Groundwater Contamination Sources, Pathways, Health Risks, Monitoring and Management
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66132/ngce20260103Keywords:
Aquifer , Groundwater, Contaminants , SustainabilityAbstract
Groundwater is a vital source of drinking water, irrigation, and industrial supply, but its quality is increasingly threatened by both natural and human-induced contamination. Because aquifers are hidden and often slow to flush, pollutants can remain undetected and persist for long periods. This review examines the major sources, transport mechanisms, impacts, monitoring approaches, remediation options, and governance challenges associated with groundwater contamination. It covers geogenic contaminants such as arsenic, fluoride, salinity, and uranium; anthropogenic pollutants from agriculture, sanitation, mining, and industry; and emerging contaminants including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceuticals, and microplastics. The review shows that contamination is strongly shaped by hydrogeology, recharge, redox conditions, and land use, making it a complex multi-contaminant problem. Effective management requires prevention-first governance, risk-based monitoring, source control, targeted treatment, and long-term aquifer protection.
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The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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