Groundwater Contamination From Industrial Waste And Its Implications For Sustainable Water Resource Management: Challenges And Emerging Remediation Pathways

Abstract

Sustainable water resource management is increasingly threatened by groundwater contamination arising from industrial waste and hazardous by-products. Industrial effluents, improper waste disposal, and persistent pollutants such as heavy metals, petrochemicals, and organic solvents compromise aquifer quality, posing long-term risks to drinking water security, agricultural productivity, and ecosystem integrity. This study critically analyzes the global challenges in addressing groundwater pollution within the framework of sustainable water resource management. It synthesizes current scientific evidence on remediation technologies, categorizing them into conventional physical-chemical treatments and innovative approaches such as nanotechnology, bioremediation, and advanced oxidation processes. The review highlights key barriers, including high costs, limited scalability, and governance gaps, that restrict the integration of these technologies into sustainable management strategies. Particular attention is given to the socio-economic implications of remediation in water-stressed regions, where reliance on contaminated groundwater exacerbates health and livelihood vulnerabilities. By identifying promising remediation pathways and policy directions, the study underscores the urgent need for interdisciplinary solutions that balance environmental protection, economic feasibility, and social equity. The findings contribute to advancing integrated approaches for safeguarding groundwater resources, aligning with global objectives for sustainable water resource management.