A Review of Groundwater Contamination and Remediation Strategies in Urban Environments

Abstract

Groundwater contamination in urban environments has emerged as a critical environmental and public health concern due to the increasing pace of urbanization and industrial activities. Urban areas contribute to groundwater pollution through various sources such as leaking sewage systems, industrial discharges, fuel spills, and improper waste disposal practices. Contaminants commonly include heavy metals, hydrocarbons, nitrates, and pathogenic microorganisms, which degrade water quality and threaten ecosystem integrity and human health. The complexity of urban subsurface conditions—compounded by overextraction and reduced recharge—further amplifies the risk of widespread contamination. This review explores the key causes of groundwater pollution in cities and evaluates current remediation strategies employed to mitigate the problem. Techniques such as in-situ bioremediation, phytoremediation, pump-and-treat systems, and permeable reactive barriers have shown varying levels of success depending on site-specific conditions. Additionally, urban planning interventions like green infrastructure, stormwater management systems, and policy frameworks are increasingly being integrated to prevent pollution at the source. The review highlights the importance of adopting a holistic and multidisciplinary approach that combines technology, regulation, monitoring, and public engagement to effectively address urban groundwater contamination. As the demand for clean water grows with urban population expansion, sustainable management and proactive remediation strategies will be essential to protect and restore urban groundwater resources for current and future generations.