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Abba SI, Yassin MA, Shah SMH, Egbueri JC, Elzain HE, Agbasi JC, Saini G, Usaman J, Khan NA, Aljundi IH. Trace element pollution tracking in the complex multi-aquifer groundwater system of Al-Hassa oasis (Saudi Arabia) using spatial, chemometric and index-based techniques. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 249:118320. [PMID: 38331148 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118320] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
In a global context, trace element pollution assessment in complex multi-aquifer groundwater systems is important, considering the growing concerns about water resource quality and sustainability worldwide. This research addresses multiple objectives by integrating spatial, chemometric, and indexical study approaches, for assessing trace element pollution in the multi-aquifer groundwater system of the Al-Hassa Oasis, Saudi Arabia. Groundwater sampling and analysis followed standard methods. For this purpose, the research employed internationally recognized protocols for groundwater sampling and analysis, including standardized techniques outlined by regulatory bodies such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Average values revealed that Cr (0.041) and Fe (2.312) concentrations surpassed the recommended limits for drinking water quality, posing serious threats to groundwater usability by humans. The trace elemental concentrations were ranked as: Li < Mn < Co < As < Mo < Zn < Al < Ba < Se < V < Ni < Cr < Cu < B < Fe < Sr. Various metal(loid) pollution indices, including degree of contamination, heavy metal evaluation index, heavy metal pollution index, and modified heavy metal index, indicated low levels of groundwater pollution. Similarly, low values of water pollution index and weighted arithmetic water quality index were observed for all groundwater points, signifying excellent groundwater quality for drinking and domestic purposes. Spatial distribution analysis showed diverse groundwater quality across the study area, with the eastern and western parts displaying a less desirable quality, while the northern has the best, making water users in the former more vulnerable to potential pollution effects. Thus, the zonation maps hinted the necessity for groundwater quality enhancement from the western to the northern parts. Chemometric analysis identified both human activities and geogenic factors as contributors to groundwater pollution, with human activities found to have more significant impacts. This research provides the scientific basis and insights for protecting the groundwater system and ensuring efficient water management.
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Affiliation(s)
- S I Abba
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Membranes and Water Security, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohamed A Yassin
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Membranes and Water Security, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia; College of Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Syed Muzzamil Hussain Shah
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Membranes and Water Security, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Johnbosco C Egbueri
- Department of Geology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Nigeria.
| | - Hussam Eldin Elzain
- Water Research Center, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. 50, AlKhoud 123, Oman.
| | - Johnson C Agbasi
- Department of Geology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Nigeria.
| | - Gaurav Saini
- Department of Civil Engineering, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Delhi, India.
| | - Jamilu Usaman
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Membranes and Water Security, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadeem A Khan
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Membranes and Water Security, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Isam H Aljundi
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Membranes and Water Security, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia; Department of Chemical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia.
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Addae EA, Sun D, Abban OJ, Addae JF. Appraising the spillover effect of water use efficiency indicators in sub- Saharan Africa: a spatial econometric approach. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11672. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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El-Saadani Z, Mingqi W, He Z, Hamukwaya SL, Abdel Wahed MSM, Abu Khatita A. Environmental Geochemistry and Fractionation of Cadmium Metal in Surficial Bottom Sediments and Water of the Nile River, Egypt. TOXICS 2022; 10:221. [PMID: 35622635 PMCID: PMC9146415 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10050221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) pollute the environment. Heavy metal pollution endangers the Nile River since it serves as an irrigation and freshwater source for the cities and farms that line its banks. Water and sediment samples from the Nile River were tested for Cd content. In addition, a sequential experiment analytical method was performed to determine the metal's relative mobility. According to the data, there is an average of 0.16 mg kg-1 of Cd in sediments. The BeniSuef water treatment plant and brick factory, the iron and steel factory of Helwan, the oil and detergent factory of Sohag, and the discharge of the cement factory in Samalut had the greatest concentration of Cd in their vicinity. According to the risk assessment code, there are four categories of Cd: residual (57.91%), acid-soluble (27.11%), reducible (11.84%), and oxidizable (3.14%). Bioavailable and mobile Cd levels in sediment and water were found in Beni Suef, Aswan; Helwan; Samalut; Sohag; and Helwan. Because the other metal is highly bioavailable, its concentration is not a risk factor at the Samalut station. Cd's toxicity and bioaccumulation make it an extra hazard to aquatic animals and human life. There should be a deterministic approach to monitoring Cd near industrial sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zozo El-Saadani
- Earth Science and Resources Department, China University of Geoscience, Beijing 100083, China;
- Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Wang Mingqi
- Earth Science and Resources Department, China University of Geoscience, Beijing 100083, China;
| | - Zhang He
- Earth Science and Resources Department, China University of Geoscience, Beijing 100083, China;
| | | | | | - Atef Abu Khatita
- Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Al Azhar University, Nasr City 11651, Egypt;
- Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, Al-Madinah 344, Saudi Arabia
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