Climate Change and Heavy Metal Contamination in Groundwater: A Critical Review

Abstract

Groundwater contamination by heavy metals is an escalating environmental concern, increasingly intensified by the impacts of climate change. This research explores the complex interaction between climate variability and anthropogenic activities that influence the mobilization, bioavailability, and toxicity of heavy metals in groundwater systems. Rising global temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events alter the hydrological cycle, affecting groundwater recharge and quality. These climate-induced changes enhance the solubility and mobility of toxic metals such as arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium—elements already introduced into the environment through industrial discharge, mining, agricultural runoff, and urbanization. The presence of these metals at hazardous levels in drinking water poses serious public health risks, including neurological damage, organ failure, and cancer.bThe study highlights sustainable and integrated mitigation strategies that combine technological innovation with policy and community engagement. Nature-based solutions like phytoremediation and bioremediation offer eco-friendly methods of metal removal, while advanced techniques such as nanotechnology, biochar adsorption, and electrocoagulation enhance remediation efficiency. Climate-resilient policies, stricter environmental regulations, and sustainable land-use practices are essential to reduce contamination sources. Additionally, integrated water resource management (IWRM), managed aquifer recharge (MAR), and real-time monitoring using GIS and remote sensing tools support adaptive responses to emerging threats. This article emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, public participation, and science-informed policymaking to ensure groundwater sustainability. A coordinated and forward-thinking approach is crucial to mitigate the dual threats of climate change and heavy metal pollution, thereby securing safe and clean groundwater for present and future generations.