Groundwater Contamination in Punjab Due to High Levels of Nitrate (NO3 - ) and Its Health Hazards: A Preliminary Report

Hardev Singh Virk

doi:10.37591/rrjot.v12i3.3093

Abstract

Punjab is facing a crisis due to high levels of heavy metals and nitrate concentration in groundwater of several districts of Punjab. The highest level of NO3 content of 2553 mg/l has been recorded in two villages of Patiala district. The concentration of NO3 in groundwater of seven districts of Punjab has been studied. The maximum content values range from 78.20 in Pathankot to 2553 mg/l in Patiala district, which are much higher than the permissible limit allowed by Bureau of Indian Standards (45 mg/l) and World Health Organization (50 mg/l). The source of NO3 in groundwater includes both geogenic and anthropogenic sources. Consumption of water with high NO3 content can pose serious health hazard among the children (<5 years). The non-carcinogenic health risks of high NO3 intake have been estimated using US-EPA model for both adults and children. The analysis presented in this study is based on Water Supply and Sanitation Department (DWSS) data collected in three phases during 2009 to 2016 and compiled and analyzed in April 2016 using Ion Chromatography and Spectrophotometer in DWSS Laboratory in SAS Nagar (Mohali), India.