Heavy metal contamination and the assessment of health risks in groundwater in Arani industrial zones in Southern India

Groundwater contamination and its consequences for human health is a serious concern all over the world. This research aims to examine heavy metal pollution and non-carcinogenic health concerns in the groundwater of Arani’s industrial zones. Eighty-eight samples were collected and analysed for heavy metal concentrations (Pb, Cu, Ni, Mn, Zn, and Cr) during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season, with 44 samples collected each season. The results reveal that metals such as Ni, Pb, and Cr concentrations in both seasons are higher than the World Health Organization’s permissible limit. The values for the degree of contamination (DOC) and the potential ecological risk index (PERI) indicate that the groundwater quality has improved significantly during the post-monsoon season. The non-carcinogenic risk for infants during pre and post monsoon ranges between 1.80E + 00–2.66E + 01 and 1.40E-01–5.08E + 01, for children between 2.17E + 00–2.97E + 01 and 2.70E-01–1.97E + 01, and for adults between 2.00E + 00–3.1E + 01 and 2.03E-01–2.04E + 01. The hazardous index value of more than one for nearly 90% of the samples in both seasons suggests that the groundwater is severely contaminated with heavy metals.