A Preliminary Report on Groundwater Contamination of Majha Belt of Punjab due to Heavy Metal Arsenic

Abstract

Punjab is facing a crisis situation due to high levels of heavy metals in underground water table of Punjab. ICAR has reported arsenic beyond safe limit in 13 districts of Punjab. According to PWSSD report, there are 2748 habitations out of 6884 surveyed in Punjab, which fall under quality affected (QA) category (40% nearly). Out of all QA habitations in Punjab, 60% fall in Majha belt of Punjab, namely, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran districts. In this preliminary report, groundwater quality data pertaining to Arsenic is reported. Arsenic contamination can be get rid of by using a nanotechnology based technique called AMRIT (Arsenic and Metal Removal by Indian Technology). The final report enumerating the health hazard effects of Arsenic and other heavy metals on population in Punjab will be presented after compiling the data analysis of pilot plants in Majha belt using AMRIT methodology.

Keywords: Heavy metal contamination, Arsenic, acceptable limit, AMRIT, Majha belt of Punjab

Cite this Article
Hardev Singh Virk. A Preliminary Report on Groundwater Contamination of Majha Belt of Punjab due to Heavy Metal Arsenic. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology. 2017; 7(3): 27–33p.