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Groundwater pollution is a result of natural and anthropogenic activities. While the elevated levels of various inorganic constituents could be attributed to natural processes, such as geological weathering and aquifer characteristics, many times, anthropogenic activities also substantially pollute the groundwater. On the contrary, the occurrence of organic pollutants is primarily due to various anthropogenic activities. Extensive groundwater mining, the hydraulic connection between groundwater and other surface water bodies, and leaking underground buried infrastructure also contribute to groundwater pollution. Water resources are scarce commodities, and preserving groundwater quality is of critical concern. This paper documents instances of groundwater quality impact during the year 2019 due to both natural and anthropogenic activities throughout the world. Practitioner points: Groundwater pollution problems reported during the year 2019 are reviewed and documented.Occurrence of organic, inorganic, and microbial pollutants in groundwater is reported.Remediation technologies for selected inorganic pollutants are reviewed and documented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depletion of groundwater resources and continued decline in overall groundwater quality is a cause of concern because large human population around the world uses groundwater as a source of drinking water. This paper presents a comprehensive review of studies published in the year 2018 that documented issues of groundwater pollution, sources, and distribution reported from across the world due to anthropogenic, hydroclimatogical, and natural processes. Groundwater pollution due to organic contaminants focuses particularly on pesticides, herbicides, and contaminants of emerging concern. Pollution due to inorganic pollutants such as arsenic and other heavy metals is also reviewed with particular emphasis on regions that have reported a significantly higher incidence of these pollutants in groundwater. A compilation of various studies is also included in the review paper that showed increased incidences of waterborne illnesses due to fecal and microbial contamination due to poor sanitary practices. Reviews of groundwater contaminants such as fluoride and nitrate are included to provide readers a holistic understanding of groundwater pollution problem around the world. Practitioner points: Groundwater pollution issues during 2018 are reviewed and documented.Occurrence of organic and inorganic pollutants in groundwater is reported.Groundwater pollution vulnerability remains a critical issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater pollution due to anthropogenic activities may impact overall groundwater quality. Organic and inorganic pollutants have been routinely detected at unsafe levels in groundwater rendering this important drinking water resource practically unusable. Vulnerability of groundwater pollution and subsequent impact has been documented in various studies across the globe. Field studies as well as mathematical models have demonstrated increasing levels of pollutants in both shallow and deep aquifer systems. New emerging pollutants such as organic micro-pollutants have also been detected in some industrialized as well as in developing countries. Increased vulnerability coupled with ever growing demand for groundwater may pose a greater threat of pollution due to induced recharge and lack of environmental safeguards to protect groundwater sources. In this review paper, comprehensive assessment of groundwater quality impact due to human activities such as improper management of organic and inorganic waste, and natural sources is documented. A detailed review of published reports and peer reviewed journal papers across the world clearly demonstrate that groundwater quality is declining over time. A proactive approach is needed to prevent human health and ecological consequences due to ingestion of contaminated groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water in areas with decentralized water supplies. Lately this resource is being increasingly contaminated due to both natural and anthropogenic activities. A literature review of groundwater quality impact due to natural and anthropogenic activities has been conducted. This review covers a broad spectrum of organic and inorganic pollutants that impacted groundwater quality across the world. The literature review includes extensive coverage of peer reviewed journal articles, reports, books and periodicals published in 2012. Particular emphasis is placed on published material that deals with groundwater quality impact but is not readily accessible. This review article provides general findings of groundwater monitoring activities that demonstrated actual as well as potential threat to groundwater quality. For the readers' convenience, this review article is presented in distinct sections highlighting groundwater quality impact from both organic and inorganic pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]