Prasanna et al. 2025 — Metal pollution in the Betwa-Yamuna river system, India
This study characterizes heavy metal contamination in the Betwa-Yamuna river system in central India, using monthly sampling over a full annual cycle (June 2023–May 2024) and probabilistic Monte Carlo health risk modeling. Metals measured include As, Pb, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, and Zn. Arsenic ranged 0.001–0.011 mg/L and lead 0.0004–0.012 mg/L in sampled waters. The Monte Carlo hazard index (HI) for children exceeded 1.0 in approximately 67% of simulation runs, indicating probable non-cancer risk exceedance for pediatric populations relying on this water source. The study illustrates how a combination of agricultural runoff and upstream industrial activity elevates multi-metal contamination in major Indian river systems.
Key numbers
As: 0.001–0.011 mg/L (1–11 µg/L). Pb: 0.0004–0.012 mg/L (0.4–12 µg/L). Monthly sampling June 2023–May 2024. Children HI >1 in approximately 67% of Monte Carlo runs. Scientific Reports, CC BY.
Methods (brief)
Grab sampling of river and groundwater. ICP analysis. Hazard quotient and hazard index calculations (non-cancer risk) following USEPA risk assessment framework. Monte Carlo simulation (n = 10,000 iterations) for probabilistic risk characterization. Ingestion as the primary exposure pathway assessed.
Implications
Certification: Betwa-Yamuna water quality data represents the arsenic and lead exposure context for agricultural irrigation in central India; relevant to supply-chain risk assessment for Indian-origin crops irrigated from these rivers. Courses: Case study for probabilistic risk assessment methods (Monte Carlo HI > 1 interpretation) and the challenge of protecting children when water quality exceeds health-protective thresholds. App: Drinking water and irrigation water metal data support the supply-chain risk context for crops grown in this region.