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Malov AI. Assessment of water supply to the East European Arctic agglomeration from groundwater, taking into account their quality and health risks. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124636. [PMID: 39084588 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to assess the possibilities of using groundwater for water supply in the East European Arctic agglomeration based on an assessment of their quality and health risks. For this purpose, high-precision determinations of the complete macro- and microcomponent composition were carried out in sixty-six water samples taken from wells up to 180 meters deep. It was found that in some samples the concentrations of Na+, Fe, B, Ba, Mn and U exceeded WHO standards. The least mineralized young waters are characterized by the processes of dissolution of carbonates with the transition of Ca, Mg, Ba, Sr into water, and the processes of leaching of Fe and Mn by acidic swamp waters from near-surface sediments. Waters of high mineralization, enriched in Na+, Cl-, B, Mo, Cd, Pb, were formed as a result of the dissolution of aluminosilicate rocks over thousands of years and mixing with relics of ancient and modern marine transgressions. An assessment of the average Water Quality Index value of the studied aquifer showed that, in general, the water is of excellent quality. Non-carcinogenic risks were determined primarily by uranium concentrations. The average danger index values for this element for children were 1.22. In adults it was slightly lower and amounted to 0.83. Carcinogenic risks are associated primarily with arsenic concentrations. The average total carcinogenic risk associated with this element was 3.8.10-5, which is acceptable, but samples from two wells showed total carcinogenic risk values above 10-4, which is in the high-risk area. For drinking purposes, it is preferable to use low-mineralized water with a minimum content of toxic elements. If necessary, preliminary aeration of the water is possible, during which precipitation of iron, arsenic and uranium occurs. Due to the typical nature of the problem under consideration for the Arctic regions, the results obtained can be used at other sites in the Subpolar zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander I Malov
- N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 20 Nikolsky Ave., 163020 Arkhangelsk, Russia.
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Guan Y, Zhang N, Chu C, Xiao Y, Niu R, Shao C. Health impact assessment of the surface water pollution in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 933:173040. [PMID: 38729374 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
China suffers from severe surface water pollution. Health impact assessment could provide a novel and quantifiable metric for the health burden attributed to surface water pollution. This study establishes a health impact assessment method for surface water pollution based on classic frameworks, integrating the multi-pollutant city water quality index (CWQI), informative epidemiological findings, and benchmark public health information. A relative risk level assignment approach is proposed based on the CWQI, innovatively addressing the challenge in surface water-human exposure risk assessment. A case study assesses the surface water pollution-related health impact in 336 Chinese cities. The results show (1) between 2015 and 2022, total health impact decreased from 3980.42 thousand disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) (95 % Confidence Interval: 3242.67-4339.29) to 3260.10 thousand DALYs (95 % CI: 2475.88-3641.35), measured by total cancer. (2) The annual average health impacts of oesophageal, stomach, colorectal, gallbladder, and pancreatic cancers added up to 2621.20 thousand DALYs (95 % CI: 2095.58-3091.10), revealing the significant health impact of surface water pollution on digestive cancer. (3) In 2022, health impacts in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and surroundings, the Yangtze River Delta, and the middle reaches of the Yangtze River added up to 1893.06 thousand DALYs (95 % CI: 1471.82-2097.88), showing a regional aggregating trend. (4) Surface water pollution control has been the primary driving factor to health impact improvement, contributing -3.49 % to the health impact change from 2015 to 2022. It is the first city-level health impact map for China's surface water pollution. The methods and findings will support the water management policymaking in China and other countries suffering from water pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Guan
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Nannan Zhang
- Institute of Strategic Planning, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing 100041, China
| | - Chengjun Chu
- Center of Environmental Status and Plan Assessment, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing 100041, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- Institute of Strategic Planning, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing 100041, China; The Center for Beautiful China, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing 100041, China
| | - Ren Niu
- Institute of Strategic Planning, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing 100041, China
| | - Chaofeng Shao
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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Liu X, Dong Z, Wei T, Wang L, Gao W, Jiao X, Li F. Composition, distribution, and risk assessment of heavy metals in large-scale river water on the Tibetan Plateau. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135094. [PMID: 38981232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Heavy metals present in aquatic ecosystems constitute a significant threat to both the environment and human health. In this study, we analyzed various heavy metals (As, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo, Cd, Pb and Sb) using extensive surface water samples collected from the Tibetan Plateau in 2021 and 2023. Results showed that downstream water samples exhibited higher content (mean 12.6 μg/L) of heavy metals compared to those from the glacier basins. It is noteworthy that heavy metal content varied significantly both in the glacier basin and downstream (4.6-29.1 μg/L and 7.8-55.2 μg/L, respectively). However, elevated concentrations at certain sites (e.g., Saga County and Dangque Zangbu River) were primarily attributed to the disproportionate contribution of individual heavy metals, possibly stemming from specific human activities or natural conditions. In the glacier basin, only Cr exhibited a decreasing trend in enrich factors (EF) with increasing Sc concentration, whereas, in the downstream areas, most elements displayed a declining trend. Furthermore, apart from a few sampling sites, heavy metal concentrations in the glacier basin remained relatively balanced, suggesting that these metals predominantly originate from natural sources. The values of potential ecological risk for an individual element (Eri) and potential ecological risk index (PER) indicate that the ecological and human risks associated with almost heavy metals (except As) in the aquatic ecosystem are minimal. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems pose a significant threat to ecological and human health. Due to delicate ecological balance of the Tibetan Plateau and its critical role as a water resource, we analyzed various heavy metals (As, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo, Cd, Pb and Sb) concentrations and EF in land surface river water, to find out the pollution levels and possible sources of heavy metals in the aquatic ecosystems. The results of risk assessment showed that the prevention and management of arsenic in Tibetan Plateau needs attention, but most heavy metals pose no threaten to ecological and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Ecology and Environmental Change, School of Geography and Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China; College of Geography and Environmental Science, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Environment and Planning Education, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Zhiwen Dong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Ecology and Environmental Change, School of Geography and Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Ting Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Cryosphere Sciences, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Lunche Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Ecology and Environmental Change, School of Geography and Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Wenhua Gao
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Environment and Planning Education, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Jiao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Ecology and Environmental Change, School of Geography and Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China; State Key Laboratory of Cryosphere Sciences, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Fangzhou Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100049, China
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Tai H, Yi X, Chai N, Xiao J. Hydrochemical characterization and assessment of health risks of trace elements in the Huai River Basin of China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:28982-28996. [PMID: 38565818 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33000-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Basin water pollution is a global problem, especially in the densely populated areas. The Huai River Basin (abbreviated as HRB), including the Huai River system and the Yishu River system, is the sixth-largest and most densely populated watershed in China. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies of river and well water throughout the Huai River basin, including hydrochemistry characterization and assessment of health risks. This study investigated water quality and pollution sources of river and well water in the HRB based on the hydrochemistry analysis and different water quality indices. The water body in the HRB showed weak alkalinity (pH = 8.4 ± 0.7) and had high TDS values (TDS = 339 ± 186 mg/L) with water types of HCO3-Ca-Mg and SO4-Cl-Ca-Mg in the Huai River system, and SO4-Cl-Ca-Mg in the Yishu River system. Atmospheric input and evaporation had less impact on hydrochemistry. Evaporite dissolution and carbonate weathering had a greater impact on hydrochemistry. Carbonate precipitation and cation exchange also influenced the dissolved solutes, especially Ca2+ and Na+. Samples had low to medium salinity hazards and sodium absorption ratios and were suitable for irrigation. For drinking purposes, samples were fresh water and have good or excellent according to the Water Quality Index (WQI). Land use types influenced water quality with the worst river water quality from cropland. Combining different assessment indices, the water quality of the Yishu River system performed better than the Huai River system. Absolute principal component analysis-multiple linear regression and the positive matrix factorization models identified the main pollutants as As, Ba, Cr, Ni, and Mn, with natural sources of As, Ba, and Ni and anthropogenic inputs of Cr, and Mn. Although the water quality of the HRB has improved in recent years, high potential risk from As, Cr, Mn, Ba, and Ni should be noted. This study provided vital information for basin hydrochemistry analysis and water quality assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Tai
- Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region, Ministry of Education, School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology (SKLLQG), Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IEECAS), Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xiu Yi
- Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region, Ministry of Education, School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Ningpan Chai
- Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region, Ministry of Education, School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology (SKLLQG), Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IEECAS), Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology (SKLLQG), Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IEECAS), Xi'an, 710061, China.
- National Observation and Research Station of Earth Critical Zone On the Loess Plateau, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
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Sun L, Liu T, Duan L, Tong X, Zhang W, Cui H, Wang Z, Zheng G. Spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and risk assessment of heavy metals in groundwater of Pingshuo mining area. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:141. [PMID: 38491301 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01906-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Groundwater pollution in the Pingshuo mining area is strongly associated with mining activities, with heavy metals (HMs) representing predominant pollutants. To obtain accurate information about the pollution status and health risks of groundwater, 189 groups of samples were collected from four types of groundwater, during three periods of the year, and analyzed for HMs. The results showed that the concentration of HMs in groundwater was higher near the open pit, waste slag pile, riverfront area, and human settlements. Except for Ordovician groundwater, excessive HMs were found in all investigated groundwater of the mining area, as compared with the standard thresholds. Fe exceeded the threshold in 13-75% of the groundwater samples. Three sources of HMs were identified and quantified by Pearson's correlation analysis and the PMF model, including coal mining activities (68.22%), industrial, agricultural, and residential chemicals residue and leakage (16.91%), and natural sources (14.87%). The Nemerow pollution index revealed that 7.58% and 100% of Quaternary groundwater and mine water samples were polluted. The health risk index for HMs in groundwater showed that the non-carcinogenic health risk ranged from 0.18 to 0.42 for adults, indicating an acceptable level. Additionally, high carcinogenic risks were identified in Quaternary groundwater (95.45%), coal series groundwater (91.67%), and Ordovician groundwater (26.67%). Both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were greater for children than adults, highlighting their increased vulnerability to HMs in groundwater. This study provides a scientific foundation for managing groundwater quality and ensuring drinking water safety in mining areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Sun
- College of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Tingxi Liu
- College of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China.
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Water Resource Protection and Utilization, Hohhot, 010018, China.
| | - Limin Duan
- College of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Water Resource Protection and Utilization, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Xin Tong
- College of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Water Resource Protection and Utilization, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Wenrui Zhang
- College of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - He Cui
- College of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Zhiting Wang
- College of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Guofeng Zheng
- College of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
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Hatipoğlu Temizel E. Assessment of the water quality using multivariate statistics and the water quality index: a case study of the Yağlıdere Stream (Giresun) in the Eastern Black Sea region, Turkey. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1484. [PMID: 37971554 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12118-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the water quality of the Yağlıdere Stream passing through Espiye (Giresun-NE Turkey) and Yağlıdere districts, where old and new mining activities are present, was evaluated, and characterized by using the water quality index (WQI), multivariate statistical, and GIS techniques. The downstream aquifer of the Yağlıdere Stream, which originates from Erimez Mountains and reaches the sea from the west of Espiye district, meets the domestic and drinking water needs of Yağlıdere and Espiye districts. In addition, activities such as energy production and fish farming are carried out along the stream. Therefore, it is of great importance to investigate the water quality of the stream. In order to evaluate the water quality, 50 water samples were taken from 10 sampling points (5 periods) along the flow direction of the stream. Parameters other than T, DO, Mg, F, NH3, CN, and HS show significant spatial variations indicating the influence of geogenic and anthropogenic activities. Some of the investigated parameters (T, DO, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42-, NH3, CN, Fe, Se) exhibit important seasonal variations due to high seasonality in water temperature and water flow. Principal component analysis/factor analysis reveals that the parameters responsible for water quality changes in the Yağlıdere Stream are mainly related to the geogenic structure, mining wastes, agricultural activities, and domestic wastes. According to the WQI values, the water samples taken from the upstream and middle part of the stream are in the water quality between "Excellent" and "Good", on the other hand, in the downstream regions where anthropogenic and geogenic effects are dominant, the water samples are in the quality of "Poor water" and "Unsuitable for drinking". The most effective water quality parameters on WQI are Al, Fe, and Mn and the water quality in the basin is negatively affected by geogenic and anthropogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Hatipoğlu Temizel
- Department of Geological Engineering, Karadeniz Technical University, 61080, Trabzon, Turkey.
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Su Q, Shahab A, Huang L, Ubaid Ali M, Cheng Y, Yang J, Xu H, Sun Z, Zou Q, Chen Z, Kang B. Heavy Metals in Surface Sediment of Plateau Lakes in Tibet, China: Occurrence, Risk Assessment, and Potential Sources. TOXICS 2023; 11:804. [PMID: 37888655 PMCID: PMC10610607 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11100804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Tibetan Plateau lakes have high ecological value and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. This research aimed to study the pollution characteristics, ecological risk, and potential sources of eight heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the surface sediments of 12 Tibetan Plateau lakes. The results of the toxicity risk index (TRI) showed that only Gongzhu Tso (28.09) and La' ang Tso (20.25) had heavy metals that could pose a very high risk of toxicity to aquatic organisms. Hg posed the highest potential ecological risk to aquatic organisms. Based on the results of multiple analyses, we inferred that the contents of Cr, Cu, Hg, and Ni in sediments of Tibetan lakes were influenced by industrial and agricultural development; Cd, Pb, and Zn were influenced by transport and atmospheric transport; and As was derived from geothermal activity and rock weathering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongyuan Su
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Asfandyar Shahab
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Water Pollution Control and Water Safety in Karst Areas, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Liangliang Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Theory and Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Muhammad Ubaid Ali
- Department of Soil Sciences, Southern Federal University, 344006 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Yanan Cheng
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Water Pollution Control and Water Safety in Karst Areas, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Jiahuan Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Hao Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Zhicheng Sun
- College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Qi Zou
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Zhongbing Chen
- Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bin Kang
- College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
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Shetaia SA, Nasr RA, Lasheen ESR, Dar MA, Al-Mur BA, Zakaly HMH. Assessment of heavy metals contamination of sediments and surface waters of Bitter lake, Suez Canal, Egypt: Ecological risks and human health. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115096. [PMID: 37271076 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of heavy metals in the surface waters and sediments of Bitter Lake were investigated to assess the level, distribution, and source of pollution and the associated ecological and human health risks. The ecological indices of the lake water indicate low contamination degrees by heavy metals. A dermal exposure-based health risk evaluation revealed no carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic impact on human health. The contamination factor (CF) for Cu, Ni, Pb, Mn, Fe, and Zn (CF < 1) indicate low contamination levels, while Cd reaches very high contamination in most sediment sites (CF ranges from 6.2 to 72.4). Furthermore, the potential ecological risk factor (Eri) and modified hazard quotient (mHQ) indicate low ecological risk for all metals except Cd, revealing high to very high-level ecological risk in most sites (Eri ranges from 185 to 2173 and mHQ from 1.8 to 6.3). This emphasizes the urgency of prompt actions to improve the environment in Bitter Lake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said A Shetaia
- Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Riham A Nasr
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Egypt
| | - El Saeed R Lasheen
- Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt.
| | - Mahmoud A Dar
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Egypt
| | - Bandar A Al-Mur
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hesham M H Zakaly
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, 71524 Assiut, Egypt; Istinye University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Computer Engineering Department, Istanbul, 34396, Turkey; Institute of Physics and Technology, Ural Federal University, 620078 Ekaterinburg, Russia.
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Akindele EO, Oladeji TA, Kowobari ED, Adedapo AM, Fagbohun IR, Akinpelu OT, Oyeku OG. Gold mining impairs the biological water quality of a culturally important river and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nigeria. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 326:121470. [PMID: 36965680 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites have special conservation regulations because they are recognized as having significant cultural and/or natural value. One of Nigeria's two UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites is the Osun River. It has immense biodiversity values, which are currently being threatened due to gold mining activities within its catchment area. Thus, this study seeks to ascertain the current biological water quality of this culturally and internationally important river using ecological and ecotoxicological approaches. Samples were collected from three environmental compartments (i.e., water, benthic sediment, and macroinvertebrates) in both dry and wet seasons from the section of the river that flows through the UNESCO site. Findings revealed that the river's physiochemical water quality has immensely degraded on account of extremely high total suspended solids, extremely low water transparency, and low dissolved oxygen. Three heavy metals exceeded their permissible limits in drinking water; i.e., Cd (364-367 times higher), Pb (75-104 times higher), and As (35-67 times higher). The contamination factor indicated that the benthic sediments were contaminated with Cd and Au, while the geo-accumulation (Igeo) index only indicates contamination on account of Cd, though Au ranks second in order of Igeo. The composition of the river's macroinvertebrate fauna suggests that it has been severely impacted because there was almost no stress-sensitive Ephemeroptera-Plecoptera-Trichoptera taxon present (one taxon and one individual only). Almost all of the chosen heavy metals had bioaccumulated in the three functional feeding guilds of macroinvertebrates. The current levels of heavy metals in the three environmental compartments of the river pose a great risk to both freshwater biodiversity and human health. Thus, a re-channeling of the upstream effluents from the river or any other natural water is advised. Also, a periodic environmental audit of the river should be conducted until it recovers from the pollution stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tolulope A Oladeji
- Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | - Oyeshina G Oyeku
- Pure and Applied Biology Programme, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria
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