Potential health risk assessment, spatio-temporal hydrochemistry and groundwater quality of Yamuna river basin, Northern India

Groundwater which is an essential source of freshwater for various domestic, agricultural, industrial applications is facing a severe deterioration in quality due to demographic pressure and intense industrial activities. Present study appraises the influence of human induced activities on groundwater quality of Agra-Firozabad industrial belts of Western Uttar Pradesh, Yamuna basin, India. The maximum concentrations of metals and anions found during pre and post monsoon are as follows: Lead 0.302; 0.086, calcium 672; 1260, magnesium 215; 16.8, cadmium 0.0; 0.066, chromium 0.016; 0.005, manganese 0.340; 0.076, nickel 0.044; 0.028, sulfate 514; 286, nitrate 66.7; 3.56 and fluoride 1.17; 2.02 mg/L respectively. Based on results of Water Quality Index, groundwater samples were classified under ‘Poor water’ category in 34.2% and 52.63% during pre and post-monsoon period, respectively. Accordingly, higher concentrations of bicarbonate and sulfate might have attributed to excess hardness, instrumental in making it unsuitable for industrial usage. However, values of Percent Sodium, Sodium Adsorption Ratio, Magnesium Hazard and Permeability Index signified that groundwater from majority of locations was fit for agricultural use. Health risk assessment studies revealed that children consuming polluted water were affected more as compared to adults. Timely action and strict compliance of regulation is recommended towards groundwater management for defined usage to avert severe health effects and to meet sustainable development goals. [Display omitted] •Hydro-geochemistry of groundwater quality was assessed.•Potential toxic elements like Iron and Lead were present majorly in Yamuna basin.•Health indices for heavy metal shows 44.74% sites at “High risk”for children.•Ecological risk assessment reveals 89.47% sites during post-monsoon at “Low risk”.