Assessment and Mitigation Strategies for Heavy Metals and Bacterial Contamination in Badshahpur Lake, Gurugram, India

This study aims to assess the microbial load and heavy metals contamination in water samples from Badshahpur lake situated in Gurugram city, India across three zones. A total of 132 water samples were collected: 47 from zone 1, 40 from zone 2 and 45 from zone 3. The microbial load was quantified as total bacterial count (TBC) and concentrations of heavy metals viz. cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), tin (Sn) and methyl mercury (MM) were measured using ICP-OES. In zone 1, TBC ranged from 5.2 × 103 to 3.7 × 109 CFU/mL, with the highest microbial load at IEWS-A11. Cadmium level was recorded higher at 0.044 mg/L at IEWS-A21 and copper concentrations reached 0.091 mg/L at IEWS-A18. Lead and chromium were also detected, with concerning levels of 0.039 mg/L and 0.031 mg/L, respectively. Zone 2 showed TBC from 4.0 × 104 to 6.7 × 108 CFU/mL, with significant heavy metal concentrations, particularly copper at 0.088 mg/L and cadmium at 0.038 mg/L. Zone 3 exhibited TBC ranging from 4.0 × 103 to 5.1 × 108 CFU/mL, with the highest cadmium concentration of 0.046 mg/L at IEWS-C25 and copper at 0.086 mg/L at IEWS-C12. Among all bacteria tested, the ubiquitous presence of E. coli across all zones indicates widespread faecal contamination. The results emphasize the areas with significant levels of heavy metal pollution, highlighting the importance of consistent monitoring of water quality, improved water treatment methods, and enhanced sanitation infrastructure to reduce health hazards and safeguard the stability of the environment.