Use of EDS/EDX to evaluate heavy metals pollution in water sources

The objective of the study was to evaluate the role of brick kilns in contaminating water bodies with heavy metals in Punjab, India. The energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS/EDX) machine effectively tested heavy metals in water samples. The research revealed that the surface water near the brick kilns was extensively polluted with heavy metals. Their Pollution Load Index (PLI) values varied between 2.83 and 52.98, and their degree of contamination was “Progressive deterioration”. The PLI values for groundwater ranged between 0.089 and 3.68, and the degree of contamination varied from “Baseline levels of pollutants” to “Progressive deterioration”. In general, the groundwater of the studied area had a PLI value of 0.477 (Baseline levels of pollutants), whereas the surface water had a PLI value of 11.453 (Progressive deterioration). The Water Quality Index (WQI) of groundwater was highly influenced by heavy metals, notably Arsenic (As) from lithologic origins, and Lead (Pb) from the burning of fuels in the brick kilns. In descending order, Pb>Zn>As>Cr>Ni metals were influencing the PLI, and the correlation matrixes demonstrated that the presence of heavy metals was associated with the PLI and WQI values. Therefore, there is evidence that brick kilns are polluting water bodies with heavy metals. EDS proved to be one of the instruments to evaluate the chemical elements in water. It was recommended to enforce the law governing the use of biomass to reduce vast quantities of coal used in baking bricks. • Higher concentrations of heavy metals are present in water sources around brick kilns compared to other areas. • Groundwater sources located within a kilometre radius around the kilns showed a high level of contamination. • Arsenic and Lead from lithologic and coal-burning origins highly influence the WQI. • EDS is effective in testing water sources for heavy metals.