Bentje Brauns (et al.)
British Geological Survey, Environmental Science Centre; Hydrogeologist, Project Manager, Environmental Change Adaptation & Resilience
BACKGROUND
Emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) are becoming more ubiquitous in the environment, particularly Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS, e.g. Cousins et al. 2021). Despite this, few studies are available on EOCs in Indian groundwaters (GWs), particularly in urban settings with welldocumented pollution issues, e.g. the city of Bengaluru, in which GW is recharged from multiple, potentially polluted sources.
STUDY SITE
Groundwater recharge in Bengaluru (hard-rock aquifer) from rainfall, mains leakage and surface waters, such as: urban rivers, non-rejuvenated lakes, rejunated lakes.
CONCLUSIONS
The ubiquitous detection of sweeteners gives an indication on groundwater age, since these compounds were introduced recently (~ in 2000). Several of the detected compounds could be linked directly to distinct recharge sources.
Agricultural products, such as the growth regulator Trinexapac and the herbicide Atrazine were only detected in groundwater and piped mains water, indicating a pollution pathway by recharge from mains water leakage. EOCs can be used to trace unique recharge sources in urban settings. Better information on dominant recharge sources can inform GW protection & monitoring efforts.