A Survey Report on Groundwater Contamination of Malwa Belt of Punjab due to Heavy Metal Arsenic

Punjab is facing a crisis situation due to high levels of heavy metals in underground water table of Punjab. ICAR has reported arsenic beyond safe limit in 13 districts of Punjab. According to PWSSD report, there are 2748 habitations out of 6884 surveyed in Punjab, which fall under quality affected (QA) category (40 % nearly). In this survey report, groundwater quality data pertaining to Arsenic is reported in the districts of Ferozepur, Roop Nagar and Patiala of the Malwa belt of Punjab. Acceptable Limit for Arsenic in groundwater is 0.01mg/l. The occurrence of high Arsenic in groundwater is attributed to the flood plains of rivers flowing in Punjab. Methods for Arsenic removal and its health hazard effects are briefly discussed.