Assessing Groundwater Contamination, Health Risk And Health Cost: A Regression Analysis And Fuzzy AHP Approach

Abstract

The environmental and health effects of groundwater pollution resulting from industrial activity in Tehsil Bhalwal, District Sargodha, Pakistan, have been investigated in this paper. The research focuses on the sugar industry's role in polluting local groundwater and its consequences for public health and economic well-being. Employing a combination of regression analysis and the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), the study analyzes data collected from 200 households to evaluate the relationships between water quality perceptions, health risks, and healthcare costs. Findings indicate that groundwater contamination poses significant public health challenges, contributing to widespread diseases and increased healthcare costs. Key contaminants, including heavy metals and chemical pollutants, exacerbate health risks and economic burdens on affected communities. The study also highlights the need for stricter regulatory enforcement, improved waste management, and investment in modern water treatment infrastructure to mitigate these issues. The findings provide a basis for policy recommendations aimed at enhancing water quality, protecting public health, and promoting sustainable industrial development. By addressing the interconnection of environmental, health, and social challenges, the study contributes valuable insights into sustainable management practices for industrial zones, particularly in developing nations.

Keywords: Groundwater contamination, Health cost, Health Risk, Bhalwal, soil degradation.