Arsenic contamination in groundwater and possible mitigation using suitable eco-friendly approaches: a study in selected endemic areas of West Bengal, India

Abstract

88 available water samples from two gram-panchayats of the Bangaon subdivision were examined for 15 physicochemical parameters to evaluate the groundwater quality. 85% of the samples from Chowberia-I and 89% of the samples from Kalupur were found unsuitable for drinking, according to the Water Quality Index (WQI) modeling. The average range of anionic concentrations in groundwater appears to be HCO3 − > Cl− > CO3 2−, which indicates that the water quality of the Bangaon is generally alkaline due to bicarbonate alkalinity. Calcium ion concentration (mean: 71.9 mg/L and 68.5 mg/L in Chowberia-I and Kalupur, respectively) prevailed over magnesium ion concentration (mean: 49.8 mg/L and 94 mg/L in Chowberia-I and Kalupur, respectively) which was determined for hardness. Both of the studied regions' groundwater is tainted with arsenic (As), with Kalupur having the highest quantity at 191 μg/L. Future cancer risk and noncarcinogenic health problems are highly likely due to As, as the C.R. value exceeds the relevant acceptability threshold for each of the studied regions. Elevated levels of As in water pollution pose serious health concerns to people, with the potential to induce both cancer and non-cancerous disorders It is still difficult to remove arsenic from water effectively. To specifically remove total As (III + V) from water, this work produced green synthesized Fe-NPs using date seed powder. The removal effectiveness was 81.8% when the ideal parameters were met i.e.,180 rpm agitation, 120 min, pH 7, 1000 μg/L starting concentration, 1 g/L adsorbent dosage. The highest absorption capacity was found to be around 818 μg/g after adsorption isotherm models were examined. The pseudo-second kinetic model (R2 = 0.99) best fitted the kinetic data and the chemisorption process of As adsorption onto iron nanoparticles was further validated by the amount of activation energy. However, general awareness, continuous maintenance, and monitoring are needed to achieve long-term safe water in respect to meet sustainable development goals