Application of Statistical Analysis to Understand the Trace Metal Contamination in Drinking Water of Sandur and Its Surrounding, Bellary District (India)

Present investigation was conducted to study the trace metals in ground water sources used for drinking in Sandur Taluke, Bellary district, Karnataka (India). Total fifty ground water samples were collected from source. During the study total seven trace metals were determined for a period of one year (March 2015 to April 2016), for three summer, winter and rainy seasons. Trace metals are Iron, Zinc, Copper, Nickel, Chromium and Cadmium and Lead in the underground water of Sandur taluka and its surroundings of Bellary District of Karnataka State were analyzed. Due to human activity the earth surface have direct or indirect impact on the underground water whether associated with urban, industrial or agricultural activities large scale concentrated source of pollutants, such as industrial discharges and sub-surface injection of chemicals and hazardous are obvious source of ground water pollutants. The trace metals were estimated by using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, the analytical results were compared with safe limits in mg/L for trace metals laid down by BIS, WHO, ICMR, APHA. Correlation Co-efficient analysis was used to analyze the data and to identify possible sources of selected trace metals. Significant correlations were found among trace metals, which suggest a common origin. The concentration of trace metal iron and chromium in ground water samples showing 100% and 54% above the permissible limit of BIS, WHO. But in some of the underground water samples are contaminated with Iron, which might be affect human health as well as the health of the ecosystem. It is therefore, suggested to take up regular analysis to be done in the Sandur taluka of Bellary district. The results obtained from this study suggest a possible risk to the community and the fact that for many people in the study area, ground water is a main source of their water supply.