Groundwater Quality, Hydrogeochemical Characteristics, and Potential Health Risk Assessment in the Bhubaneswar City of Eastern India

Rapid urbanization, population growth, anthropogenic factors, and unprecedented climatic conditions have led to the degradation of water resources which is a serious concern in many parts of the world. The present work will investigate the groundwater quality, hydrogeochemistry, and health risk assessment of Bhubaneswar City, in the eastern part of India. pH values range from 5.38 to 8.57 ± mean 6.7±0.68, indicating an acidic nature of groundwater. TDS ranges from 93 to 913 ± 316±171 mg/l. Based on values of the water quality index (WQI), 90% of groundwater samples are in the good to excellent category. Based on F− and NO3− concentrations, human health risk assessment represents high risks for non-carcinogenic risks, like 94% for children and 95% for adults. Major hydrogeochemical facies are dominated by, Ca-Mg-Cl, and Ca-HCO3 water types, indicating mixed water facies characteristics. Relatively higher levels of Ca2+, Mg2+, and lower SO42− concentrations with acidic pH have controlling the dissolution of ions in the sedimentary basin aquifer. Geochemical modeling of groundwater shows an undersaturation state to near saturation conditions for the carbonate phases and an undersaturation state with the sulfate phase minerals, respectively. The multivariate analysis reveals the contributions of geogenic and anthropogenic factors controlling groundwater chemistry. The study identifies the hydrogeochemical characteristics, probable health risks, and sustainable management plans for the protection of freshwater resources in urban areas.