GIS-based Spatial Variability and Water Quality Index (WQI) Modeling of Trace Elements in Groundwater of Jamshedpur, Eastern India

Abstract

The present study investigated the spatial variability and water quality index (WQI) modeling of groundwater for drinking purposes. Thus, the sample from 30 locations in Jamshedpur city was collected to explore the hydrochemical characteristics. The range of values of trace elements was well complied with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) except Co (0.1 to 13.87 µg/L), Cu (0.12 to 64.62 µg/L), Mn (20 to 1461 µg/L), and Sr (30 to 544 µg/L). The water table of this region showed tremendous variation (0.44 to 4.90 mbgl) as monitored by a sensor-based water level recorder. The WQI model revealed that only 4% of the water in this region is under the excellent categories, followed by good (86%) and poor (10%). Human health risk assessment of trace elements in contaminated groundwater was also performed according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The estimated hazard index (HI) value (4.85E-02 to 1.61E+00) indicated the non-carcinogenic risk. The study provides immense help for public health decision-makers to prevent the communities health risks.