Influence of Contaminants on Ground Water and Associated Health Risk

Abstract

Due to the demand for safe water, groundwater quality which relates closely to human health has become as important as its quantity. Any place where surface water makes its way into ground water, organic chemicals and pathogens potentially can enter. Natural sources or numerous types of human activities can contaminate the ground water. Due to anthropogenic activities, like mining, and open dumping of industrial and domestic wastes which lead to poor groundwater quality, Natural sources of groundwater contamination have been activated. Many substances used in the industrial processes should not be disposed in drains at the workplace because they could contaminate a drinking water source.  The companies should train their employees in the proper manner and the disposal of all chemicals used on site. Arsenic is another regional and global issue in contamination of water. Nitrate toxicity is associated with in vivo conversion of nitrate to nitrite after ingestion.

Keywords:  Pollution, heavy metals, arsenic, health risk, ground water