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Liu X, Dong Z, Wei T, Wang L, Gao W, Jiao X, Li F. Composition, distribution, and risk assessment of heavy metals in large-scale river water on the Tibetan Plateau. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135094. [PMID: 38981232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Heavy metals present in aquatic ecosystems constitute a significant threat to both the environment and human health. In this study, we analyzed various heavy metals (As, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo, Cd, Pb and Sb) using extensive surface water samples collected from the Tibetan Plateau in 2021 and 2023. Results showed that downstream water samples exhibited higher content (mean 12.6 μg/L) of heavy metals compared to those from the glacier basins. It is noteworthy that heavy metal content varied significantly both in the glacier basin and downstream (4.6-29.1 μg/L and 7.8-55.2 μg/L, respectively). However, elevated concentrations at certain sites (e.g., Saga County and Dangque Zangbu River) were primarily attributed to the disproportionate contribution of individual heavy metals, possibly stemming from specific human activities or natural conditions. In the glacier basin, only Cr exhibited a decreasing trend in enrich factors (EF) with increasing Sc concentration, whereas, in the downstream areas, most elements displayed a declining trend. Furthermore, apart from a few sampling sites, heavy metal concentrations in the glacier basin remained relatively balanced, suggesting that these metals predominantly originate from natural sources. The values of potential ecological risk for an individual element (Eri) and potential ecological risk index (PER) indicate that the ecological and human risks associated with almost heavy metals (except As) in the aquatic ecosystem are minimal. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems pose a significant threat to ecological and human health. Due to delicate ecological balance of the Tibetan Plateau and its critical role as a water resource, we analyzed various heavy metals (As, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo, Cd, Pb and Sb) concentrations and EF in land surface river water, to find out the pollution levels and possible sources of heavy metals in the aquatic ecosystems. The results of risk assessment showed that the prevention and management of arsenic in Tibetan Plateau needs attention, but most heavy metals pose no threaten to ecological and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Ecology and Environmental Change, School of Geography and Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China; College of Geography and Environmental Science, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Environment and Planning Education, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Zhiwen Dong
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Ecology and Environmental Change, School of Geography and Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Ting Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Cryosphere Sciences, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Lunche Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Ecology and Environmental Change, School of Geography and Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Wenhua Gao
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Environment and Planning Education, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Jiao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Ecology and Environmental Change, School of Geography and Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China; State Key Laboratory of Cryosphere Sciences, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Fangzhou Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100049, China
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Jadoon WA, Zaheer M, Tariq A, Sajjad RU, Varol M. Assessment of hydrochemical characteristics, health risks and quality of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes in a mountainous region of Pakistan. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:43967-43986. [PMID: 38918296 PMCID: PMC11252193 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34046-7] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Renowned for its agriculture, livestock, and mining, Zhob district, Pakistan, faces the urgent problem of declining groundwater quality due to natural and human-induced factors. This deterioration poses significant challenges for residents who rely on groundwater for drinking, domestic, and irrigation purposes. Therefore, this novel study aimed to carry out a comprehensive assessment of groundwater quality in Zhob district, considering various aspects such as hydrochemical characteristics, human health risks, and suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes. While previous studies may have focused on one or a few of these aspects, this study integrates multiple analyses to provide a holistic understanding of the groundwater quality situation in the region. Additionally, the study applies a range of common hydrochemical analysis methods (acid-base titration, flame atomic absorption spectrometry, and ion chromatography), drinking water quality index (WQI), irrigation indices, and health risk assessment models, using 19 water quality parameters. This multi-method approach enhances the robustness and accuracy of the assessment, providing valuable insights for decision-makers and stakeholders. The results revealed that means of the majority of water quality parameters, such as pH (7.64), electrical conductivity (830.13 μScm-1), total dissolved solids (562.83 mgL-1), as well as various anions, and cations, were in line with drinking water norms. However, the water quality index (WQI) predominantly indicated poor drinking water quality (range = 51-75) at 50% sites, followed by good quality (range = 26-50) at 37% of the sites, with 10% of the sites exhibiting very poor quality (range = 76-100). For irrigation purposes, indices such as sodium percent (mean = 31.37%), sodium adsorption ratio (mean = 0.98 meqL-1), residual sodium carbonate (- 3.15 meqL-1), Kelley's index (mean = 0.49), and permeability (mean = 49.11%) indicated suitability without immediate treatment. However, the magnesium hazard (mean = 46.11%) and potential salinity (mean = 3.93) demonstrated that prolonged application of groundwater for irrigation needs soil management to avoid soil compaction and salinity. Water samples exhibit characteristics of medium salinity and low alkalinity (C2S1) as well as high salinity and low alkalinity (C3S1) categories. The Gibbs diagram results revealed that rock weathering, including silicate weathering and cation exchange, is the primary factor governing the hydrochemistry of groundwater. The hydrochemical composition is dominated by mixed Ca-Mg-Cl, followed by Na-Cl and Mg-Cl types. Furthermore, the human health risk assessment highlighted that fluoride (F-) posed a higher risk compared with nitrate (NO3-). Additionally, ingestion was found to pose a higher risk to health compared to dermal contact, with children being particularly vulnerable. The average hazard index (HI) for children was 1.24, surpassing the allowable limit of 1, indicating detrimental health effects on this subpopulation. Conversely, average HI values for adult females (0.59) and adult males (0.44) were within safe levels, suggesting minimal concerns for these demographic groups. Overall, the study's interdisciplinary approach and depth of analysis make a significant contribution to understanding groundwater quality dynamics and associated risks in Zhob district, potentially informing future management and mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqar Azeem Jadoon
- Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21120, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zaheer
- Key Laboratory of Mechanics On Disaster and Environment in Western China, the Ministry of Education of China, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Department of Mechanics, College of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Abdul Tariq
- Engineering and Management Sciences, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Quetta, 87300, Balochistan, Pakistan
| | - Raja Umer Sajjad
- Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21120, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Memet Varol
- Agriculture Faculty, Aquaculture Department, Malatya Turgut Özal University, Malatya, Türkiye.
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Luo Y, Li T, Zhang S, Hao L, Luo K. Chemical characteristics and health risk evaluation of natural waters in the Du River Source National Nature Reserve: A case study in Zhushan County, Hubei Province, China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118656. [PMID: 38460664 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118656] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
To study the distribution of trace elements in natural water of the Du River Source National Nature Reserve and to assess the water quality and health risks, Zhushan County in Hubei Province was selected as the study area. Element content in 361 natural water samples collected from Zhushan County were measured by ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and HG-AFS. The main anions and cations present in water samples from Zhushan County are Ca2+ and HCO3-. The water chemistry is predominantly influenced by the weathering of carbonate rocks. The water samples with high content of selenium (Se) (0∼82.9 μg/L, mean 4.6 μg/L) in natural water in Zhushan County are mainly distributed in the northern part of Zhushan. The strontium (Sr) content of 49.6% of the water samples (0.001-2.177 mg/L, mean 0.234 mg/L) reached the criteria of natural mineral water for drinking in China (Sr ≥ 0.2 mg/L), which is distributed throughout the county. The high content of metasilicic acid (H2SiO3) (0.026-35.910 mg/L, mean 12.598 mg/L) and zinc (Zn) (0∼407.218 μg/L, mean 12.406 μg/L) are concentrated in northern Zhushan County. 99.7% water samples were freshwater and 98.9% meet the criteria of "good" water quality. All of the natural water samples have low health risk and low heavy metal pollution. 6.1% water samples meet the criteria of Se-type mineral water, while 45.4% meet the criteria of Sr-type mineral water, and 4.4% water samples meet the criteria of "low sodium, high Se, and high Sr" mineral water. Zhushan County has the potential for Se-type mineral water and Sr-type mineral water development. The findings of this study hold immense significance for the public health implications of drinking water in Du River Source, thereby offering valuable insights for effective water resources management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Luo
- School of Geosciences and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China; Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Tongyu Li
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Shixi Zhang
- School of Geosciences and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Litao Hao
- College of New Energy and Environment, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Kunli Luo
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing, 100101, China
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Tai H, Yi X, Chai N, Xiao J. Hydrochemical characterization and assessment of health risks of trace elements in the Huai River Basin of China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:28982-28996. [PMID: 38565818 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33000-x] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Basin water pollution is a global problem, especially in the densely populated areas. The Huai River Basin (abbreviated as HRB), including the Huai River system and the Yishu River system, is the sixth-largest and most densely populated watershed in China. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies of river and well water throughout the Huai River basin, including hydrochemistry characterization and assessment of health risks. This study investigated water quality and pollution sources of river and well water in the HRB based on the hydrochemistry analysis and different water quality indices. The water body in the HRB showed weak alkalinity (pH = 8.4 ± 0.7) and had high TDS values (TDS = 339 ± 186 mg/L) with water types of HCO3-Ca-Mg and SO4-Cl-Ca-Mg in the Huai River system, and SO4-Cl-Ca-Mg in the Yishu River system. Atmospheric input and evaporation had less impact on hydrochemistry. Evaporite dissolution and carbonate weathering had a greater impact on hydrochemistry. Carbonate precipitation and cation exchange also influenced the dissolved solutes, especially Ca2+ and Na+. Samples had low to medium salinity hazards and sodium absorption ratios and were suitable for irrigation. For drinking purposes, samples were fresh water and have good or excellent according to the Water Quality Index (WQI). Land use types influenced water quality with the worst river water quality from cropland. Combining different assessment indices, the water quality of the Yishu River system performed better than the Huai River system. Absolute principal component analysis-multiple linear regression and the positive matrix factorization models identified the main pollutants as As, Ba, Cr, Ni, and Mn, with natural sources of As, Ba, and Ni and anthropogenic inputs of Cr, and Mn. Although the water quality of the HRB has improved in recent years, high potential risk from As, Cr, Mn, Ba, and Ni should be noted. This study provided vital information for basin hydrochemistry analysis and water quality assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Tai
- Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region, Ministry of Education, School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology (SKLLQG), Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IEECAS), Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xiu Yi
- Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region, Ministry of Education, School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Ningpan Chai
- Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region, Ministry of Education, School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Xi'an, 710054, China
- State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology (SKLLQG), Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IEECAS), Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology (SKLLQG), Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IEECAS), Xi'an, 710061, China.
- National Observation and Research Station of Earth Critical Zone On the Loess Plateau, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
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Creța C, Horga C, Vlad M, Pănescu VA, Bocoș-Bințințan V, Coman MV, Herghelegiu MC, Berg V, Lyche JL, Beldean-Galea MS. Water Quality and Associated Human Health Risk Assessment Related to Some Ions and Trace Elements in a Series of Rural Roma Communities in Transylvania, Romania. Foods 2024; 13:496. [PMID: 38338631 PMCID: PMC10855629 DOI: 10.3390/foods13030496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This research aims to assess the content of some ions and trace elements in water sources in 24 rural Roma communities in Transylvania in order to assess the human health risk associated with exposure to such elements and ions. To this end, eight ions (F-, Cl-, Br-, NO2-, NO3-, SO42-, PO43-, NH4+) and ten trace elements (Cr, Ni, As, Pb, Cd, Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Hg) were determined in 71 water samples by ion chromatography coupled with a conductivity detector for ions and atomic absorption spectrophotometry for all trace elements. General parameters were also determined. Non-conformity (as number of samples), according to the EU Drinking Water Directive, was observed as follows: pH (7), EC (7), hardness (1), oxidizability (15), Cl- (4), NO3- (30), SO42- (6), Fe (16), Mn (14), As (3), and Ni (1 sample). The incidence of ions was Cl- (71), SO42- (70), F- (67), NO3- (65), NH4+ (21), Br- (10), PO43-, and NO2- (1 sample) and for trace elements, Mn (59), Fe (50), As (38), Ni (32), Cu (29), Zn (28), Cd (12), Cr (11), and Pb (3 samples). Hg was not detected. Non-carcinogenic (HI) values exceeded one for As in 13 Roma communities, with higher values for children than for adults. For NO3-, the HI values were >1 in 12 for adults and 14 communities for children. The carcinogenic risk (CR) for As through ingestion ranged from 0.795 to 3.50 × 10-4 for adults and from 1.215 to 5.30 × 10-4 for children. CR by dermal contact was in the range of ×10-6 both for adults and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Călina Creța
- Cluj Public Health Regional Centre, National Institute of Public Health, 6 Pasteur Str., RO-400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Horga
- Cluj Public Health Regional Centre, National Institute of Public Health, 6 Pasteur Str., RO-400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mariana Vlad
- Cluj Public Health Regional Centre, National Institute of Public Health, 6 Pasteur Str., RO-400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vlad-Alexandru Pănescu
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babeş-Bolyai University, 30 Fântânele Str., RO-400294 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- “Raluca Ripan” Institute for Research in Chemistry, Babeş-Bolyai University, 30 Fântânele Str., RO-400294 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Victor Bocoș-Bințințan
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babeş-Bolyai University, 30 Fântânele Str., RO-400294 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maria-Virginia Coman
- “Raluca Ripan” Institute for Research in Chemistry, Babeş-Bolyai University, 30 Fântânele Str., RO-400294 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Cătălina Herghelegiu
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babeş-Bolyai University, 30 Fântânele Str., RO-400294 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- “Raluca Ripan” Institute for Research in Chemistry, Babeş-Bolyai University, 30 Fântânele Str., RO-400294 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vidar Berg
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1433 Ås-Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Ludvig Lyche
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1433 Ås-Oslo, Norway
| | - Mihail Simion Beldean-Galea
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babeş-Bolyai University, 30 Fântânele Str., RO-400294 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Negrin VL, La Colla NS, Schwab F, Domini C, Botté SE. Evaluating metal phytorremediation and biondication potential of Spartina alterniflora in a South American estuary. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 193:106292. [PMID: 38064897 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106292] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/02/2024]
Abstract
Soil metal pollution has been widely studied in salt marshes but mainly regarding non-essential metals. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of two essential metals (Fe and Mn) and one non-essential one (Cd) in Spartina alterniflora salt marshes in a South American estuary in order to evaluate the potential of this species as a phytoremediator and/or bioindicator of Fe, Mn and Cd and to analyze the distribution of these metals according to the edaphic conditions. The metals present in the soils varied among the three sites studied according to the content of organic matter and fine sediments. In comparison with other Spartina-dominated salt marshes worldwide, in this study Fe and Mn were approximately in the same range, whereas Cd levels were always lower, with a high number of samples below the method detection limit (MDL). All metals were highly correlated with each other suggesting an association of Cd with Mn and Fe oxides/hydroxides or sulfides and/or a common anthropogenic source. Metals in plant tissues also varied from site to site and between the aboveground and belowground tissues. Compared to the metal levels in Spartina tissues in other salt marshes, our levels of Fe and Mn were in the same range, whereas the Cd levels were lower, among most samples, especially those from aboveground tissues that were below the MDL. The bioconcentration factor (metal in belowground tissues/metal in soil) was always lower than one for Fe and Mn meaning that there is no accumulation of these metals in belowground tissues, but this factor for Cd was sometimes higher than one, even as high as 3.45, implying that S. alterniflora can accumulate this metal in its tissues, pointing to a potential role of this species in Cd phytoremediation. Translocation factors (metal in aboveground tissues/metal in belowground tissues) were always lower than one for Fe and could not be calculated for Cd but were usually higher than one for Mn, showing the role of this element in photosynthetic tissues and a possible function of this species for phytoextraction of Mn. In most samples the Fe levels in plant tissues were higher than the permissible levels reported in the literature, suggesting a potential role of S. alterniflora in Fe phytoremediation. No correlation was observed between metal concentrations in soils and aboveground tissues; therefore, S.alterniflora is not a good bioindicator for the metals studied. Although our results are not conclusive, they reinforce the importance of local edaphic conditions on the behavior of metals in salt marshes and shed light on the potential role of S. alterniflora in the phytoremediation of highly toxic metals such as Cd or poorly studied metals such as Fe and Mn.
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Affiliation(s)
- V L Negrin
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO-CONICET/UNS), Camino La Carrindanga Km 7.5, (8000) Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, San Juan 670, (8000) Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - N S La Colla
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO-CONICET/UNS), Camino La Carrindanga Km 7.5, (8000) Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, San Juan 670, (8000) Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F Schwab
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO-CONICET/UNS), Camino La Carrindanga Km 7.5, (8000) Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C Domini
- INQUISUR, Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Av. Alem 1253, 8000, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - S E Botté
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO-CONICET/UNS), Camino La Carrindanga Km 7.5, (8000) Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, San Juan 670, (8000) Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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