Spatial Variation of Heavy Metals Concentration in the Drinking Water of Rajanpur

Abstract

Punjab is the most populous area of Pakistan with around 100 million individuals and is confronting
significant issues of groundwater exhaustion and water quality deterioration. Groundwater quality in Rajanpur district
of Punjab is also deteriorating like other urban areas of Pakistan. Analysis of the chemical parameters of collected
water revealed the notable contamination in Rajanpur. Samples were taken from different tube wells of Rajanpur over
different locations. A mapping of the total concentration of Arsenic (As), Iron (Fe), and Fluoride (F-) was carried out on
drinking water through GIS. Multiple locations exhibited water quality issues, surpassing both NEQ’S and WHO
standards for Arsenic (41% of samples), Iron (68% of samples), and Fluoride (21% of samples) out of a total of 41
locations surveyed. The maximum contents of As, Fe, and F- were observed to be 1.6, 1.6, and 1.85 respectively. A
suitable and powerful removal innovative technology for these metals is required to save a huge number of individuals
in Rajanpur from these metals hazardous effects. In the present era, a collective awareness has emerged, recognizing
the profound significance of ensuring access to pristine drinking water, advanced sanitation infrastructure, and elevated
standards of personal hygiene. Governments have to take further steps to improve quality standards for drinking water
and to promote GIS technology. Thus GIS mapping and estimation would help us to estimate the smaller observations
and to take precautionary measures to prevent and control the contamination in drinking water