Abstract
Metal contamination of Ganga river in relation to atmospheric deposition was investigated. The data reveled that, although Cr and Cu remained below their maximum admissible concentrations, levels of Cd and Pb in mid-stream waters at five out of six stations were higher than their respective maximum admissible concentration. About 62% of water samples contained Ni above its maximum admissible concentration of 20 μg L−1. Metal concentrations in water showed significant correlation and seasonal synchrony with atmospheric deposition. The study forms the first report on air-driven metal contamination of Ganga and has relevance from human health perspectives.
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Acknowledgments
We are thankful to Coordinator, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University for facilities and University Grants Commission, New Delhi for funding support [Grant No. 32 – 383/2006 (SR)].
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Pandey, J., Shubhashish, K. & Pandey, R. Metal Contamination of Ganga River (India) as Influenced by Atmospheric Deposition. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 83, 204–209 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-009-9744-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-009-9744-2