Wintertime water quality assessment via integrated indexical approaches with reference to drinking and irrigation standards in NW India

Abstract

To assess the wintertime toxicity linked with the characteristics of public supply water, tap water samples were collected from the selected sites of Ambala district in India during October 2022 to February 2023 covering winter season. Following the standard procedures and protocols recommended by APHA, BIS and WHO, several characteristics were explored in order to find their linkages with the health issues of adults and children during winters. The irrigation water quality parameters were also taken into consideration during characterization. The high levels of toxic elements (Pb, As, Cd, and Ni) were observed at various sites during this period exceeding the BIS acceptable limits. The average levels of F^-, Cl^-, NO₃^–, SO₄^2-, PO₄^3- and HCO₃^– were found to be 0.261 mg L^-1, 27.95 mg L^-1, 0.234 mg L^-1, 47.99 mg L^-1, 0.210 mg L^-1 and 5.97 mg L^-1 respectively. Levels of As, Ni, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn remained at 123.62 µgL^-1, 56.24 µgL^-1 2.59 µgL^-1, 1.367 µgL^-1, 9.45 µgL^-1, 8.79 µgL^-1, 77.92 µgL^-1, and 10.79 µgL^-1 respectively. The mean hazard indices were found greater than one (>1) for children and adults both (0.96–5.5, 0.96–2.61) during this winter season. Owing to low body weight, children found more prone than adults to health issues. The mostly sites had good water quality indices (WQIs). Based on the SAR, RSC, MAR, SSP values, mostly samples were found in excellent category of water source for irrigation. Several statistical and geographic distributions were used to evaluate the samples for direct human consumption along with the associated health risk at the study area. This study, first time reports the toxicity levels associated with the tap water characteristics in the chosen area and discusses the novel findings of the hazard analysis with reference to direct intake of freshwater and water for irrigation.