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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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Tokatli C, Mutlu E, Ustaoğlu F, Islam ART, Muhammad S. Spatiotemporal variations, health risk assessment, and sources of potentially toxic elements in potamic water of the Anday Stream Basin (Türkiye), Black Sea Region. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:420. [PMID: 38570413 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12580-8] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Monitoring and protecting freshwater habitats are paramount for a sustainable water management perspective. This study investigated potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the potamic water of the Anday Stream Basin (Türkiye), Black Sea Region, for a hydrological year (from May 2020 to April 2021). Among PTEs, the highest average values were recorded for sodium (Na) at 41.3 mg/L and the lowest for mercury (Hg) at 0.009 μg/L and noted under quality guidelines. The stream was found to be at the level of "Low Heavy Metal Pollution" and "Low Contamination" based on the ecotoxicological risk indices. The highest calculated hazard quotient (HQ) value of 1.21E-02 for Cd was noted in the children via the dermal pathway and the lowest of 6.91E-06 for Fe in adults via the ingestion pathway. Results revealed a higher hazard index (HI) value of 1.50E-02 for Cd to children and the lowest of 1.98E-05 for Fe to adults. As a result of applying agricultural risk indices, the stream showed sodium adsorption ratio values less than 6 and was found to be "Excellent" for agriculture. However, the sodium percentage values were less than 20 and found "Permissible" and the magnesium hazard > 50 and noted as "Unsuitable" for agriculture. Statistical analysis revealed that natural factors mainly attributed to PTE contamination of the Anday Stream Basin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Said Muhammad
- National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan.
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Zhuzzhassarova G, Azarbayjani F, Zamaratskaia G. Fish and Seafood Safety: Human Exposure to Toxic Metals from the Aquatic Environment and Fish in Central Asia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1590. [PMID: 38338869 PMCID: PMC10855114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxic metals that are released into aquatic environments from natural and anthropogenic sources are absorbed by aquatic organisms and may threaten the health of both aquatic organisms and humans. Despite this, there have been limited studies on the metal concentrations in fish and humans in Central Asia. This study summarizes the presence of the toxic metals arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in aquatic bodies, fish, and seafood products and conducts a risk assessment. While certain areas show a notable increase in fish and seafood consumption, the overall intake in Central Asia remains below recommended levels. However, in regions with high fish consumption, there is a potential for elevated exposure to toxic metals, especially Hg. The risk of exposure to toxic metals in fish and seafood in Central Asia emerges as a significant concern. Comprehensive monitoring, regulation, and remediation efforts are imperative to ensure the safety of water sources and food consumption in the region. Public awareness campaigns and the establishment of dietary guidelines play a crucial role in minimizing the health risks associated with consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulnur Zhuzzhassarova
- Department of Veterinary Sanitation, S. Seifullin Kazakh Agro-Technical University, Astana 010 011, Kazakhstan;
| | - Faranak Azarbayjani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Galia Zamaratskaia
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Zatisi 728/II, 389 25 Vodnany, Czech Republic
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El Morabet R, Barhazi L, Bouhafa S, Dahim MA, Khan RA, Khan NA. Geospatial distribution and machine learning algorithms for assessing water quality in surface water bodies of Morocco. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20599. [PMID: 37996644 PMCID: PMC10667218 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47991-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Surface waterbodies being primary source of water for human consumption are being investigated for its quality globally. This study evaluated water quality in three rivers (River Nfifikh, Hassar and El Maleh) of Mohammedia prefecture, Morocco in terms of heavy metals occurrence during two seasons of winter and spring. The heavy metals analyzed were cadmium, iron, copper, zinc, and lead. Heavy metal pollution index was derived to quantify water quality and pollution. Hazard quotient and carcinogenic risk were calculated to determine possible health risk. Modelling and prediction were performed using random forest, support vector machine and artificial neural network. The heavy metal concentration was lower in the winter season than in the spring season. Heavy metal pollution index (H.P.I.) was in the range of 1.5-2 during the winter season and 2-3 during the spring season. In the Nfifikh river, Cd2+ and Fe were the main polluting heavy metal. H.Q. was < 1 in all three rivers, which signified no adverse health effect from exposure to heavy metals. However, carcinogenic risk assessment revealed that 1 in every 100 people was susceptible to cancer during the life span of 70 years. Based on the control point reference, it was found that Mohammedia prefecture as river water was already contaminated before it entered the prefecture boundary. This was again validated with the water lagoon Douar El Marja which is located near the industrial zones of Mohammedia prefecture. Future studies are required to investigate pollution of rivers prior to their entry in Mohammedia prefecture to identify potential source and adopt mitigation measures accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachida El Morabet
- LADES Lab FLSH-M, Department of Geography, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Mohammedia, Morocco
| | - Larbi Barhazi
- LADES Lab FLSH-M, Department of Geography, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Mohammedia, Morocco
| | - Soufiane Bouhafa
- LADES Lab FLSH-M, Department of Geography, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Mohammedia, Morocco
| | | | - Roohul Abad Khan
- Department of Civil Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadeem A Khan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Membranes and Water Security (IRC-MWS), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
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