Suitability of the Himalayan water quality for domestic and irrigation use: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Ruby Ruby, Dimple Dimple, Arup Giri*

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144410

ABSTRACT. The Himalayan region, a critical freshwater source for South Asia, faces increasing anthropogenic pressures, which impact water quality for domestic and agricultural uses. This study bridges a significant knowledge gap by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of 274 studies (2003–24) to evaluate heavy metals (HMs) contamination levels, health risk assessments, and hydrochemical parameters and to assess suitability for both domestic and irrigation use. The analysis revealed that HMs levels are higher than the WHO standards in India and Pakistan. Although the pollution indices improved over time, with the Degree of Contamination (DOC) decreasing from 138.02 (2003–13) to 49.86 (2014–24) and the Pollution Load Index (PLI) decreasing from 2.68 to 0.29, the water quality of the Himalayas is still considered unsafe for domestic use. Furthermore, water pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), and major cations/anions were observed within acceptable limits. However, the Total Hardness (TH), Potential Salinity (PS), and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) values were relatively high. In India, the Corrosivity Ratio (CR) level is higher than the allowable limits. Overall, water quality needs improvement in this region, as evidenced by TH, PS, and RSC values higher than allowable limits over the last two decades. This study establishes trends over two decades, emphasizing notable improvements but significant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks from heavy metals, especially in children, necessitating continued monitoring and stricter regulations with robust water management strategies. The study also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-6, SDG-3, and SDG-12.

Keywords: Health risk assessment; Heavy metals; Himalayas; Hydrochemical characterization; Irrigation suitability assessment; Sustainable development goals

Citation:  Ruby Ruby, Dimple Dimple, Arup Giri*. 2025. A systematic review on Himalayan Water Quality for Domestic and Agriculture Purpose. Chemosphere, 382(2025), 144410. ISSN- 1879-1298 [IF-8.1] [Q1] Indexing: Scopus; Published: 01 August 2025; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144410

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