An attempt to determine the behavior of metals and their dependent thermodynamic saturation states in the groundwater along mountain front and riparian zone

A study was employed to evaluate the probable sources of heavy metal in the groundwater along the mountain front (MF) and riparian zone (RZ) using statistical techniques. 53 samples have been collected and analyzed for major ions and 16 heavy metals like Li, Be, Al, Ti, Cr, Fe, Mn, Cu, Cd, Zn, Ga, Rb, Sr, Cs, Ba and Pb. Samples along MF exceeded the permissible limits for metals like Li, Ti, Al, Cr, Fe, Sr, Cd, Ba and Pb with a maximum concentration of 30.10, 42,823, 378, 74.53, 30,801, 5970, 10.88, 1052.69 and 4458, respectively (WHO in Guidelines for drinking-water quality, First adendum to third ed., Recommendations, vol 1. WHO, Geneva 2006 and WHO in Guidelines for drinking-water quality (4th ed.). http://www.whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2011/9789241548151_eng.pdf 2011). However, samples along the RZ exceeds the prescribed limits for the same metals as MF except Ba. Specific metals in groundwater like Cr, Cu, Ti, Mn and Pb, reflect anthropogenic signatures (agrochemicals and urban sewage); however, other metals are due to natural process, i.e., leaching of underlying rocks. Thus, both MF and RZ aquifers are highly influenced by the recharge from natural process, agricultural return flow and urban sewage. High saturation index of gibbsite is noted along the MF and it reveals the stages of initial weathering and predominance recharge zones as compared to RZ.