Analysing Heavy Metal Contamination in Water

Authors: Assistant Professor Er. Rajdeep Saharawat, Ritika Saharawat, Dr. Rishabh Bhardwaj

Abstract: Water is essential for all living things, and checking its quality especially for heavy metals is very important because it affects human health. “Water quality” means how suitable water is for different purposes, and it depends on several factors that can limit its use. To check water quality, experts take measurements at the site, collect water samples, and analyze them in labs. The source of drinking water can affect the kind of health problems people may face.Heavy metals like cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) are harmful and must be checked. Tools like Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry are used to measure these metals. Water quality can be affected by natural sources like rocks and soils, as well as by human activities like industrial waste, garbage, and old water pipes. Even though we know that heavy metals are dangerous, poisoning still happens, so prevention and treatment are important. Water quality is usually judged by the amounts and forms of substances—both organic and inorganic—in the water, as well as its physical features. Toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic can badly pollute drinking water and harm people.