Evaluation of Heavy Metals Status in Drinking Water and Cow Milk in Haryana, India

Abstract

This study assesses the heavy metal contamination in drinking water and cow milk across Haryana, India, specifically focusing on the Rohtak and Panipat regions. Samples were collected by quadrate sampling from 10 sites in each region and analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) in Rohtak and Panipat. In Rohtak, drinking water samples revealed lead (Pb) at 0.02 ppb (permissible limit: 10 ppb), cadmium (Cd) at 0.07 ppb (permissible limit: 3 ppb), arsenic (As) at 0.60 ppb (permissible limit: 10 ppb), and manganese (Mn) at 1.43 ppb (permissible limit: 100 ppb), indicating significant potential health risks. Cow milk samples from Rohtak also showed concerning levels of lead at 2.18 ppb (permissible limit: 20 ppb), arsenic at 2.32 ppb (permissible limit: 10 ppb), manganese at 10.74 ppb (permissible limit: 50 ppb), and iron at 225.63 ppb (permissible limit: 500 ppb). In Panipat, arsenic was detected in drinking water at 0.003 mg/L, while other metals such as aluminium, cadmium, and lead were below the limit of quantification (BLQ). The findings underscore regional variations in heavy metal contamination, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and targeted interventions to mitigate exposure.