Studies on Ground Water pollution due to Iron Content in Cuttack City, Odisha, India

Abstract

A study was carried out in Cuttack City of Odisha, India, to ascertain the causes for the origin and distribution of iron content in groundwater. Groundwater samples were collected quarterly for two consecutive years and analyzed for iron content. The concentration of iron ranged from 0.03 to 1.5 mg/L. A comparison of groundwater data with soil chemistry suggests that the iron concentration in groundwater is primarily derived from soils through geogenic processes. Relatively higher concentrations of iron were observed in some samples where tube wells were located near municipal wastewater sources, indicating the impact of anthropogenic activities on the groundwater system. These activities mask the concentration of iron caused by geogenic origin. Hence, both geogenic and anthropogenic processes contribute to the degradation of groundwater quality. Drinking water standards indicate that the iron content in most groundwater samples exceeds the permissible limit of 0.3 mg/L recommended for drinking purposes, which may lead to health disorders. Therefore, the necessity of close monitoring of groundwater quality for assessing the impact of geogenic and anthropogenic sources, with reference to land use and land cover activities, is emphasized in the present study area to protect groundwater resources from pollution.