Review on Iron Contamination in Water of Dhamtari District and its Effects on Human Health

Shweta Choubey^1,*, Sahdev^b, Ajay Vikram Ahirwar^c_,  Danuj Kumar Markam^b, Ajay Chhattar^b

¹Department of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Government Engineering College Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

²Department of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Government Engineering College Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

³Department of Civil Engineering, National institute of Technology, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract:

Iron contamination has become an important global issue as drinking water. Iron is a trace element important for various physiological functions, but it is harmful to be present in drinking water other than the approved limit of 1.0 mg/L. Pollution is primarily explained by natural geochemical changes and human-made activities such as mining, industrial emissions, and pipelines. In the Dhamtari District of Chhattisgarh, groundwater samples from several villages - Kondapar, Aouri, Jabarra, Dugli, Kouhabahara, Dorgardula, Farsiya, Keregaon, Shankarda, and Khadadaha in Kurud, Nagri, and Dhamtari blocks - have reported alarmingly high iron concentrations ranging from 1.6 mg/L to 38.6 mg/L. Long-term consumption of iron-contaminated water is associated with a wide range of health effects, including skin disorders, fatigue, weight loss, joint pain, cognitive dysfunction, liver and heart damage, pancreatic damage, and reproductive complications. This study critically examines the status of iron contamination in groundwater in the Dhamtari District, assesses its potential impact on healthcare, and highlights the need for effective strategies to mitigate outcomes.

Keywords: Iron, Groundwater, Dhamtari, Human Health.

Introduction
Iron is a wide range of naturally occurring elements in soil and groundwater systems. Water mainly comes in two forms: soluble iron (Fe²⁺) and insoluble iron (Fe³⁺). Water containing iron remains clear and colorless, but upon exposure to air, iron is oxidized with iron, giving it a cloud shape (Sonbarse, P., 2022-23; Dewangan, R., et al., 2022-23). Iron concentration and mobility in natural waters depend on complex physicochemical and microbiological factors. Iron generally enters groundwater from the atmosphere of iron minerals such as hematite, magnetite, and sulfide minerals found in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks (Sonbarse, P., 2022-23; Dewangan, R., et al., 2022-23). Contamination is defined as the introduction of unwanted changes in the physical, chemical, or biological properties of water, and thus has a significant impact on water quality and therefore, human health (Sahdev & Kuldeep, 2024; Toccalino et al., 2006). Water is required for human, animal, and plant physiological processes, but their quality varies widely under the influence of local geology and environmental conditions, such as the presence of ore sediments and the properties of the aquifer (Sankhla, M. S., et al., 2018; Davis et al., 1966). The Indian Standards Authority (BIS) stipulates a maximum certified iron concentration of 1.0 mg/L in drinking water (Sonbarse, P., 2022-23; Dewangan, R., et al., 2022-23). Iron is the fourth most common element of the terrestrial cortex, representing approximately 5.6% of its composition (Rahman, I., et al., 2023; Colter, A., et al., 2006). It plays an important role in many biological functions, particularly in the transport of oxygen via hemoglobin, metabolic activity, and maintenance of healthy skin and hair (Rahman, I., et al., 2023). However, excessive iron consumption is associated with serious health problems such as liver cancer, diabetes, cirrhosis, cardiovascular disease, and infertility (Rahman, I., et al., 2023; Behera, B., Das, M., et al., 2012). Iron generally exists in two states of oxidation - more prolific (Fe²⁺) and rail (Fe³⁺) - both affect bioavailability and toxicity. Furthermore, increased iron levels may contribute to the growth of harmful bacteria in water supply systems that constitute the health risks of microbial contamination (Rahman, I., et al., 2023). Health effects associated with iron overload include fatigue, weight loss, joint pain, reduced cognitive function, and damage to important organs such as the liver, heart, and pancreas, which can lead to diabetes (Hossain, M. A., et al., 2023; Australian Academy of Science, 2019). Groundwater remains an invaluable resource, especially in rural India. Nevertheless, uneven and rapid development creates stress on this resource in many Districts. In many cases, complex studies and mapping at the district or block level can help determine the characteristics of aquifers and high temperature contamination points, including the Damatari District (Sonbarse, P., 2022-23; Dewangan, R., et al., 2022-23; Parida, S. S., 2022-23; Verma, J. R., 2020-21; Kumar, U., 2022).

Several studies conducted in Chhattisgarh, particularly in Dhamtari district, have shown that iron concentrations in many water sources exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit of 1.0 mg/l. High iron levels not only affect the taste, color, and odor of drinking water but also have serious long-term health effects on communities that rely on contaminated water sources. Vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly are at increased risk of developing iron-related health problems due to long-term iron exposure. A review of the existing literature reveals that iron contamination in the Dhamtari groundwater is influenced by many factors. A combination of geological features, industrial activities, agricultural practices, and inadequate water management contributes to this problem. Previous studies have identified similar problems in other parts of Chhattisgarh and neighboring states, highlighting the need for region-specific research and mitigation strategies. Several studies have reported high iron concentrations in groundwater in various parts of Chhattisgarh, including Dhamtari, highlighting the public health risks associated with long-term intake of iron-rich water. Additionally, communities dependent on polluted sources are often unaware of potential health risks, highlighting the need for thorough investigation and consideration.

Area of Study

The need for groundwater for various internal, agricultural, and industrial applications is constantly increasing throughout India. This growing demand led to operational use of groundwater resources, putting a lot of pressure on aquifers in many Districts. On the contrary, there are still certain areas where underground water resources are not properly developed or evaluated. These various realities highlight the need for nearby micro-level horizon research to raise awareness of groundwater quality and accessibility at the local level. The aim of these studies is to provide trustworthy information of water resource managers, planners, and politicians, depending on the location of information regarding aquifer capabilities and limitations. Aquifer classification cards are a good tool that reflects the overall condition of the groundwater system and gives an image at some point. However, these cards should be used with caution and should not be used to select specific water, such as vulnerability or water quality. Space and time differ (Sonbarse, P., 2022-23; Dewangan, R., et al., 2022-23; Parida, S. S., 2022-23; Verma, J. R., 2020-21; Kumar, U., 2022). According to natural vibrations and inductive human effects, the properties of aquifers can develop over time, and as a result, subjective interpretation and generalization is required when using large card data from local tanks (Sonbarse, P., 2022-23; Dewangan, R., et al., 2022-23; Parida, S. S., 2022-23; Verma, J. R., 2020-21; Kumar, U., 2022).

Area Details

Under the Aquifer Mapping Program, a detailed study was conducted covering four blocks within Dhamtari district, encompassing a total area of approximately 4,082 km². Dhamtari district lies in the fertile plains of Chhattisgarh state, located in the southern part of the state. Geographically, the district is bounded by longitudes 81°24’43” E to 82°10’29” E and latitudes 20°02’45” N to 21°01’33” N. It falls within degree sheet numbers 64 G (12,16), H (5,6,9,10,11,13,14,15,16), and L (2,3,4). Dhamtari shares its borders with Raipur district to the north and east, Durg district to the northwest, Kanker and Bastar districts to the southwest, and a portion of Odisha state to the south (Fig. 1) (Sonbarse, P., 2022-23; Dewangan, R., et al., 2022-23; Parida, S. S., 2022-23; Verma, J. R., 2020-21; Kumar, U., 2022).

Data Sources and Research Strategy

Relevant literature was searched from electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and government publications, including the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and National Health Mission reports. The keywords used for the search were:

Iron pollution in Dhamtari

Groundwater Iron in Chhattisgarh

Effects of Iron on health

Administrative Division

For administrative purposes, Dhamtari district is divided into four blocks, encompassing a total of 370 gram panchayats and 653 villages. The district also includes 5 nagarpanchayats and 1 municipal corporation, facilitating local governance and development activities (Sonbarse, P., 2022-23; Dewangan, R., et al., 2022-23; Parida, S. S., 2022-23; Verma, J. R., 2020-21; Kumar, U., 2022).

The four blocks of Dhamtari district are:

1.     Dhamtari

2.     Magarlod

3.     Kurud

4.     Nagri