Multiple Groundwater Contamination in the Mid-Gangetic Plain, Bihar (India): A Potential Threat

Abstract

Drinking water in Bihar (India) experiences multiple contaminations (arsenic, fluoride, nitrate, iron, and fecal coliform) challenges. This study focuses on developing an effective water-management decision-support tool by studying contaminated drinking water areas in the Mid-Gangetic Plain in the Bihar state of India. The major goals of the study are: mapping of the sampling density deficit index (SDDI) and mapping the pollution prevention priority index (PPPI). Based on the SDDI, approximately a 1000 drinking water sources in each district is needed to be tested to know a clear drinking water quality profile. Based on the PPPI, Saran, Bhojpur, Jehanabad, Nawada, Sheikhpura, and Munger districts should be given priority in groundwater-mitigation policies.