Geospatial insights into groundwater contamination from urban and industrial effluents in Faisalabad

Abstract

Groundwater remains the most dependable resource for various essential uses such as drinking, cleansing, agricultural irrigation, and industrial applications. In urban areas, the dependency on groundwater to meet water demands is significant. However, this resource faces threats from overuse and poor management, leading to a degradation in quality primarily due to the unchecked release of industrial and household wastes. The escalation of industrial activities and rapid urban growth have amplified the volume of wastewater, adversely affecting the purity of freshwater sources within aquifers. This investigation focuses on evaluating the impact of industrial and urban effluents on groundwater quality in the city of Faisalabad. The main contributors to groundwater pollution include the indiscriminate disposal of industrial and urban effluents through unlined drains and the extensive application of chemical agents in agriculture, such as fertilizers, and pesticides. To understand the physiochemical properties of both, drain and groundwater, samples were collected at various distances 50 m, 100 m, and 150 m from drain outlets. This study utilized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to accurately map and analyze the distribution and impact of contaminants. Parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, bicarbonates, calcium and magnesium hardness, and chloride levels were examined. The findings indicated that contaminant levels were highest in drain water and increased in concentration the closer they were to the drainage sources, with the exception of pH levels. All samples exceeded the World Health Organization's (WHO) safe limits, deeming them unfit for use. This finding indicates widespread contamination, posing significant public health risks and highlighting the urgent need for improved waste management and water treatment practices in Faisalabad. It underscores the critical importance of implementing effective pollution control measures to safeguard public health and ensure water security in the region. However, a notable correlation was observed between the concentration of pollutants in drain water and key indicators such as EC, TDS, total hardness, and magnesium hardness, highlighting their role in deteriorating aquifer water quality. Moreover, groundwater samples collected 50 m from drains exhibited the highest pollutant concentrations compared to those taken further away, at 100 m and 150 m distances.