Aim: The purpose of this study was to monitor concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu and pH in groundwater
of Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar, Churu and Sikar districts of in Northern Rajasthan, India; and to identify
any relationships between metals. Materials and Methods: Heavy metals were analyzed by inductively
coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: The measured concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu varied from
14 to 23685 μg/l, 0.18 to 6.70 μg/l, 1 to 17 μg/l and 5 to 73 μg/l with overall mean values of 1595 ± 4094,
0.68 ± 1.02, 9 ± 4.44 and 23 ± 17 μg/l respectively. Conclusions: Copper level was found to be below
the permissible limit of United States Environmental Protection Agency (1300 μg/l). In water sample code
H-8 (Morjand Sikhan), the level of Cd was found (6.70 μg/l)to be above the permissible level (5 μg/l). In water
samples codes H-7, H-9 and S-7 (Amarpura Jallu Khatt, Amar Singh Wala and Khandela-2), the level of Pb
was found to be above the permissible level (15 μg/l). Significant correlations were found among the pH of
water and different heavy metal concentrations.
Key words: Cadmium, contamination, groundwater, lead, water quality
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