Trace elements in groundwater of granitic terrain : A case study of the Tirupati region, Southern India

The trace elemental composition and their distribution trends in groundwater over Gajulamandyam watershed of granitic terrain, Tirupati region is investigated. Groundwater samples are collected from different bore wells in the vicinity of the study area. The physicochemical parameters of groundwater were measured in situ. Trace elemental concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results reveal that groundwater from Gajulamandyam watershed is very well controlled by trace elements like Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn are within the permissible limits according to WHO guidelines for drinking water except for Ca, Mg and Sr. The concentration of calcium, magnesium and strontium are found above the permissible limits in ground water of study area. The elevated concentration of these alkaline earth elements in ground water shows that the study area is contaminated with common source of geogenic origin rather than anthropogenic influence.