Pollution of water resources and application of ICP-MS techniques for monitoring and management—A comprehensive review

Different natural and anthropogenic processes cause pollution of various water bodies worldwide creating numerous health problems for humans. This causes serious concern as water is a basic necessity to all living beings, and needs to be adequately monitored and managed to prevent its contamination. If found contaminated, the water is to be cleaned using suitable water treatment methods keeping in view of WHO regulations before using it for the intended purpose (drinking, irrigation, etc.). Application of different ICP-MS techniques such as classical ICP-MS, ICP-MS/MS, ICP-TOF-MS, HR-ICP-MS, MH-ICP-MS, and MC-ICP-MS for the qualitative and quantitative determination of toxic metals, isotopes and, metal species, and effective monitoring of various other pollutants in drinking water, surface water, groundwater, industrial effluents, and water used for irrigation, aquaculture and for various industries is the focal point of this article. In general, the concentrations of major, minor, and trace element composition of water samples are influenced mainly by the bedrock geology of the point of emergence, as well as by the residence time and the depth of the aquifer. For better management of water resources, it is necessary to have a comprehensive understanding of the quality (with respect to physical, chemical, and biological) requirements, and sustainability of groundwater from a particular source. Identifying the sources of contamination, understanding the health risks associated, and the application of suitable water treatment technique(s) before it is supplied for public consumption. It is also necessary to intensify our studies on the metal species (e.g., As3+, Cr6+ and methyl mercury) in drinking water and their effects on human health, and their regulatory limits in drinking water.