Geochemistry of trace elements in the ground water of Cuttack City, India

The concentration of some trace metals, like Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn, Co, Cr and Ni, was measured in the potable water of Cuttack City, India during winter, summer and rain events in the course of a two year period. Apart from Fe, all other trace metals fell well within the maximum permissible limit set by WHO for drinking water. On the basis of spatial/temporal variations, weathering of rocks and anthropogenic input were found to be main sources of trace elements in the ground water. The considerable temporal changes indicate that a majority of trace metals is entering the aquifer during rain fall. Factor analysis of the trace element data suggest that Fe, Mn and Cr are interrelated with each other and derived significantly from the aquifer, whereas input of Pb and Co may be due to atmospheric deposition in the study area.