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Shi H, Du Y, Li Y, Deng Y, Tao Y, Ma T. Determination of high-risk factors and related spatially influencing variables of heavy metals in groundwater. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 358:120853. [PMID: 38608578 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120853] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Identifying high-risk factors (heavy metals (HMs) and pollution sources) by coupling receptor models and health risk assessment model (HRA) is a novel approach within the field of risk assessment. However, this coupled model ignores the contribution of spatial differentiation to high-risk factors, resulting in the assessment being subjective. Taking Dongting Plain (DTP) as an example, a coupling framework by jointly using the positive matrix factorization model (PMF), HRA, Monte Carlo simulation, and geo-detector was developed, aiming to identify high-risk factors in groundwater, and further explore key environmental variables influencing the spatial heterogeneity of high-risk factors. The results showed that at least 82.86 % of non-carcinogenic risks and 97.41 % of carcinogenic risks were unacceptable for people of all ages, especially infants and children. According to the relationships among HMs, pollution sources, and health risks, As and natural sources were defined as high-risk HMs and sources, respectively. The interactions among Holocene thickness, oxidation-reduction potential, and dissolved organic carbon emerged as the primary drivers of spatial variability in high-risk factors, with their combined explanatory power reaching up to 74%. This proposed framework provides a scientific reference for future studies and a practical reference for environmental authorities in developing effective pollution management measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Quality and Health, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China
| | - Yao Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Quality and Health, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China.
| | - Yueping Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Quality and Health, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China
| | - Yamin Deng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Quality and Health, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China
| | - Yanqiu Tao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Quality and Health, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Yangtze Catchment Environmental Aquatic Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China; School of Environmental Studies & State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, China
| | - Teng Ma
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430081, China
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Meng Y, Wu J, Li P, Wang Y. Distribution characteristics, source identification and health risk assessment of trace metals in the coastal groundwater of Taizhou City, China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 238:117085. [PMID: 37690628 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate and analyze the fluctuations in groundwater for certain trace metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Al, Cd, Cr, Pb, As, and Se) in Taizhou City over three years (2020-2022), evaluate the potential human health risks due to the consumption of groundwater. To quantify the spatiotemporal changes in groundwater trace metals, the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) were utilized. Furthermore, multivariate statistical methods were utilized to distinguish the sources of trace elements. Deterministic health risk assessment and Monte Carlo health risk simulation methods were employed to evaluate human health risks associated with exposure to trace metals. The results indicate that areas with higher pollution are in the south-central region, with low HPI increasing from 50% to 75% and low HEI from 68.75% to 81.25%, reflecting improved water quality. Correlation matrix analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) pinpointed anthropogenic sources as major trace metal contributors. Cr and As concentrations were associated with farming activities, Cd and Pb concentrations showed links to local industries such as e-waste recycling and shipbuilding. Furthermore, Cu levels in groundwater was influenced by the combined effects of industry, agriculture, and urban sewage discharge. Based on the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) calculations, the majority of groundwater samples did not exceed the reference values, indicating acceptable noncarcinogenic risks for both adults and children. However, the analysis of carcinogenic risk (CR) and uncertainty revealed an overall decreasing trend in carcinogenic risk, with Cr and Cd possessing the highest potential for causing carcinogenic risks. The sensitivities were 46.3%, 53.3%, and 70.3% for Cr, and 18.8%, 27.6%, and 9.3% for Cd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyue Meng
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jianhua Wu
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Peiyue Li
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yuanhang Wang
- School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, No. 126 Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China
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Rajmohan N, Niyazi BAM, Masoud MHZ. Trace metals pollution, distribution and associated health risks in the arid coastal aquifer, Hada Al-Sham and its vicinities, Saudi Arabia. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 297:134246. [PMID: 35259356 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134246] [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: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Trace metals pollution, distribution and associated health risk were evaluated in the arid coastal aquifer, Hada Al-Sham, Western Saudi Arabia using an integrated approach namely heavy metal pollution index (HPI), contamination index (Cd), health risk assessment (HRA) model and multivariate statistical analysis. Groundwater samples (n = 47) were analysed for EC, pH, TDS, Ag, Al, B, Ba, Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn. Groundwater is mostly alkaline (72%) with high salinity (TDS >1500 mg/l, 77%). Average trace metals concentrations are in the dominance order of B > Cu > Al > Mo > Pb > V > Ba > Zn > Ni > Cr > Fe > Ag. Groundwater (100% wells) is unsafe for drinking based on V, Mo, Al concentrations followed by the Pb (96%), B (91%), Ni (72%), Cr (23%), Cu (17%) and Ag (6%), which exceeded the WHO and USEPA prescribed limits. Results of HPI and Cd also implied the high contamination and enhanced level of metals in the groundwater. Chronic daily intake (CDIoral), hazard quotient (HQ) and total hazard quotient (THQ) were employed for health risk assessment. HQ values reveal that 100% (Al, Mo), 85% (Cu), 21% (B), 13% (Cr) and 6% (Pb) of samples exceeded the recommended limit (>1), which can cause an adverse health risk to adult and children. Pearson correlation, principal components analyses, and Hierarchical cluster analysis justified that aluminium silicates weathering and Fe oxides/hydroxides dissolution (Pb, Cr, Ni, Fe, Ag, Al, Mo and V), evaporation, anthropogenic input (Cu and B) and dissolution of carbonate and sulphate minerals (Ba and Zn) controlled the water chemistry in this aquifer. This study recommends a proper treatment of the groundwater to be safe for various uses. The comprehensive approach, employed here, is applicable to any arid aquifers worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natarajan Rajmohan
- Water Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P. O. Box 80200, Jeddah, 21598, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Burhan A M Niyazi
- Water Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P. O. Box 80200, Jeddah, 21598, Saudi Arabia
| | - Milad H Z Masoud
- Water Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P. O. Box 80200, Jeddah, 21598, Saudi Arabia; Hydrology Department, Desert Research Centre, 1 Mathaf Al-Mataria-Cairo, P. O. Box 11753, Cairo, Egypt
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Luo Y, Xiao Y, Hao Q, Zhang Y, Zhao Z, Wang S, Dong G. Groundwater geochemical signatures and implication for sustainable development in a typical endorheic watershed on Tibetan plateau. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:48312-48329. [PMID: 33905060 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14018-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater resource is significantly important for sustainable development of the world, especially for arid endorheic watersheds. A total of 28 groundwaters were collected for hydrogeochemical analysis from the arid Chaka watershed on Tibetan plateau to illustrate the hydrochemical evolution, formation mechanisms and feasibility of groundwater in small arid endorheic watersheds where groundwater is much scarcer. The results showed groundwater has a slightly alkaline nature, and varies from soft fresh HCO3-Ca type to hard brackish/saline Cl-Na type along the groundwater flow path in the watershed with the total hardness in the range of 270-2,127 mg/L and the total dissolved solids in the range of 282-41,770 mg/L. Nitrogen and fluoride in phreatic water are found sporadically exceeding the permissible limits with the maximum value of 118 mg/L for nitrate, 1.2 mg/L for ammonia and 1.2 mg/L for fluoride. Hydrochemistry of phreatic and confined groundwater is naturally governed by water-rock interactions including minerals (halite, gypsum and anhydrite) dissolution, silicate weathering and cation-exchange reaction. The salinity of phreatic water is also dominantly controlled by the strong evaporation. Human activity is one of the important mechanisms influencing the hydrochemical signature of groundwater regardless of the depth. Groundwater has a great hydrogeochemical discrepancy spatially across the watershed and varies from excellent to extremely poor quality in phreatic aquifers. A better water quality that under the good to medium categories was observed in the confined aquifers with 80% of samples having the EWQI value less than 100 and others in the range of 100-150. Phreatic groundwater away from the river and in the downstream area has a relatively poor quality for domestic and agricultural purposes, and should be avoided to direct utilization. This research can improve the understanding of groundwater hydrogeochemical feature, genesis, and its constraints on the availability and feasibility of groundwater resources in small arid watersheds worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinfei Luo
- School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China
- Bureau of Qinghai Environmental Geological Prospecting, Xi'ning, 810007, China
- Key Lab of Geo-environment of Qinghai Province, Xi'ning, 810007, China
| | - Yong Xiao
- Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 611756, China.
- Yibin Research Institute, Southwest Jiaotong University, Yibin, 644000, China.
| | - Qichen Hao
- Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Science, Shijiazhuang, 050061, China
| | - Yunhui Zhang
- Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 611756, China
- Yibin Research Institute, Southwest Jiaotong University, Yibin, 644000, China
| | - Zhen Zhao
- Bureau of Qinghai Environmental Geological Prospecting, Xi'ning, 810007, China
- Key Lab of Geo-environment of Qinghai Province, Xi'ning, 810007, China
| | - Shengbin Wang
- Bureau of Qinghai Environmental Geological Prospecting, Xi'ning, 810007, China
- Key Lab of Geo-environment of Qinghai Province, Xi'ning, 810007, China
| | - Gaofeng Dong
- Bureau of Qinghai Environmental Geological Prospecting, Xi'ning, 810007, China
- Key Lab of Geo-environment of Qinghai Province, Xi'ning, 810007, China
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Siddiqi SA, Al-Mamun A, Baawain MS, Sana A. Groundwater contamination in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:21023-21044. [PMID: 33715065 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater quality levels are currently deteriorating in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries due to excessive surface and subsurface human activities. Agricultural and industrial activities, landfill seepage and seawater intrusion have been attributed to the deterioration of groundwater quality in GCC states. Such a deterioration of groundwater quality could affect water security in the region, including human health and the ecosystem. Therefore, this review aims to identify the key causes of groundwater contamination across the GCC countries from the published literature. In addition, the review summarizes the major components of the groundwater contaminants across the GCC countries. The results have shown that heavy metals, several cations and anions are the leading cause of groundwater pollution. In most cases, the level of metals and ion contaminants exceeds both the local and international water quality standards. The results have observed the presence of high levels of coliform and radioactive elements in groundwater, especially Uranium and Radium, thereby posing additional risk to human health through consumption. Considering the scarcity of freshwater resources in GCC, urgent actions are required from the decision-makers and relevant regulatory bodies to set up and implement long-term mitigation strategies and stringent policies that will protect the groundwater resources from the adverse effects of anthropogenic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Ahmad Siddiqi
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 33, Al-Khoud 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Abdullah Al-Mamun
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 33, Al-Khoud 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.
| | | | - Ahmad Sana
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 33, Al-Khoud 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
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