Assessment of Seasonal Variation of Groundwater Quality Due to Heavy Metal Pollution in an Industrial Suburb

Heavy metals concentration in groundwater, even at low concentrations affects human health severely. The objective of this study is to assess the seasonal variations of groundwater quality and to determine the concentration of heavy metal pollution in the Peenya industrial area, Bengaluru. The heavy metal concentrations in pre-monsoon were found in the order: Cr > Cr⁺⁶ > Pb > Ni > Fe > Cu > Cd, whereas for post-monsoon the order was Cr > Cr⁺⁶ > Fe > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cd. Powerful tools like MI (metal index) and HPI (heavy metal pollution index), which emphasize quality were used for the system of ranking. As per HPI and MI analysis, about 83% and 73% of groundwater samples, respectively, in pre-monsoon, about 57% and 50% in post-monsoon were not suitable for domestic usage. The mean HPI concentration for pre- and post-monsoon are 846 and 336.7, respectively, which is considered to be very high (critical value >100). The mean concentration of MI for pre and post-monsoon are 27.2 and 12.62, respectively, is also high (critical value >6) and is categorized as seriously affected. The overall status of water in the Peenya Industrial Area is highly polluted and not suitable for any domestic and industrial usage.