Predictive Study On Possible Metal Contamination For A Particular Area Kendanmari Jalpai Of Nandigram District Of West Bengal In The Virgin State

Abstract

At present the global water resource is facing severe threat from overexploitation of it. More so, contamination of it due to various pollutants is making the situation worse. Out of the various forms of water sources, subsurface contamination leading to contamination of groundwater is a serious issue. On one hand the discharges of contaminants emanating from various industrial processes and contaminating the groundwater needs to be assessed and on the other hand, areas whose potential for industrial developments are strong, they also need to be assessed in the virgin state through some model study. The current paper tries to understand the probable dispersion of three toxic contaminants (Arsenic, Copper and Chromium) in the subsurface of Kendamari Jalpai area of Nandigram, West Bengal.  The area happens to have potential for industrial growth and hence the study in the virgin state. The study involved the collection of soil samples from the concerned area, their analysis, determination of permeability as one of the major aids for contaminant transport. A mathematical model has been used in the study to understand the dispersion pattern of these three toxic contaminants. The data reported a heterogeneous distribution of metal contaminants, with certain hotspots exhibiting significantly higher concentrations. The dispersion pattern was found to be influenced by several factors, including the geological characteristics of the area, soil pH, organic matter content, and anthropogenic activities. For instance, regions with higher clay content showed greater retention of metals, while areas with more organic matter exhibited increased mobility of contaminants. Additionally, groundwater flow patterns and seasonal variations played a crucial role in the dispersion of metal contaminants. During the monsoon season, the increased water flow facilitated the movement of metals from the surface to deeper layers, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and assessment, especially in agricultural zones where groundwater is extensively used for irrigation.