Assessment of heavy metal contamination zones of biota of Western Uttar Pradesh Terrain, India using atomic absorption spectroscopy

Abstract

In the present work, heavy metal contamination of water and soil in western Uttar Pradesh terrain, India was assessed. About 16 boreholes and tap water samples and ten soil samples were studied using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) for arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) content, and the levels were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) specified maximum contaminant level (MCL). According to WHO, the MCL for As and Pb is 0.01 mg/L. From the results obtained, about 75% of biota samples analysed contained As and Pb in concentrations above MCL. The subject of health concern is the increasing concentration of As in Modinagar and Meerut residential area. The effluents from industries, pesticides used in agriculture land and improper waste management are the reasons responsible for heavy metal toxicity in this belt. The deep bore water samples of Muradnagar, Modinagar, Meerut and Mawana showed high concentrations of As.