Groundwater quality appraisal for non-carcinogenic human health risks and irrigation purposes in a part of Yamuna sub-basin, India

Abstract

In this study, groundwater quality in part of Yamuna sub-basin, comprising of Panipat district of Haryana, India, impacted by agricultural and industrial activities, was evaluated for the non-carcinogenic human health risks associated with drinking water quality. The hazard quotient (HQ) associated with the occurrence of fluoride and nitrate in groundwater was calculated for the adults and children. Hazard index (HI) induced by the fluoride and nitrate in groundwater of the study area indicated that the children were more prone to non-carcinogenic human health risk than the adults. The Eastern half of the study area had better WQI than the Western half where the value of WQI was greater than 100 and cannot be recommended for drinking purposes. The correlation plot for groundwater quality exhibited that the alkaline conditions and presence of Na⁺ and HCO₃^- favored the high fluoride content, and the source of nitrate in groundwater was mainly anthropogenic in nature. Further, suitability of groundwater samples for irrigational purposes was evaluated by comparing several irrigational indices. Approximately 80% groundwater samples were found suitable for irrigation purposes except for some locations where adequate sub-surface drainage system has to be developed.

Keywords:

• non-carcinogenic human health risk
• quotient (HQ)
• hazard index (HI)
• water quality index
• irrigation indices

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to the Department of Geology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, for providing the necessary laboratory setup for the water quality testing purposes.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Corresponding author expresses her gratitude to the University Grants Commission for providing UGC-MANF for her PhD work.