Heavy Metal Contamination in Groundwater of Industrial Areas: A Case Study from Gujarat

Abstract

Groundwater, a critical resource for drinking and irrigation, is increasingly under threat due to industrial pollution, particularly in rapidly industrializing regions such as Gujarat, India. This study investigates the extent of heavy metal contamination in the groundwater of selected industrial areas in Gujarat, focusing on key metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni), which are commonly associated with industrial effluents. Using standard sampling and analysis protocols, groundwater samples were collected from borewells and hand pumps located near industrial clusters in Ankleshwar, Vapi, Vatva, and Rajkot. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was employed for quantifying metal concentrations, and the results were compared against World Health Organization (WHO) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) limits. A detailed questionnaire-based survey was also conducted among local residents to evaluate public awareness, health impacts, and dependence on groundwater. The findings reveal that heavy metal concentrations in several locations far exceed safe limits, posing serious environmental and public health risks. The study emphasizes the urgent need for policy intervention, industrial regulation, and sustainable water management practices in industrial zones.