Sources and health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in groundwater in the mineral-rich tribal belt of Bastar, Central India

Concentrations of trace elements (Al, B, As, Be, Cd, Ba, Co, Cu, Fe, Cr, Sb, Ni, Li, Sn, Mn, Zn, V and Se) were determined in 160 groundwater samples, collected during pre-monsoon (PRM) and post-monsoon (POM) period (2017) in the tribal belt of Bastar, central India, using inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The concentrations of Al, As, Fe, Mn and Ni were found exceeding the permissible limits in 49% of samples. Cd, Sn and Se elements have shown two-fold increment in POM samples than those collected during PRM. On the contrary, Al, Ba, Co, Cr and Fe have shown a declining trend from PRM to POM period. On applying Principal component analysis (PCA) and Positive matrix factorization (PMF) approaches to the dataset, observed three primary sources (natural, geogenic and agricultural) for groundwater elemental components. Among the measured potentially toxic elements (PTEs), As has shown higher carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk in children as well as adults This study recommends the regular monitoring of heavy metal contamination of groundwater as various geogenic and anthropogenic activities may elevate the risk of severe health hazards.

Automated summary

In central India's tribal belt of Bastar, concentrations of trace elements in groundwater samples collected before and after the monsoon season varied, with some elements exceeding permissible limits. Three primary sources were identified for the groundwater elemental components, with arsenic showing higher carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks in children and adults. Regular monitoring of heavy metal contamination in groundwater is recommended to mitigate potential health hazards.