, J. W. and Burbank, F.: 1972, 'Geo-Chemical Environment in Relation to Health and Disease', Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 199, 249-264. Chisholm, J. J.: 1971, 'Lead Poisoning', Scient. Am. 224, 15-23. Colucci, A. V., Winge, D., and Krasco, J.: 1975, 'Cadmium Accumulation in the Rat Liver', Arch. Environ. Hlth 30, 153-157. Comly, H. H.: 1945, 'Cyanosis in Infants Caused by Nitrates in Well Water', J. Am. Med. Assoc. 129, 112. Comstock, G. W.: 1979, 'Water Hardness and Cardiovascular Disease', Am. J. Epidemiol. 110, 375-400. Drinking Water and Health: 1980, Vol. 3, National Research Council, Washington, D.C. Evans, G. W.: 1976, 'Zinc Absorption and Transport', in A. S. Prasad (ed.), Trace Elements in Human Health and Disease, Vol. I, Zinc and Copper. Academic Press, New York, pp. 181-187. Fairbanks, V. F., Fahey, J. L., and Beutler, E.: 1971, Clinical Disorders oflron Metabolism, 2nd ed. Grune and Stratton, New York, 486 pp. Food and Drug Administration: 1975, Toxicity of Essential Minerals Information Pertinent of Establishing Appropriate Levels of Single Mineral Dietary Supplements, Division of Nutrition, Bureau of Food, Food and Drug Administration, Washington, D.C. 231 pp. Friberg L., Piscator, M., Nordberg, G. F., and Kjellstrom, T.: 1974, Cadmium in the Environment, 2nd ed. CRC Press, Cleveland, 248 pp. Gardiner, J.: 1974, 'The Chemistry of Cadmium in Natural Water I.A. Study of Cadmium Complexes Formation Using Cadmium Specific Ion Electrode', Water Res. 8, 23-30. Goyer, R. A. and Rhyne, B. C.: 1973, 'Pathological Effects of Lead', Rev. Exp. Pathol. 12, 1-77. Guy, R. D. and Chakraborty, C. L.: 1976, 'Studies of Metal-Organic Interaction in Model System Pertaining to Natural Waters', Canad. J. Chem. 54, 2600-2611. Hambidge, K. M. and Walravens, P. A.: 1976, 'Zinc Deficiency in Infants and Predolescent Children', A. S. Prasad (ed.), Trace Elements in Human Health and Disease, Vol. 1. Zinc and Copper Academic Press, New York, pp. 21-31. Itokawa, Y., Abe, T., Tabei, R., and Tanaka, S.: 1974, 'Renal and Skeletal Lesions in Experimental Cadmium Poisoning', Arch Environ. Hlth. 28, 149-154. Jennet, J. C. and Linnermann, S. M.: 1977, 'Disposal of Lead and Zinc Containing Wastes on Soil', J. Wat. Pollut. Control Fed. 49, p. 1842. Kawamura, R., Ikuta, H., Fukuzumi, S., Yamada, R., Tsubaki, S., Kodoma, T., and Kurata, S.: 1941, 'Intoxication by Manganese in Well Water', Kitasato Arch. Exp. Med. 18, 145-169. Kipling, M. D. and Waterhouse, J. A. H.: 1967, 'Cadmium and Prostatic Carcinoma', Lancet 1,730-731. Lemen, R.A., Lee, J. S., Wagoner, J. K., and Blejer H.P.: 1976, 'Cancer Mortality Among Cadmium Production Workers', Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 271,273-279. Lockhart, E. E., Tucker, C. L., and Merritt, M. C., 1955, 'The Effects of Water Impurities on the Flavor of Brewed Coffee', Food Res. 20, 598-605. Mancy, K. H.: 1971, Instrumental Analysis for Water Pollution Control, Ann. Arbor. Science Publishers, Ann. Arbor, Michigan, 231-234.

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Mathis, B. J. and Cumings, T. F.: 1973, 'Selected Metals in Sediments, Water, and Biota in the Illinoise River', J. Wat. Pollut. Control Fed. 45, 1573-1983. Parker, C. R.: 1972, Water Analysis by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Varian Techtran, Pty Ltd. Australia. Potts, C. L.: 1965, 'Cadmium Protein Uria - The Health of Battery Workers Exposed to Cadmium Oxide Dust', Ann. Occup. Hyg. 8, 55-61. Scheinberg, I. H. and Sternleib, I.: 1965, 'Wilson's Disease', Annu. Rev. Med. 16, 119-134. Schroeder, H. A., Balassa, J. J., and Tipton, I. H.: 1961. Abnormal Trace Metals in Man - Nickel', J. Chronic Dis. 15, 51-65. Singh, T. and Kalra, Y. P.: 1975, 'Specific Conductance Methods for in Situ Estimation of Total Dissolved Solids', J. Am. Water Works Assoc. 67, 99-100. Sunderman, F. W.: 1977, 'A review of the Metabolism and Toxicology of Nickel', Ann. Clin. Lab. Sci. 7(5), 377-398. Synder, R. B., Wuebbles, D. J., Pearson, J. E., and Ewing, B. B., 1971, A Study of Environmental Pollution by Lead, Institute for environmental study. State of Illinoise II EQ. Document No. 717. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: 1983, National Revised Primary Drinking Water Regulations, Advance Notic of Proposed Rule making. FR Vol. 48, No. 194, 45512 Washington D.C. October 5. Voughan, J. C.: 1964, 'Problems in Water Treatment' J. Am. Water Works Assoc. 56, 521-527. Westendrof, J. R. and Middleton, A. C.: 1979, 'Chemical Aspects of the Relationship Between Drinking Water Quality and Long Term Health Effects', J. Am. Water Works Assoc. 71,417-427. Williams, L. G., Joyce, J. C., and Monk. J.T. (J): 1973, 'Stream Velocity effects on the Heavy Metal Concentrations', J. Am. Water Works Assoc. 65, 275-279. Windle Taylor, E.: 1975. 'Nitrate in Water Supplies. Report by the International Standing Committee on Water Quality and Treatment', Quarterly, Bulletin o f l W S A , January. World Health Organisation: 1970, Fluoride and Human Health, Monogr. Series No. 5, WHO Geneva. World Health Organisation: 1984, Guide Lines for Drinking Water Quality, Vol. 1, Recommendations p. 81, WHO, Genera. World Health Organisation: 1984. Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality. Vol. 1, Recommendations WHO, Geneva. World Health Organisation: 1973, Technical Report Series, No. 532, Trace elements in human nutritionreport of a WHO Expert Committee.