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Dwivedi S, Mishra S, Kumar V, Agnihotri R, Sharma P, Tiwari RK, Gupta A, Singh AP, Kumar S, Sinam G. A comprehensive review on spatial and temporal variation of arsenic contamination in Ghaghara basin and its relation to probable incremental life time cancer risk in the local population. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2023; 80:127308. [PMID: 37801785 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Spatial and temporal variations have been found in the levels of arsenic (As) throughout the groundwater of the Ghaghara basin. Fifteen out of twenty-five districts in this basin are reported to be affected by As, where the levels of As in groundwater and soil exceed the permissible limits set by the WHO (10 μgl-1) and FAO (20 mgkg-1) respectively. These districts include a total of four municipalities in Nepal and eighty-six blocks in India, all of which have varying degrees of As contamination. Approximately 17 million people are at risk of As poisoning, with more than two orders of magnitude higher potential lifetime incremental cancer risk, constituting over 153 thousand potential additional cases of cancer due to As-contaminated drinking water. Out of the 90 As-contaminated blocks in the Ghaghara basin, 4 blocks have about 7-fold higher potential risk of developing cancer, 49 blocks have 8-37-fold higher risk, and 37 blocks have up to 375-fold higher risk compared to the upper limit of the USEPA acceptable range, which is 1 × 10-6-1 × 10-4. High accumulation of As has been reported in the nails, hair, and urine of local inhabitants, with higher levels observed in females than males. The toxicity of As is manifested in terms of a higher occurrence of various diseases. Reproductive endpoints, such as increased incidences of preterm birth, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, low-birth weight, and neonatal death, have also been reported in the basin. The level of As in tube wells has been found to be negatively correlated with the depth (r = -0.906), and tube wells with high levels of As (>150 μgl-1) are generally located within close proximity (<10 km) to abandoned or present meander channels in the floodplain areas of the Ghaghara river. In addition to As contamination, the water quality index (WQI) in the Ghaghara basin is poor according to the BIS standards for drinking water. Groundwater in six out of fifteen districts is unsuitable for drinking purposes, with a WQI exceeding 100. The levels of As in agricultural soil in many villages of Ballia, Bahraich, and Lakhimpur Kheri districts have exceeded the FAO limit. Water from deep tube wells has been found to be relatively safe in terms of As content, and thus can be recommended for drinking purposes. However, the use of surface water needs to be encouraged for irrigation purposes in order to preserve soil health and reduce As contamination in the food chain, thereby minimizing the risk of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Dwivedi
- Plant Ecology and Environmental Science Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow 226001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Seema Mishra
- Department of Chemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India.
| | - Vishnu Kumar
- Plant Ecology and Environmental Science Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow 226001, India
| | - Ruchi Agnihotri
- Plant Ecology and Environmental Science Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow 226001, India
| | - Pragya Sharma
- Plant Ecology and Environmental Science Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow 226001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Ravi Kumar Tiwari
- Plant Ecology and Environmental Science Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow 226001, India
| | - Apoorv Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, India
| | - Ajay Pratap Singh
- Centre of Advanced Study in Geology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, UP, India
| | - Sarvesh Kumar
- Plant Ecology and Environmental Science Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow 226001, India
| | - Geetgovind Sinam
- Plant Ecology and Environmental Science Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow 226001, India
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2
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Raff JL, Goodbred SL, Pickering JL, Sincavage RS, Ayers JC, Hossain MS, Wilson CA, Paola C, Steckler MS, Mondal DR, Grimaud JL, Grall CJ, Rogers KG, Ahmed KM, Akhter SH, Carlson BN, Chamberlain EL, Dejter M, Gilligan JM, Hale RP, Khan MR, Muktadir MG, Rahman MM, Williams LA. Sediment delivery to sustain the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta under climate change and anthropogenic impacts. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2429. [PMID: 37105978 PMCID: PMC10140268 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38057-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The principal nature-based solution for offsetting relative sea-level rise in the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta is the unabated delivery, dispersal, and deposition of the rivers' ~1 billion-tonne annual sediment load. Recent hydrological transport modeling suggests that strengthening monsoon precipitation in the 21st century could increase this sediment delivery 34-60%; yet other studies demonstrate that sediment could decline 15-80% if planned dams and river diversions are fully implemented. We validate these modeled ranges by developing a comprehensive field-based sediment budget that quantifies the supply of Ganges-Brahmaputra river sediment under varying Holocene climate conditions. Our data reveal natural responses in sediment supply comparable to previously modeled results and suggest that increased sediment delivery may be capable of offsetting accelerated sea-level rise. This prospect for a naturally sustained Ganges-Brahmaputra delta presents possibilities beyond the dystopian future often posed for this system, but the implementation of currently proposed dams and diversions would preclude such opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Raff
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Steven L Goodbred
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Pickering
- Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - John C Ayers
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Md Saddam Hossain
- Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Carol A Wilson
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Chris Paola
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, St Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Michael S Steckler
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, NY, USA
| | - Dhiman R Mondal
- Haystack Observatory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Westford, MA, USA
| | - Jean-Louis Grimaud
- Centre de Géosciences, PSL University/ MINES Paris, Fontainebleau, France
| | - Celine Jo Grall
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, NY, USA
- CNRS - Littoral Environnement et Sociétés, La Rochelle University, La Rochelle, France
| | - Kimberly G Rogers
- Institute for Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | | | - Brandee N Carlson
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Meagan Dejter
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jonathan M Gilligan
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Richard P Hale
- Department of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Mahfuzur R Khan
- Department of Geology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Golam Muktadir
- Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Munsur Rahman
- Institute of Water and Flood Management, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Lauren A Williams
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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3
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Zhao W, Zhang Z, Yang H, Zhou X, Wang J, Li C. Harmless Treatment of High Arsenic Tin Tailings and Environmental Durability Assessment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11247. [PMID: 36141516 PMCID: PMC9517127 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of arsenic (As) in tin tailings (TT) has been an urgent environmental problem, and stabilization/solidification (S/S) treatment is considered an effective technology to eliminate contamination of As. In this study, we developed a low-carbon and low-alkalinity material to S/S of As, and the results showed that the leaching concentration of As after treatment was lower than the Chinese soil environmental quality standard (0.1 mg/L). Based on a series of characterization tests, we found that OH- promoted the dissolution of As(III)-S, Fe-As(V), and amorphous As(III)-O species and formed Ca-As(III) and Ca-(V) species with Ca2+. Simultaneously, hydration produces calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel and ettringite by the form of adsorption and ion exchange to achieve S/S of As. We also assessed the durability of this material to acidity and temperature, and showed that the leaching concentration of As was below 0.1 mg/L at pH = 1-5 and temperature 20-60 °C. The method proposed in this study, S/S of As, has excellent effect and environmental durability, providing a new solution for harmless treatment of TT and its practical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zhao
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China
| | - Zhengfu Zhang
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China
| | - Xian Zhou
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China
- Kunming Metallurgical Research Institute Co., Ltd., Kunming 650031, China
| | - Jinsong Wang
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China
| | - Chengping Li
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China
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Nath B, Chowdhury R, Ni‐Meister W, Mahanta C. Predicting the Distribution of Arsenic in Groundwater by a Geospatial Machine Learning Technique in the Two Most Affected Districts of Assam, India: The Public Health Implications. GEOHEALTH 2022; 6:e2021GH000585. [PMID: 35340282 PMCID: PMC8934026 DOI: 10.1029/2021gh000585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) is a well-known carcinogen and chemical contaminant in groundwater. The spatial heterogeneity in As distribution in groundwater makes it difficult to predict the location of safe areas for tube well installations, consumption, and agriculture. Geospatial machine learning techniques have been used to predict the location of safe and unsafe areas of groundwater As. We used a similar machine learning technique and developed a habitation-level (spatial resolution 250 m) predictive model to determine the risk and extent of As >10 μg/L in groundwater in the two most affected districts of Assam, India, with an aim to advise policymakers on targeted interventions. A random forest model was employed in Python environments to predict the probabilities of As at concentrations >10 μg/L using intrinsic and extrinsic predictor variables, which were selected for their inherent relationship with As occurrence in groundwater. The relationships between predictor variables and proportions of As occurrences >10 μg/L follow the well-documented processes leading to As release in groundwater. We identified potential As hotspots based on a probability of ≥0.7 for As >10 μg/L, including regions not previously surveyed and extending beyond previously known As hotspots. Of the total land area (6,500 km2), 25% was identified as a high-risk zone, with an estimated 155,000 people potentially consuming As through drinking water or cooking food. The ternary hazard probability map (showing high, moderate, and low risk for As >10 μg/L) could inform policymakers on establishing newer drinking water treatment plants and providing safe drinking water connections to rural households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibhash Nath
- Department of Geography and Environmental ScienceHunter College of City University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Runti Chowdhury
- Department of Geological SciencesGauhati UniversityGuwahatiIndia
| | - Wenge Ni‐Meister
- Department of Geography and Environmental ScienceHunter College of City University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Chandan Mahanta
- Department of Civil EngineeringIndian Institute of Technology GuwahatiGuwahatiIndia
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5
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Kumar M, Patel AK, Singh A. Anthropogenic dominance on geogenic arsenic problem of the groundwater in the Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplain: A paradox of origin and mobilization. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 807:151461. [PMID: 34748831 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplains constitute a complex system that is vulnerable to arsenic recycling owing to its geomorphic sensitivity, aquifer profiles, high meandering scars and extreme sediment deposition, along with extreme monsoonal disturbances; and are subjected to significant alterations in arsenic recycling. We have put an effort to delineate the similarities and dissimilarities pertaining to the arsenic prevalence, origin and mobilization in the two hotspots, namely the Mid-Gangetic Floodplains (MGFP) and the Brahmaputra Floodplains (BFP). Pertaining to this, we collected 384 representative water samples for hydrogeochemical investigations, multivariate analyses, and saturation status based predictive modelling, with BFP having a maximum concentration of arsenic (As) reaching to almost 97.9 μgL-1 and MGFP having a maximum concentration of 50.1 μgL-1. Seasonality impelled changes and conforming riverine recharges are leading major ionic differentiations in both the floodplains across seasons. Meandering and aquifer dynamics control As prevalence in the MGFP and BFP, respectively. Non-interdependent HCO3- recharge mediated As-recycling was found in the BFP. Carbonate weathering is dominant in the MGFP, while both carbonate and silicate weathering take precedence in the BFP. Multivariate analysis hints at fertilizer influence on As mobilization in the MGFP. Reductive hydrolysis of Fe-OOH mediated As-release is more prominent in the BFP. Seasonal arsenic fluctuations are going to have more climatic dependency in near future owing to the increasing erratic rains, pumping and recharge events. Erratic precipitation will provoke immediate response in both floodplains in terms of As mobilization which urgently needs attention to counter increasing arsenic vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India.
| | - Arbind Kumar Patel
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ashwin Singh
- Discipline of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India
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6
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Groundwater quality of arsenic contaminated aquifers in the Munshiganj district, Bangladesh using water quality index. HYDRORESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hydres.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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7
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Neidhardt H, Rudischer S, Eiche E, Schneider M, Stopelli E, Duyen VT, Trang PTK, Viet PH, Neumann T, Berg M. Phosphate immobilisation dynamics and interaction with arsenic sorption at redox transition zones in floodplain aquifers: Insights from the Red River Delta, Vietnam. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 411:125128. [PMID: 33485236 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Although phosphate (PO43-) may play a decisive role in enriching toxic arsenic (As) in the groundwater of many Asian deltas, knowledge gaps exist regarding its interactions with As. This study investigates the simultaneous immobilisation of PO43- and As in aquifer sediments at a redox transition zone in the Red River Delta of Vietnam. The majority of PO43- and As was found to be structurally bound in layers of Fe(III)-(oxyhydr)oxide precipitates, indicating that their formation represents a dominant immobilisation mechanism. This immobilisation was also closely linked to sorption. In the surface sorbed sediment pools, the molar ratios of total P to As were one order of magnitude higher than found in groundwater, reflecting a preferential sorption of PO43- over As. However, this competitive sorption was largely dependent on the presence of Fe(III)-(oxyhydr)oxides. Ongoing contact of the aquifer sediments with iron-reducing groundwater resulted in the reductive dissolution of weakly crystalline Fe(III)-(oxyhydr)oxides, which was accompanied by decreased competition for sorption sites between PO43- and As. Our results emphasise that, to be successful in the medium and long term, remediation approaches and management strategies need to consider competitive sorption between PO43- and As and dynamics of the biogeochemical Fe-cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Neidhardt
- Geoecology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72070 Tübingen, Germany.
| | | | - Elisabeth Eiche
- Institute of Applied Geosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Magnus Schneider
- Institute of Applied Geosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Emiliano Stopelli
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Vu T Duyen
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Technology for Environmental Quality and Food Safety Control (KLATEFOS), VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Pham T K Trang
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Technology for Environmental Quality and Food Safety Control (KLATEFOS), VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Pham H Viet
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Technology for Environmental Quality and Food Safety Control (KLATEFOS), VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thomas Neumann
- Applied Geochemistry, Technical University of Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Berg
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
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Mukherjee A, Sarkar S, Chakraborty M, Duttagupta S, Bhattacharya A, Saha D, Bhattacharya P, Mitra A, Gupta S. Occurrence, predictors and hazards of elevated groundwater arsenic across India through field observations and regional-scale AI-based modeling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 759:143511. [PMID: 33250253 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Existence of wide spread elevated concentrations of groundwater arsenic (As) across South Asia, including India, has endangered a huge groundwater-based drinking water dependent population. Here, using high-spatial resolution As field-observations (~3 million groundwater sources) across India, we have delineated the regional-scale occurrence of elevated groundwater As (≥10 μg/L), along with the possible geologic-geomorphologic-hydrologic and human-sourced predictors that influence the spatial distribution of the contaminant. Using statistical and machine learning method, we also modeled the groundwater As concentrations probability at 1 Km resolution, along with probabilistic delineation of high As-hazard zones across India. The observed occurrence of groundwater As was found to be most strongly influenced by geology-tectonics, groundwater-fed irrigated area (%) and elevation. Pervasive As contamination is observed in major parts of the Himalayan mega-river Indus-Ganges-Brahmaputra basins, however it also occurs in several more-localized pockets, mostly related to ancient tectonic zones, igneous provinces, aquifers in modern delta and chalcophile mineralized regions. The model results suggest As-hazard potential in yet-undetected areas. Our model performed well in predicting groundwater arsenic, with accuracy: 82% and 84%; area under the curve (AUC): 0.89 and 0.88 for test data and validation datasets. An estimated ~90 million people across India are found to be exposed to high groundwater As from field-observed data, with the five states with highest hazard are West Bengal (28 million), Bihar (21 million), Uttar Pradesh (15 million), Assam (8.6 million) and Punjab (6 million). However it can be much more if the modeled hazard is considered (>250 million). Thus, our study provides a detailed, quantitative assessment of high groundwater As across India, with delineation of possible intrinsic influences and exogenous forcings. The predictive model is helpful in predicting As-hazard zones in the areas with limited measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Mukherjee
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India.
| | - Soumyajit Sarkar
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Madhumita Chakraborty
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Srimanti Duttagupta
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Animesh Bhattacharya
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Dipankar Saha
- School of Water Resources, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Prosun Bhattacharya
- KTH-International Groundwater Arsenic Research Group, Department of Sustainable Development, Environmental Science and Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Adway Mitra
- Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Saibal Gupta
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
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9
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Bibi I, Shahid M, Niazi NK, Younas F, Naqvi SR, Shaheen SM, Imran M, Wang H, Hussaini KM, Zhang H, Rinklebe J. Hydrogeochemical and health risk evaluation of arsenic in shallow and deep aquifers along the different floodplains of Punjab, Pakistan. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 402:124074. [PMID: 33254839 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The current study delineated the distribution, (hydro)geochemical behavior and health risk of arsenic (As) in shallow (depth < 35 m; handpumps and electric pumps) and deep (depth > 35 m; tube wells) aquifers in five areas along the Indus River (Bhakar, Kallur Kot), Jhelum River (Jhelum) and Chenab River (Hafizabad, Gujranwala) floodplains of Punjab, Pakistan. Relatively, greater As concentration was observed in deep wells (mean: 24.3 µg L-1) compared to shallow wells (19.4 µg L-1), with groundwater As spanning 0.1-121.7 µg L-1 (n = 133) in three floodplains. Groundwater from Hafizabad (Chenab River floodplain) possessed the highest As (121.7 µg L-1), Na+ (180 mg L-1), Ca2+ (95 mg L-1), Cl- (101 mg L-1) and SO42- (1353 mg L-1) concentrations. Arsenic health risk modeling indicated the potential carcinogenic (value > 10-4) and non-carcinogenic (hazard quotient > 1.0) risks for groundwater of all areas, with the utmost risk estimated for Chenab floodplain and deep aquifers. Positive saturation index values for Fe oxide mineral phases may suggest their potential role in As mobilization/release in these aquifer environments. This study provides critically-important and baseline knowledge for a widespread groundwater As examination along these three floodplains, which is vital for launching suitable As mitigation and remediation programs to reduce the potential health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irshad Bibi
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahid
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus, 61100, Pakistan
| | - Nabeel Khan Niazi
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba 4350, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Fazila Younas
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Salman Raza Naqvi
- School of Chemical & Materials Engineering, National University of Sciences & Technology, 44000H-12 Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sabry M Shaheen
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water, and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany; King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment, and Arid Land Agriculture, Department of Arid Land Agriculture, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; University of Kafrelsheikh, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil and Water Sciences, 33516 Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus, 61100, Pakistan
| | - Hailong Wang
- Biochar Engineering Technology Research Center of Guangdong Province, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Khalid Mahmud Hussaini
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water, and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany; Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
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10
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Huq ME, Fahad S, Shao Z, Sarven MS, Khan IA, Alam M, Saeed M, Ullah H, Adnan M, Saud S, Cheng Q, Ali S, Wahid F, Zamin M, Raza MA, Saeed B, Riaz M, Khan WU. Arsenic in a groundwater environment in Bangladesh: Occurrence and mobilization. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 262:110318. [PMID: 32250801 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater with an excessive level of Arsenic (As) is a threat to human health. In Bangladesh, out of 64 districts, the groundwater of 50 and 59 districts contains As exceeding the Bangladesh (50 μg/L) and WHO (10 μg/L) standards for potable water. This review focuses on the occurrence, origin, plausible sources, and mobilization mechanisms of As in the groundwater of Bangladesh to better understand its environmental as well as public health consequences. High As concentrations mainly was mainly occur from the natural origin of the Himalayan orogenic tract. Consequently, sedimentary processes transport the As-loaded sediments from the orogenic tract to the marginal foreland of Bangladesh, and under the favorable biogeochemical circumstances, As is discharged from the sediment to the groundwater. Rock weathering, regular floods, volcanic movement, deposition of hydrochemical ore, and leaching of geological formations in the Himalayan range cause As occurrence in the groundwater of Bangladesh. Redox and desorption processes along with microbe-related reduction are the key geochemical processes for As enrichment. Under reducing conditions, both reductive dissolution of Fe-oxides and desorption of As are the root causes of As mobilization. A medium alkaline and reductive environment, resulting from biochemical reactions, is the major factor mobilizing As in groundwater. An elevated pH value along with decoupling of As and HCO3- plays a vital role in mobilizing As. The As mobilization process is related to the reductive solution of metal oxides as well as hydroxides that exists in sporadic sediments in Bangladesh. Other mechanisms, such as pyrite oxidation, redox cycling, and competitive ion exchange processes, are also postulated as probable mechanisms of As mobilization. The reductive dissolution of MnOOH adds dissolved As and redox-sensitive components such as SO42- and oxidized pyrite, which act as the major mechanisms to mobilize As. The reductive suspension of Mn(IV)-oxyhydroxides has also accelerated the As mobilization process in the groundwater of Bangladesh. Infiltration from the irrigation return flow and surface-wash water are also potential factors to remobilize As. Over-exploitation of groundwater and the competitive ion exchange process are also responsible for releasing As into the aquifers of Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Enamul Huq
- State Key Laboratory of Information Engineering in Surveying, Mapping and Remote Sensing, Wuhan University, 129 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Shah Fahad
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Street-1, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China; Department of Agriculture, University of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
| | - Zhenfeng Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Information Engineering in Surveying, Mapping and Remote Sensing, Wuhan University, 129 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430079, China.
| | - Most Sinthia Sarven
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Street-1, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Imtiaz Ali Khan
- Department of Agriculture, University of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Mukhtar Alam
- Department of Agriculture, University of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saeed
- Department of Agriculture, University of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Hidayat Ullah
- Department of Agriculture, University of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muahmmad Adnan
- Department of Agriculture, University of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Shah Saud
- Department of Horticulture, Northeast Agriculture University, Harbin, China
| | - Qimin Cheng
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology, School of Electronics Information and Communications, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Shaukat Ali
- Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC), Ministry of Climate Change, Pakistan; Environmental Monitoring and Science Division, Alberta Environment and Parks, Canada
| | - Fazli Wahid
- Department of Agriculture, University of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zamin
- Department of Agriculture, University of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Mian Ahmad Raza
- Department of Agriculture, University of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Beena Saeed
- Department of Agriculture, University of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Riaz
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Government College University Faisalabad, Allama Iqbal Road, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Wasif Ullah Khan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
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Abstract
The Bangladesh lowlands are traversed by the largest sediment flux on the planet. Detritus generated mostly in Himalayan highlands and conveyed through the Ganga–Brahmaputra rivers and Meghna estuary reaches the Bay of Bengal, where it forms a composite deltaic system. This study integrates the vast existing database on Ganga–Brahmaputra sediments of all grain sizes from clay to sand with new petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical data on estuarine and shallow-marine sands. A large spectrum of compositional signatures was used to: (i) assess the relative supply of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers to estuarine and shelfal sediments; (ii) define the compositional variability of estuarine sediments and the impact exerted by hydraulic sorting and climate-related chemical weathering on provenance signals; (iii) define the compositional variability of shelf sediments and the potential hydrodynamic segregation of fast-settling heavy minerals in coastal environments and of slow-settling platy micas on low-energy outer-shelf floors; (iv) consider the potential additional mud supply from the western subaerial part of the delta formerly built by the Ganga River; and (v) draw a preliminary mineralogical comparison between fluvio-deltaic sediments and turbidites of the Bengal–Nicobar deep-sea fan, thus tracing sediment dispersal across the huge sedimentary system extending from Tibet to the equatorial Indian Ocean. All investigated mineralogical and geochemical parameters, as well as Sr and Nd isotope ratios and clay–mineral assemblages, showed a clear prevalence in sediment supply from the Brahmaputra (60–70%) over the Ganga (30–40%). Heavy-mineral suites and Sr and Nd isotope fingerprints of Bengal shelf sediments are nearly identical to those of the Brahmaputra River and Meghna estuary, also because the Brahmaputra carries almost twice as many Ca-plagioclase grains and heavy minerals including epidote than the Ganga, and these minerals control the large majority of the Sr and Nd budgets. The experience gained in modern settings can be directly extrapolated only to the recent past, because sediments older than the late Pleistocene and buried more than a few hundred meters begin to lose less durable ferromagnesian minerals by selective chemical dissolution, which makes quantitative estimates progressively less robust in more deeply buried older strata.
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Bindal S, Singh CK. Predicting groundwater arsenic contamination: Regions at risk in highest populated state of India. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 159:65-76. [PMID: 31078753 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) contamination of groundwater is a public health concern, impacting the lives of approximately 100 million people in India. Chronic exposure to As significantly increases mortality due to the occurrence of several types of cancer, respiratory and cardiac diseases. Uttar Pradesh is a part of the middle Indo-Gangetic plains and has been found to be severely affected by As contamination of groundwater, as established by several small-scale studies. The current study incorporates a hybrid method based on a random forest ensemble algorithm and univariate feature selection using 1473 data points for predicting As in the region. Twenty direct/proxy predictor variables were considered to describe the geochemical environment, aquifer conditions and topography that are responsible for As enrichment in groundwater. The map of As predicted through the hybrid random forest ensemble model shows an overall accuracy of 84.67%. The hybrid random forest model performs better than the univariate, logistic, fuzzy, adaptive fuzzy and adaptive neuro fuzzy inference systems, which have been widely used for As prediction. The projected number of rural populations at risk due to high As exposure is 12% of the total population of the region, which accounts for 23.48 million people who are at risk. The predictive map provides insight for the regions where future testing campaigns and interventions for mitigation should be prioritized by policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Bindal
- Analytical and Geochemistry Laboratory, Dept. of Energy and Environment, TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi, India
| | - Chander Kumar Singh
- Analytical and Geochemistry Laboratory, Dept. of Energy and Environment, TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi, India.
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Huq ME, Su C, Fahad S, Li J, Sarven MS, Liu R. Distribution and hydrogeochemical behavior of arsenic enriched groundwater in the sedimentary aquifer comparison between Datong Basin (China) and Kushtia District (Bangladesh). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:15830-15843. [PMID: 29582329 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1756-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A prompt growth in research on arsenic occurrence and behavior in the environment has occurred over the last decade or so. High arsenic (As) in groundwater has become a major global concern due to its widespread occurrence. A comparative hydrogeochemical study was performed on the occurrence of high As groundwater in Datong Basin, China, and Kushtia District, Bangladesh. A total of 132 groundwater samples (83 from Datong Basin and 49 from Kushtia District) were collected to analyze the major hydrogeochemical components and trace elements in groundwater of both areas. Factor analysis (FA) was applied on the hydrochemical data to identify the major hydrogeochemical processes in sedimentary aquifers. High As groundwater was observed in the low-lying central parts of Datong Basin, which are composed of the Holocene alluvial and lacustrine aquifers. The elevated As concentrations ranged from 0.31 to 452 μg/L and distributed in depths between 20 and 45 m. As-enriched groundwater is mainly Na-HCO3 type water and characterized by higher pH value, high Na+, low Ca2+, SO42-, and NO3- along with moderate TDS. The alkaline and reducing subsurface environment facilitate the leaching of As in sedimentary aquifers. The release and distribution of As in aquifers are resulted from the reduction of As-carrying crystalline iron (Fe) oxide/hydroxides and oxidation of organic matter. The aquifers of Kushtia District, Bangladesh, are unconsolidated, alluvial in nature, and developed from Holocene floodplain and Pleistocene deposits. High As (6.04-590.7 μg/L) groundwater occurs mainly in shallow aquifers. The Ca-HCO3 type groundwater is distinguished by circum-neutral pH, medium-high EC, high HCO3-, and low content of NO3-, SO42-, K+, and Cl-. The reductive suspension of MnOOH increases the dissolved As loads and redox responsive elements such as SO42- and pyrite oxidation act as the main mechanisms for As release in groundwater. As is mobilized by anaerobic leakage from the brown-clay and gray-sand into the sediment. Infiltration from irrigation return and surface wash water are the potential factors that remobilize As. The weak loading of Fe suggests that the release of Fe and As is decoupled in sedimentary aquifers of Kushtia District.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Enamul Huq
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Lumo Road 388, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Chunli Su
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Lumo Road 388, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China.
| | - Shah Fahad
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Street-1, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
- Department of Agriculture, The University of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Junxia Li
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Lumo Road 388, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Most Sinthia Sarven
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Street-1, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Rui Liu
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Lumo Road 388, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
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Farooqi A, Sultana J, Masood N. Arsenic and fluoride co-contamination in shallow aquifers from agricultural suburbs and an industrial area of Punjab, Pakistan: Spatial trends, sources and human health implications. Toxicol Ind Health 2017. [PMID: 28635416 DOI: 10.1177/0748233717706802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Release of arsenic (As) and fluoride (F-) species into groundwater is a serious health concern around the world. The present study was the first systematic baseline study conducted in Rahim Yar Khan district, Punjab, focusing on As and F- contamination in groundwater. A total of 51 representative groundwater samples comprising of 44 samples from agricultural suburbs and 7 from an industrial base were analysed. Statistical parameters, principal component analysis-multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR) and health risk assessment model were used to investigate the hydro geochemistry, spatial patterns, interrelation, source contribution and associated health risks of high As and F- in groundwater of the study area. Results showed high risk of F- exposure to people of the study area, with all samples exceeding the WHO standard of 1.5 mg/L, and for As, 32.5% of the studied groundwater samples exceeded the WHO standard (10 µg/L). The maximum As (107.23 µg/L) and F- (26.4 mg/L) levels were observed in samples close to the agricultural and smelting areas, implicating the frequent use of fertilizers and influence of industrial effluents in the study area. The PCA-MLR receptor model quantitatively illustrates that the majority of As and F- comes from natural sources, while, among anthropogenic sources, industrial and agricultural activities contributed the most. Health risk assessment revealed a high risk of As and F- contamination to the exposed population; therefore, detailed control strategies and policies are required in order to mitigate the health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
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- 1 Environmental Geochemistry Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Abida Farooqi
- 1 Environmental Geochemistry Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jawairia Sultana
- 2 State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Centre for Eco environmental Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huairou, Beijing, China
| | - Noshin Masood
- 1 Environmental Geochemistry Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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15
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Yang HJ, Lee CY, Chiang YJ, Jean JS, Shau YH, Takazawa E, Jiang WT. Distribution and hosts of arsenic in a sediment core from the Chianan Plain in SW Taiwan: Implications on arsenic primary source and release mechanisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 569-570:212-222. [PMID: 27343940 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.06.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
High arsenic abundance of 50-700μg/L in the groundwater from the Chianan Plain in southwestern Taiwan is a well-known environmental hazard. The groundwater-associated sediments, however, have not been geochemically characterized, thus hindering a comprehensive understanding of arsenic cycling in this region. In this study, samples collected from a 250m sediment core at the centre of the Chianan Plain were analyzed for arsenic and TOC concentrations (N=158), constituent minerals (N=25), major element abundances (N=105), and sequential arsenic extraction (N=23). The arsenic data show a prevalence of >10mg/kg with higher concentrations of 20-50mg/kg concentrated at 60-80 and 195-210m. Arsenic was extracted mainly as an adsorbate on clay minerals, as a co-precipitate in amorphous iron oxyhydroxide, and as a structural component in clay minerals. Since the sediments consist mainly of quartz, chlorite, and illite, the correlations between arsenic concentration and abundances of K2O and MgO pinpoint illite and chlorite as the major arsenic hosts. The arsenic-total iron correlation reflects the role of chlorite along with the contribution from amorphous iron oxyhydroxide as indicated by arsenic extraction data. Organic matter is not the dominant arsenic host for low TOC content, low arsenic abundance extracted from it, and a relatively low R(2) of the arsenic-TOC correlation. The major constituent minerals in the sediments are the same as those of the upriver metapelites, establishing a sink-source relationship. Composition data from two deep groundwater samples near the sediment core show Eh values and As(V)/As(III) ratios of reducing environments and high arsenic, K, Mg, and Fe contents necessary for deriving arsenic from sediments by desorption from clay and dissolution of iron oxyhydroxide. Therefore, groundwater arsenic was mainly derived from groundwater-associated sediments with limited contributions from other sources, such as mud volcanoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huai-Jen Yang
- Department of Earth Sciences, National Cheng-Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Chi-Yu Lee
- Department of Geosciences, National Taiwan University, 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Ju Chiang
- Department of Earth Sciences, National Cheng-Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jiin-Shuh Jean
- Department of Earth Sciences, National Cheng-Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yen-Hong Shau
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Eiichi Takazawa
- Department of Geology, Niigata University, 8050, Ikarashi 2-no-cho, Nishi-ku, Niigata 950-2181, Japan
| | - Wei-Teh Jiang
- Department of Earth Sciences, National Cheng-Kung University, 1, University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, ROC
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16
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Matiatos I. Nitrate source identification in groundwater of multiple land-use areas by combining isotopes and multivariate statistical analysis: A case study of Asopos basin (Central Greece). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 541:802-814. [PMID: 26437351 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.09.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate (NO3) is one of the most common contaminants in aquatic environments and groundwater. Nitrate concentrations and environmental isotope data (δ(15)N-NO3 and δ(18)O-NO3) from groundwater of Asopos basin, which has different land-use types, i.e., a large number of industries (e.g., textile, metal processing, food, fertilizers, paint), urban and agricultural areas and livestock breeding facilities, were analyzed to identify the nitrate sources of water contamination and N-biogeochemical transformations. A Bayesian isotope mixing model (SIAR) and multivariate statistical analysis of hydrochemical data were used to estimate the proportional contribution of different NO3 sources and to identify the dominant factors controlling the nitrate content of the groundwater in the region. The comparison of SIAR and Principal Component Analysis showed that wastes originating from urban and industrial zones of the basin are mainly responsible for nitrate contamination of groundwater in these areas. Agricultural fertilizers and manure likely contribute to groundwater contamination away from urban fabric and industrial land-use areas. Soil contribution to nitrate contamination due to organic matter is higher in the south-western part of the area far from the industries and the urban settlements. The present study aims to highlight the use of environmental isotopes combined with multivariate statistical analysis in locating sources of nitrate contamination in groundwater leading to a more effective planning of environmental measures and remediation strategies in river basins and water bodies as defined by the European Water Frame Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Matiatos
- Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece.
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17
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Thi Hoa Mai N, Postma D, Thi Kim Trang P, Jessen S, Hung Viet P, Larsen F. Adsorption and desorption of arsenic to aquifer sediment on the Red River floodplain at Nam Du, Vietnam. GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA 2014; 142:587-600. [PMID: 27867209 PMCID: PMC5113758 DOI: 10.1016/j.gca.2014.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The adsorption of arsenic onto aquifer sediment from the Red River floodplain, Vietnam, was determined in a series of batch experiments. Due to water supply pumping, river water infiltrates into the aquifer at the field site and has leached the uppermost aquifer sediments. The leached sediments, remain anoxic but contain little reactive arsenic and iron, and are used in our experiments. The adsorption and desorption experiments were carried out by addition or removal of arsenic from the aqueous phase in sediment suspensions under strictly anoxic conditions. Also the effects of HCO3, Fe(II), PO4 and Si on arsenic adsorption were explored. The results show much stronger adsorption of As(V) as compared to As(III), full reversibility for As(III) adsorption and less so for As(V). The presence or absence of HCO3 did not influence arsenic adsorption. Fe(II) enhanced As(V) sorption but did not influence the adsorption of As(III) in any way. During simultaneous adsorption of As(III) and Fe(II), As(III) was found to be fully desorbable while Fe(II) was completely irreversibly adsorbed and clearly the two sorption processes are uncoupled. Phosphate was the only solute that significantly could displace As(III) from the sediment surface. Compiling literature data on arsenic adsorption to aquifer sediment in Vietnam and Bangladesh revealed As(III) isotherms to be almost identical regardless of the nature of the sediment or the site of sampling. In contrast, there was a large variation in As(V) adsorption isotherms between studies. A tentative conclusion is that As(III) and As(V) are not adsorbing onto the same sediment surface sites. The adsorption behavior of arsenic onto aquifer sediments and synthetic Fe-oxides is compared. Particularly, the much stronger adsorption of As(V) than of As(III) onto Red River as well as on most Bangladesh aquifer sediments, indicates that the perception that arsenic, phosphate and other species compete for the same surface sites of iron oxides in sediments with properties similar to those of, for example a synthetic goethite, probably is not correct. A simple two-component Langmuir adsorption model was constructed to quantitatively describe the reactive transport of As(III) and PO4 in the aquifer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai
- Research Centre for Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development (CETASD), Hanoi University of Science (VNU), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dieke Postma
- Dept. of Geochemistry, Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, DK-1350 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Corresponding author:
| | - Pham Thi Kim Trang
- Research Centre for Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development (CETASD), Hanoi University of Science (VNU), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Søren Jessen
- Dept. of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, DK-1350 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pham Hung Viet
- Research Centre for Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development (CETASD), Hanoi University of Science (VNU), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Flemming Larsen
- Dept. of Geochemistry, Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, DK-1350 Copenhagen, Denmark
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18
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Yang N, Winkel LHE, Johannesson KH. Predicting geogenic arsenic contamination in shallow groundwater of south Louisiana, United States. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:5660-6. [PMID: 24779344 DOI: 10.1021/es405670g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater contaminated with arsenic (As) threatens the health of more than 140 million people worldwide. Previous studies indicate that geology and sedimentary depositional environments are important factors controlling groundwater As contamination. The Mississippi River delta has broadly similar geology and sedimentary depositional environments to the large deltas in South and Southeast Asia, which are severely affected by geogenic As contamination and therefore may also be vulnerable to groundwater As contamination. In this study, logistic regression is used to develop a probability model based on surface hydrology, soil properties, geology, and sedimentary depositional environments. The model is calibrated using 3286 aggregated and binary-coded groundwater As concentration measurements from Bangladesh and verified using 78 As measurements from south Louisiana. The model's predictions are in good agreement with the known spatial distribution of groundwater As contamination of Bangladesh, and the predictions also indicate high risk of As contamination in shallow groundwater from Holocene sediments of south Louisiana. Furthermore, the model correctly predicted 79% of the existing shallow groundwater As measurements in the study region, indicating good performance of the model in predicting groundwater As contamination in shallow aquifers of south Louisiana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningfang Yang
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Tulane University , 101 Blessey Hall, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118, United States
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19
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Halim MA, Majumder RK, Rasul G, Hirosiro Y, Sasaki K, Shimada J, Jinno K. Geochemical Evaluation of Arsenic and Manganese in Shallow Groundwater and Core Sediment in Singair Upazila, Central Bangladesh. ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s13369-014-1111-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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20
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Matiatos I, Alexopoulos A, Godelitsas A. Multivariate statistical analysis of the hydrogeochemical and isotopic composition of the groundwater resources in northeastern Peloponnesus (Greece). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 476-477:577-590. [PMID: 24496031 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Revised: 01/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The present study involves an integration of the hydrogeological, hydrochemical and isotopic (both stable and radiogenic) data of the groundwater samples taken from aquifers occurring in the region of northeastern Peloponnesus. Special emphasis has been given to health-related ions and isotopes in relation to the WHO and USEPA guidelines, to highlight the concentrations of compounds (e.g., As and Ba) exceeding the drinking water thresholds. Multivariate statistical analyses, i.e. two principal component analyses (PCA) and one discriminant analysis (DA), combined with conventional hydrochemical methodologies, were applied, with the aim to interpret the spatial variations in the groundwater quality and to identify the main hydrogeochemical factors and human activities responsible for the high ion concentrations and isotopic content in the groundwater analysed. The first PCA resulted in a three component model, which explained approximately 82% of the total variance of the data sets and enabled the identification of the hydrogeological processes responsible for the isotopic content i.e., δ(18)Ο, tritium and (222)Rn. The second PCA, involving the trace element presence in the water samples, revealed a four component model, which explained approximately 89% of the total variance of the data sets, giving more insight into the geochemical and anthropogenic controls on the groundwater composition (e.g., water-rock interaction, hydrothermal activity and agricultural activities). Using discriminant analysis, a four parameter (δ(18)O, (Ca+Mg)/(HCO3+SO4), EC and Cl) discriminant function concerning the (222)Rn content was derived, which favoured a classification of the samples according to the concentration of (222)Rn as (222)Rn-safe (<11 Bq·L(-1)) and (222)Rn-contaminated (>11 Bq·L(-1)). The selection of radon builds on the fact that this radiogenic isotope has been generally related to increased health risk when consumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Matiatos
- Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, University of Athens, Athens 15784, Greece
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21
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Ujević Bošnjak M, Capak K, Jazbec A, Casiot C, Sipos L, Poljak V, Dadić Z. Hydrochemical characterization of arsenic contaminated alluvial aquifers in Eastern Croatia using multivariate statistical techniques and arsenic risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 420:100-110. [PMID: 22326140 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2011] [Revised: 01/03/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Multivariate statistical analyses, cluster, factor and discriminant analyses, were used to estimate spatial variations in groundwater chemistry in Eastern Croatia and to identify the main geochemical processes responsible for high arsenic (As) concentrations in the groundwater analyzed. Cluster analysis revealed five different groups of sampling sites linked with groundwater evolution, hydrochemical characteristics and different As content in the groundwater. Two-model factor analysis explained around 50% of total variance of the data sets and enabled identification of the different geochemical processes responsible for higher As concentrations, i.e. decoupled Fe and As reduction and desorption. Using discriminant analysis, a three-parameter discriminant function was derived: electrical conductivity, nitrate and bromide, which yielded highly accurate classification of the samples according to the concentration of As as As-safe (<10μg/L) and As contaminated (>10μg/L). A health risk assessment model was applied to calculate cumulative exposure to As as well as toxic and carcinogenic risks resulting from drinking raw groundwater contaminated by As in Eastern Croatia. Although the results obtained indicate that adverse health effects could be observed among the residents of the villages in which raw groundwater with higher As concentrations has been used, there are no reported cases of arsenicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ujević Bošnjak
- Croatian National Institute of Public Health, Rockefellerova 7, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Arsenic Contamination in Groundwater of Bangladesh: Perspectives on Geochemical, Microbial and Anthropogenic Issues. WATER 2011. [DOI: 10.3390/w3041050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Reza AHMS, Jean JS, Lee MK, Liu CC, Bundschuh J, Yang HJ, Lee JF, Lee YC. Implications of organic matter on arsenic mobilization into groundwater: evidence from northwestern (Chapai-Nawabganj), central (Manikganj) and southeastern (Chandpur) Bangladesh. WATER RESEARCH 2010; 44:5556-5574. [PMID: 20875661 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2010.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2010] [Revised: 09/03/2010] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Boreholes (50 m depth) and piezometers (50 m depth) were drilled and installed for collecting As-rich sediments and groundwater in the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna flood plains for geochemical analyses. Forty-one groundwater samples were collected from the three areas for the analyses of cations (Ca(2+), Mg(2+), K(+), Na(+)), anions (Cl(-), NO(3)(-), SO(4)(2-)), total organic carbon (TOC), and trace elements (As, Mn, Fe, Sr, Se, Ni, Co, Cu, Mo, Sb, Pb). X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were performed to characterize the major mineral and chemical contents of aquifer sediments. In all three study areas, results of XRF analysis clearly show that fine-grained sediments contain higher amounts of trace element because of their high surface area for adsorption. Relative fluorescent intensity of humic substances in groundwater samples ranges from 30 to 102 (mean 58 ± 20, n = 20), 54-195 (mean 105 ± 48, n = 10), and 27-243 (mean 79 ± 71, n = 11) in the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna flood plains, respectively. Arsenic concentration in groundwater (20-50 m of depth) ranges from 3 to 315 μg/L (mean 62.4 ± 93.1 μg/L, n = 20), 16.4-73.7 μg/L (mean 28.5 ± 22.4 μg/L, n = 10) and 4.6-215.4 μg/L (mean 30.7 ± 62.1 μg/L, n = 11) in the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna flood plains, respectively. Specific ultra violet adsorption (SUVA) values (less than 3 m(-1) mg(-1) L) indicate that the groundwater in the Ganges flood plain has relatively low percentage of aromatic organic carbon compared to those in the Brahmaputra and Meghna flood plains. Arsenic content in sediments ranges from 1 to 11 mg/kg (mean 3.5 ± 2.7 mg/kg, n = 17) in the three flood plains. Total organic carbon content is 0.5-3.7 g/kg (mean 1.9 ± 1.1 g/kg) in the Ganges flood plain, 0.5-2.1 g/kg (mean: 1.1 ± 0.7 g/kg) in the Brahmaputra flood plain and 0.3-4.4 g/kg (mean 1.9 ± 1.9 g/kg) in the Meghna flood plain. Arsenic is positively correlated with TOC (R(2) = 0.50, 0.87, and 0.85) in sediments from the three areas. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis of the sediments revealed that the functional groups of humic substances in three areas include amines, phenol, alkanes, and aromatic carbon. Arsenic and Fe speciation in sediments were determined using XANES and the results imply that As(V) and Fe(III) are the dominant species in most sediments. The results also imply that As (V) and Fe (III) in most of the sediment samples of the three areas are the dominant species. X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis shows that FeOOH is the main carrier of As in the sediments of three areas. In sediments, As is well correlated with Fe and Mn. However, there is no such correlation observed between As and Fe as well as As and Mn in groundwater, implying that mobilizations of Fe, Mn, and As are decoupled or their concentrations in groundwater have been affected by other geochemical processes following reductive dissolution of Fe or Mn-hydroxides. For example, dissolved Fe and Mn levels may be affected by precipitation of Fe- and Mn-carbonate minerals such as siderite, while liberated As remains in groundwater. The groundwaters of the Brahmaputra and Meghna flood plains contain higher humic substances in relative fluorescence intensity (or fluorescence index) and lower redox potential compared to the groundwater of Ganges flood plain. This leads to the release of arsenic and iron to groundwater of these three plains in considerable amounts, but their concentrations are distributed in spatial variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H M Selim Reza
- Department of Earth Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
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Mukherjee A, Bhattacharya P, Savage K, Foster A, Bundschuh J. Distribution of geogenic arsenic in hydrologic systems: controls and challenges. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2008; 99:1-7. [PMID: 18514970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2008.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The presence of elevated concentration of arsenic (As) in natural hydrologic systems is regarded as the most formidable environmental crisis in the contemporary world. With its substantial presence in the drinking water of more than thirty countries worldwide, and with an affected population of more than 100 million, it has been termed as the largest mass poisoning in human history. In this special issue, we have tried to provide the most recent research advances on controls and challenges of this severe groundwater contaminant. The articles in this issue, originally presented in the 2006 Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, address the distribution of As in various geologic and geographic settings, the controls of redox and other geochemical parameters on its spatial and temporal variability, the influence of sedimentology and stratigraphy on its occurrence, and mechanisms controlling its mobility. The knowledge available from these studies should provide a roadmap for future research in arsenic contamination hydrology.
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