Analysis of Heavy Metal Pollution of River Ganga

Authors: Dr. Rishabh Bhardwaj, Ankit Bharti

Abstract: This study investigates the spatial distribution, concentration levels, and potential health risks of heavy metals in the River Ganga along the stretches from Haridwar to the Delhi–Yamuna confluence. Samples of water, suspended solids, and sediments were collected from ten key locations and analyzed for Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg, and As using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Findings reveal moderate to high contamination, particularly of Pb, Cd, and Cr, often exceeding WHO limits. Contamination indices, including Geoaccumulation Index (I_geo) and Pollution Load Index (PLI), indicate anthropogenic influences such as tannery discharge, electroplating waste, and agricultural runoff. This research emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable wastewater management and regulatory enforcement to reduce health and ecological risks.