Occurrence and distribution of organic and inorganic pollutants in groundwater

• Published in: Water environment research 2019-10, Vol.91 (10), p.1001-1008
• Main Author: Kurwadkar, Sudarshan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anthropogenic factors; Arsenic; Biological contamination; chromium; Contaminants; Distribution; Drinking water; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants; fluoride; Fluorides; Groundwater; Groundwater depletion; Groundwater pollution; Groundwater quality; Heavy metals; Herbicides; Human populations; Humans; Illnesses; Metals; Microbial contamination; microbial pollution; Microorganisms; nitrogen; Organic contaminants; perfluorinated compounds; Pesticides; Pharmaceuticals; Pollutants; Pollution; Pollution sources; Resource depletion; Reviews; Vulnerability; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water pollution; Water quality; Water resources; Waterborne diseases
• ISSN: 1061-4303; 1554-7531
• DOI: 10.1002/wer.1166

Depletion of groundwater resources and continued decline in overall groundwater quality is a cause of concern because large human population around the world uses groundwater as a source of drinking water. This paper presents a comprehensive review of studies published in the year 2018 that documented issues of groundwater pollution, sources, and distribution reported from across the world due to anthropogenic, hydroclimatogical, and natural processes. Groundwater pollution due to organic contaminants focuses particularly on pesticides, herbicides, and contaminants of emerging concern. Pollution due to inorganic pollutants such as arsenic and other heavy metals is also reviewed with particular emphasis on regions that have reported a significantly higher incidence of these pollutants in groundwater. A compilation of various studies is also included in the review paper that showed increased incidences of waterborne illnesses due to fecal and microbial contamination due to poor sanitary practices. Reviews of groundwater contaminants such as fluoride and nitrate are included to provide readers a holistic understanding of groundwater pollution problem around the world. Practitioner points Groundwater pollution issues during 2018 are reviewed and documented. Occurrence of organic and inorganic pollutants in groundwater is reported. Groundwater pollution vulnerability remains a critical issue. A variety of sources and pathways through which groundwater becomes contaminated with organic and inorganic contaminants. Anthropogenic activities such as improper disposal and management of industrial, agriculture, and manufacturing activities increase the vulnerability of groundwater sources.