Elemental Analysis of Ground Water from Different Regions of Punjab State (India) Using EDXRF Technique and the Sources of Water Contamination

Intake of the toxic elements through ingestion of the contaminated water has resulted in phenomenal rise in health hazards in the developing countries. Most of the drinking water schemes in the Punjab state of India are based on the ground water and the canal water. Multielemental analysis of the ground water samples from different locations at the boundary between Hoshiarpur and Nawanshahr districts, and Bathinda district of Punjab state (India) are performed. These regions are known to be contaminated by selenium and uranium, respectively. The water samples are analysed using the Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique. The EDXRF spectrometer consisted of an Mo-anode X-ray tube equipped with selective absorbers as an excitation source and an Si(Li) detector. The water samples from surroundings of the coal-fired thermal power plant in the city and the industrial waste water draining into Sutlej river are also analyzed to investigate the possible sources of water contamination in Bathinda. Agrochemical processes in the water- logged agricultural areas with calcareous soils and use of phosphate fertilizers are favoured sources deterioration of ground water quality in Bathinda district. Further, the minimal use of ground water is leading to accumulation of chemicals in the ground water to threatening levels.