Quantification of health risks and spatial distribution of heavy metals in groundwater of Lower Himalayas, India

In this systematic research work, fifty-four groundwater samples of Solan and Shimla districts Himachal Pradesh, India, have been analysed for heavy metals like As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni Pb using atomic absorption spectrophotometer as well physico-chemical parameters pH, redox potential, electrical conductivity total dissolved salts (TDS). Most the water were found to be alkaline. Based on their TDS values, 53 considered 'fresh' 'desirable drinking'. The investigated heavily contaminated with Pb, average values 84.3, 106.7, 101.4, 84.1 131.9 ppb, respectively, far exceeded guideline recommended by World Health Organization United States Environment Protection Agency. Doses due ingestion via drinking pathway dermal computed two different age groups child adult. non-carcinogenic risk expressed in terms target hazard quotient was greater than unity Cr Pb. carcinogenic As calculated 1.56 × 10–3 2.38 10–2, crossed acceptable range 10–6–10–4. It may thus concluded that residents study region high probability developing adverse health effects from metal exposure.