Source governed trace metal anomalies in groundwater of foothill aquifer and its health effect

An integrated study of health risk assessment, pollution indices and cluster analysis has been carried out to assess the pollution and heavy metal sources in the groundwater. Certain elements analyzed exceed the prescribed limits of WHO standard. Health risk index reveals risk of toxicity through oral pathways is less, as almost all trace elements are < 1. The distribution pattern of heavy metal pollution index, heavy metal evaluation index and degree of contamination indicates the pollution is due to urban activities. Sources were determined by cluster analysis, and it resulted in three clusters.