Affiliations: Centre of Advanced Study in Geology, Panjab
University, Chandigarh-160014, India | National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad-500
007, India
Abstract: Chemical quality and radon activity of ground water along with F,
NO_3, SO_4, U, Pb, Cr and Ni was monitored in certain parts of SW Punjab to
assess the role of these elements in causing cancer in Jajjal and Gyana
villages of Bhatinda district, Punjab. The work shows that contents of U, Pb,
Cr, Ni, F and SO_4 are above the permissible limits. The interaction of
groundwater with soils formed by the weathering of high heat producing granites
of Tosham area and with evaporites including foetid limestone/dolomite is
responsible for high contents of radon and other elements. Indiscriminate use
of pesticides and the air and water pollution caused by the effluents of
thermal plant are also responsible for the degradation of quality of water in
the area.
