Assessment of Anthropogenic Water Pollution in Nagda Industrial Area and Its Impact on Groundwater and Soil Quality

ABSTRACT The present study aims at determining water pollution due to industrial effluents, exceeding the self‐purification capacity of water bodies, compounded by groundwater overexploitation. This study focuses on Nagda's industrial area in Madhya Pradesh, India. Water samples were collected from tube wells, rivers, and surface water from fields during January–June. Key parameters analyzed included potential of hydrogen (pH), total dissolved solids (TDS), chlorides, sulfates, sodium, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Kelly's ratio, chemical oxygen demand (COD), heavy metals, and most probable number (MPN). Results show effluent‐contaminated water has elevated TDS, chlorides, sulfates, sodium, SAR, and COD, rendering it unfit for irrigation. Groundwater near polluted sites also exhibited high contamination and bacterial presence, whereas unaffected villages in Kharod Block remained suitable for use. Soil in impacted areas showed 2–3 times higher pH and electrical conductivity than normal, becoming sticky when wet and crusty when dry. High SAR levels reduced soil permeability, degrading its texture. The study underscores the need for effluent treatment to mitigate ecological and agricultural damage.