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Rajput U, Swami D, Joshi N. Geospatial analysis of toxic metal contamination in groundwater and associated health risks in the lower Himalayan industrial region. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 938:173328. [PMID: 38777062 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Once known for its clean and natural environment, the lower Himalayan region is now no exception to human-induced disturbances. Rapid industrial growth in Baddi-Barotiwala (BB) industrial region has led to degradation of groundwater resources in the area. Groundwater samples were collected from 37 locations to study the groundwater chemistry, geospatial variation of 15 toxic metals in groundwater, source apportionment, metals of concern and associated health risks in the region. The results showed rock dominated hydrogeology with decreasing order of anion and cation abundance as HCO3- > Cl- > SO42- > NO3- > Br- > F- and Ca+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ > Li+ respectively. Concentrations of Iron (BDL-3.6 mg/l), Nickel (BDL-0.023 mg/l), Barium (0.22-0.89 mg/l), Lead (0.0001-0.085 mg/l) and Zinc (0.006-21.4 mg/l) were found above the permissible limits at few locations. Principal component analysis (PCA) and coefficient of variance (CV) showed both geogenic and anthropogenic origin of metals in groundwater of the BB industrial region. A consistent concentration of Uranium was detected at all the sampling locations with an average value of 0.0039 mg/l and poor spatial variation indicating its natural presence. Overall, non-carcinogenic (N-CR) risk in the study area via oral pathway was high for adults and children (Hazard Index > 1) with geogenic Uranium as the major contributor (Hazard Quotient > 1) followed by Zinc, Lead and Cobalt. Carcinogenic (CR) risk in the region was high for adults having mean value above the threshold (1E-04) with Nickel and Chromium as the metals of major concern. Spatial variation of health risks was overlayed on village boundaries of the region to identify the potential industrial sources of the metals of major concern. The results highlight the need for immediate remediation of groundwater resources in order to achieve a harmonious coexistence between industrialization and human well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utsav Rajput
- School of Civil and Environmental engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175005, India
| | - Deepak Swami
- School of Civil and Environmental engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175005, India.
| | - Nitin Joshi
- Dept. of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jammu, 181221, India.
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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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Yan C, Wan WD, Wang RN, Lai TN, Ali W, He SS, Liu S, Li X, Nasir ZA, Coulon F. Quantitative health risk assessment of microbial hazards from water sources for community and self-supply drinking water systems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133324. [PMID: 38150760 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133324] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
In low and medium income countries (LMIC) drinking water sources (wells and boreholes) often contain a high number of pathogenic microorganisms, that can pose significant human and environmental health risks. In this study, a quantitative microbial risk assessment approach based on existing literature was conducted to evaluate and compare the quantitative health risks associated with different age groups using various drinking water supply systems. Results showed that both community-supply and self-supply modes exhibit similar levels of risk. However, the self-supply water source consistently showed higher risks compared to the community-supply one. Borehole water was found to be a more suitable option than well water, consistently showing between 5 and 8 lower health risks for E. coli and fecal coliform levels, respectively. The sensitivity analysis further showed the importance of prioritizing the reduction of E. coli concentration in well water and fecal coliform concentration in borehole water. This study offers a fresh perception on quantifying the impact of exposure concentration and age groups, shedding light on how they affect environmental health risks. These findings provide valuable insights for stakeholders involved in the management and protection of water sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Quality and Health, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, PR China; School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China.
| | - Wei-di Wan
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Rui-Ning Wang
- Jiangsu Yancheng Port Holding Group Co., LTD., Yancheng 320900, PR China
| | - Tian-Nuo Lai
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Wajid Ali
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Shan-Shan He
- Central & Southern China Municipal Engineering Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430010, PR China
| | - Sai Liu
- CITIC Treated Water into River Engineering Investment Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430200, PR China
| | - Xiang Li
- Three Gorges Base Development Co., Ltd., Yichang 443002, PR China
| | - Zaheer Ahmad Nasir
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Frederic Coulon
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
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Wang S, Chen J, Zhang S, Bai Y, Zhang X, Chen D, Tong H, Liu B, Hu J. Hydrogeochemical characterization, quality assessment, and potential nitrate health risk of shallow groundwater in Dongwen River Basin, North China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:19363-19380. [PMID: 38355859 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32426-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Assessing groundwater geochemical formation processes and pollution circumstances is significant for sustainable watershed management. In the present study, 58 shallow groundwater samples were taken from the Dongwen River Basin (DRB) to comprehensively assess the hydrochemical sources, groundwater quality status, and potential risks of NO3- to human health. Based on the Box and Whisker plot, the cation's concentration followed the order of Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+, while anions' mean levels were HCO3- > SO42- > NO3- > Cl-. The NO3- level in groundwater samples fluctuated between 4.2 and 301.3 mg/L, with 67.2% of samples beyond the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria (50 mg/L) for drinking. The Piper diagram indicated the hydrochemical type of groundwater and surface water were characterized as Ca·Mg-HCO3 type. Combining ionic ratio analysis with principal component analysis (PCA) results, agricultural activities contributed a significant effect on groundwater NO3-, with soil nitrogen input and manure/sewage inputs also potential sources. However, geogenic processes (e.g., carbonates and evaporite dissolution/precipitation) controlled other ion compositions in the study area. The groundwater samples with higher NO3- values were mainly found in river valley regions with intense anthropogenic activities. The entropy weight water quality index (EWQI) model identified that the groundwater quality rank ranged from excellent (70.7%) and good (25.9%) to medium (3.4%). However, the hazard quotient (HQ) used in the human health risk assessment (HHRA) model showed that above 91.38% of groundwater samples have a NO3- non-carcinogenic health risk for infants, 84.48% for children, 82.76% for females, and 72.41% for males. The findings of this study could provide a scientific basis for the rational development and usage of groundwater resources as well as for the preservation of the inhabitants' health in DRB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shou Wang
- College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, No.8 Focheng West Road, Nanjing, 211100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Chen
- College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, No.8 Focheng West Road, Nanjing, 211100, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Shuxuan Zhang
- College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, No.8 Focheng West Road, Nanjing, 211100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanjie Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Hydrology Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, No.8 Focheng West Road, Nanjing, 211100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dan Chen
- College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, No.8 Focheng West Road, Nanjing, 211100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao Tong
- College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, No.8 Focheng West Road, Nanjing, 211100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bingxiao Liu
- College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, No.8 Focheng West Road, Nanjing, 211100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiahong Hu
- Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology of CAS, Shijiazhuang, 050021, Hebei, China
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Chai L, Zhou Y, Dong H, Gong P, Wang X. Soil contamination and carrying capacity across the Tibetan plateau using structural equation models. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122640. [PMID: 37769704 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122640] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Soil contamination is a major environmental issue worldwide. Compared with Arctic, European Alps and Rocky Mountains, the soil contamination and soil environment carrying capacity (SECC) of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is not systematic and multidimensional. In this study, the levels, influencing factors including climate factors [(i.e., mean annual precipitation (MAP) and mean annual temperature (MAT)], socio-economic factors [(i.e., population, population density and gross domestic product (GDP)], vegetation coverage factor, soil factors [(i.e., pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total phosphorus and total nitrogen] and topographic factors [(i.e., longitude, latitude and digital elevation model (DEM)] and carrying capacity of multiple soil contaminants [persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals (HMs) and microplastics (MPs)] was systematically studied. Results show that the spatial distribution of POPs in the eastern was higher than that in the western region, and the structural equation model (SEM) demonstrate that SOC and MAT were the key factors influencing distribution. Regarding HMs, except As, moderate and heavy pollution of the remaining elements were found in the northern and eastern TP regions, and pH and MAP were the main influencing factors. The MPs showed that the distribution of the patches was influenced by GDP and MAP. Furthermore, a higher SECC in the eastern region that gradually decreased from east to west. pH is the primary factors affecting SECC, followed by normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). An increase of pH and NDVI by one unit is likely to make SECC scores decrease by 0.8 and increase by 0.32, respectively. Taken together, these studies provide a system, cost-effective, and quantitative framework for soil contamination and carrying capacity in the TP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yunqiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Huike Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Ping Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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