Dataset on heavy metal pollution assessment in freshwater ecosystems

The objective of this paper is to assess heavy metal concentrations and pollution indices of surface water in Enerhen River, Warri South, Delta State, Nigeria using appropriate standard method. Data obtained show that the result indicated the concentration of Zinc 0.065mg/l - 0.190mg/l, Pb (0.003mg/l -0.142mg/l), Cu (0.081mg/l - 0.213mg/l), Cd (0.02mg/l - 0.282mg/l, Cr (0.041mg/l - 0.171mg/l), Fe (0.162mg/l - 0.278mg/l) and Ni (0.104mg/l - 0.762mg/l) comparison with WHO 2012 permissible limit the probed water sample falls within the allowable concentration of the standard except the concentration of lead (Pb) in SW1, SW2, SW4 and SW5 which is a concern because it exceeded the allowable limit, lead is considered toxic to human at higher concentrations . The computed indices for the maximum admissible concentration upper permissible values buttress as follows Zn 0.3MAC, Pb 0.01MAC, Cu 2MAC, Cd 0.01MAC, Cr 0.05MAC, Fe, 0.3MAC and Ni 0.02MAC. Also, the interpretation of the assessment of pollution indices with connotations as heavy metal pollution indices (HPI), Heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) and Degree of contamination as CD. The values from the analysed sample locations are as follows SS1 for HPI value gives (3869.928), HEI (103.0056) and CD ( 96.00583). For SS2 HPI value gives as (6157.674), HEI (100.4356) and CD (93.4353). SS3 HPI (5394.674), HEI (102.2192) and CD (95.21933), SS4 HPI (507.0053), HEI (20.39265), CD (13.39267) and SS5 HPI (568.5303), HEI (25.9153) and CD (18.9154) .The HPI indicated values >150 which expresses high concentration of heavy metal pollution. Similarly the HEI also indicated values > 20 which again buttress high heavy metal evaluation index and the degree of contamination also gives values > 3 which indicate a higher level of contamination in the samples. The River water is recommended for treatment before use due to the higher concentration of Nickel, Pb and Cadmium especially lead (Pb) which is deleterious to human health.

Introduction: The well-being of public health is associated with the availability of safe and clean drinking water. Heavy metals, known for their toxicity and potential health risks, are a particular focus of water quality assessments. This study investigates the heavy metal concentrations in five primary drinking water sources of Thimphu city: Motithang, Jungshina, Taba, Dechencholing and Chamgang. Methods: The ten heavy metals, known for their toxicity (Aluminum (Al), Boron (B), Barium (Ba), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn)), were assessed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for precise analysis. The study employed the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) and the Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI) to evaluate water quality. Results: The test results revealed low heavy metals concentration in the water sources. The HPI and HEI values were also calculated to be low (<15 and <1.24 respectively). Conclusions: The study provides valuable insights into Thimphu’s drinking water quality, indicating a positive status with low heavy metal concentrations

Assessment of heavy metal pollution and quality in lake water and sediment by various index methods and GIS: A case study in Beyşehir Lake, Turkey

This study aimed to explore the level of heavy metal contamination in the soil of agricultural and industrial areas in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. It adopted a novel approach integrating multiple disciplines including sampling, laboratory analysis, spatial analysis, and risk evaluation. The research focused on pinpointing levels of contamination, identifying their sources, and evaluating associated ecological and human health hazards. Due to its varied agricultural and industrial activities, the Eastern Province faced potential environmental challenges linked to heavy metal pollution. This study tackled the essential task of understanding the spatial spread and associated risks of heavy metals in soil, offering insights critical for effective environmental management and policymaking. Over 60 soil samples were gathered from different industrial and agricultural sites. Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was employed for the analysis of various heavy metals in these samples. The soil samples underwent evaluation for heavy metal presence, with their pollution levels assessed through indicators such as the heavy metal pollution index (HPI), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), modified heavy metal index (MHMI), and degree of contamination (Cdeg). Experimental findings revealed average concentrations of heavy metals in mg/Kg for As, Ba, Hg, Pb, Ni, V, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn are 1.21, 110.62, 0.08, 6.34, 8.95, 9.98, 1.18, 31.79, 6.76, and 23.44 respectively. A general trend emerged in the concentration levels, with the highest averages observed in samples from industrial areas, followed by agricultural sites. Particularly notable were barium concentrations in the industrial area, peaking at 1966.5 mg/kg, and copper levels, with a maximum of 95.75 mg/kg in the same area, occasionally surpassing the permissible limits. This methodology provided crucial insights for enhancing water environment management and protection, addressing the urgent need for effective environmental governance and policy development. The findings from this project are not only relevant to the Eastern Province but also applicable to other regions experiencing similar soil contamination challenges.

This study aims to assess the water quality of the Euphrates river in the section Fallujah Euphrates Reach (FER), in the city of Fallujah, western Iraq. Six heavy metals: 〖Cr〗^(3+), 〖Fe〗^(2+), 〖Zn〗^(+2), 〖Mn〗^(+2), 〖Ni〗^(+2) and 〖Pb〗^(+2) and ten water stations were chosen for the purpose of knowing whether or not these minerals are available in this important section of the Euphrates river and their concentrations in the river water because these minerals are harmful to health due to its lack of decomposition and accumulation within the organs of the body of living organisms. The samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry ICP-OES. Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HMPI), Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HMEI), and Contamination Degree (CD) were employed to evaluate water quality. The findings were revealed that concentration of 〖Fe〗^(2+), 〖Ni〗^(+2) , and 〖Zn〗^(+2) exceeded the permissible limits based on Iraqi standard IQS, World Health Organization WHO, and United States Environmental Protection Agency USEPA standards, whereas 〖Cr〗^(3+) , 〖Pb〗^(+2), and 〖Mn〗^(+2) concentrations were non-existent. Based on HMPI, HMEI and CD values, pollution of the Euphrates river is low. which indicates a small amount of pollution, and because the Euphrates water discharge is high, the concentration of heavy metals does not affect the river water. According to national and international guidelines, FER suffers from a low level of heavy metal pollution. However, the (CD), (HMPI), and (HMEI) indices indicated that FER water quality was satisfactory. In other words, the water quality of the Euphrates river in the current study reach is good, but that does not mean that the water is used without treatment to be pumped into the city. It has a low pollution rate, but that may have a negative impact on the health of consumers.

Bangladesh is a densely populated and developing country that faced severe water contamination, crisis, and security. About 100% of the population has access to the availability of freshwater, but the purity of water is always concerned. The groundwater of Bangladesh is under increasing threat from overexploitation, population growth, rapid urbanization, and pollution from industries, domestic and agricultural sources. For the assessment of heavy and toxic metal contamination in shallow groundwater, the study collected 40 water samples from different stations in the middle-west part of Bangladesh. The results showed that three metals ion, viz. iron, manganese, and lead exceeded the concentration limit of WHO (2011) in most of the water samples indicating severe human health hazard. The single-factor pollution index (I i ) and compound pollution index (CPI) value of these three (3) metals were very high, i.e., much greater than 1. The other metal concentrations were found within the safe permissible ranges. The values of heavy metal pollution indices, viz. heavy metal pollution index (HMPI), heavy metal evaluation index (HMEI), degree of contamination (Cd ), Nemerow Index (NeI), and ecological risk measurement (ERI) showed that most of the water samples were found medium to high levels of contamination in the study area. The analysis results revealed that an average of 32.6%, 15.6%, and 51.8% of the water samples was found low, medium, and high risk from heavy metal, respectively. There were 20 samples found highly contaminated with heavy metals out of 40 samples. The study results revealed that both the geogenic and anthropologic activities influenced the groundwater system of the area. It suggested that the groundwater quality should go under a continuous monitoring process for sustainable water quality management in the area. The study findings could help with further planning of potential future remediation measures for policymakers.

Assessment of heavy metal pollution in surface water of Bangladesh

Heavy metal pollution in groundwater is a substantial environmental risk for Bangladesh. The Meghna Ghat industrial area in Bangladesh becomes a promising site for installing various industries for few decades. It was necessary to assess the heavy metal level in the groundwater of this area, and current study took the initiative. We collected 20 groundwater samples and tested pH, DO, TDS, EC, turbidity, COD, and DOC as well as four heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, and Ni) to calculate four water quality indices, i.e., water quality index (WQI), degree of contamination (DC), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), and heavy metal pollution index (HPI). Ni was too low to detect by the instrument, whereas the mean concentrations of Cr, Cd, and Pb were 0.07, 0.007, and 0.18 mg/L which exceeded the drinking water standards set by Bangladesh. According to the water quality indices, only 10% samples were good according to WQI; 30% and 15% samples were subjected to low level of pollution considering DC and HEI, respectively. Although according to HPI 35% samples were unsuitable for drinking, rest of the values were very close to characterize as unsuitable. Finally, we proposed two best-fitted models that can represent relationships between the metals and water quality indices. Water quality was comparatively better near the open spaces of the study area. The area needed to be under continuous monitoring for checking further pollution distribution.

In the present study, pollution evaluation indices were carried out to assess the intensity of pollution in Marar industrial area of Ramgarh in Jharkhand. Fifteen groundwater samples were collected from the study area in May 2016. The physicochemical parameters (pH and EC,, HCO3 −, Cl−, SO4 2-, NO3 −, F−, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+) and heavy metals (Fe, Mn, As, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Se, Al, Ba, Pb and Cd) were analysed. Measured concentration of heavy metals in the study area in decreasing order is as follows: Fe> Zn> Mn > Al> Ba > Ni> Cu > Pb> Cr > Se> As > Cd. Fe concentration was found beyond desirable limit in each sample. In the study area 73%, 60% and 21% water samples surpass desirable limit of Al, Mn and Ni respectively as per BIS,10,500 (2012). Concentration of As, Cu, Cr, Se, Pb, Ba and Cd was within the desirable limit in each sample. The analysed data was then applied for the calculation of Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI) and Degree of Contamination (Cd). HPI values have not surpassed the critical value of 100 in any of the sample despite of various industrial activities. Fe is the prominent contributor for all the three pollution indices followed by Ni, Cr, Pb, Cu and Mn. According to multiple of mean value approach 100%, 93% and 80% of the samples belong to low and medium classes of HEI, HPI, and Cd respectively. Cluster analysis results advocate that heavy metal concentration in groundwater resources are contributed by both lithogenic as well as anthropogenic inputs such as large number of ferro alloys, non-ferrous alloys, sponge iron, foundry, instrument manufacturing and welding industries in the study area.

Heavy metal pollution and ecological risk assessment in the surface water from a marine protected area, Swatch of No Ground, north-western part of the Bay of Bengal

The Golgohar iron ore mine in southern Iran is a large open pit that operates below the groundwater table. Dewatering operations and mining activities could be responsible for generating metal contamination in the groundwater of the area. In order to assess this, groundwater, soil, solid waste and rock samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metals. Evaluation was done by comparing the results with the “heavy metal pollution index”, the “heavy metal evaluation index” and the “degree of contamination” (C d ). The only mean concentrations of elements in water samples above the WHO maximum admissible concentration values for drinking water are Al (97 % of water samples), As (46 %) and Mn (34 %). Despite exceeding the concentration of these elements above the permissible levels, the indices show that most of the water samples are low and moderately contaminated and overall contamination levels are not dangerous. The low concentration of the heavy metals in the groundwater of the area is mainly due to the limited presence of sulfide minerals in the ore, combined with the presence of calcite (CaCO3) in the area, which neutralizes any acid generated from sulfide oxidation.

Pollution and health risk assessment of heavy metals in surface water of the industrial region in Gazipur, Bangladesh

The increasing levels of toxic heavy metals in aquatic environments pose significant threats to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. The Diva-Motagaon Creek, located in Thane District, Mumbai, is one such site under investigation in this study, which aims to analyze the concentrations of various toxic heavy metals in sediment samples. As a reliable and accurate method, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was used to study the effects of long-term pollution load and the buildup of heavy metal contaminants in this estuarine ecosystem.Sediment samples were collected from four strategically selected stations along the Diva-Motagaon Creek, covering four seasons from January 2023 to December 2023. The four seasons—pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon, and summer—were chosen to capture the seasonal variations in pollution levels, as aquatic environments are highly dynamic and pollutant concentrations can fluctuate due to factors like rainfall, industrial runoff, and human activities. The collected samples were analysed for the presence of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), which are commonly found in environmental pollution, particularly industrial effluents, urban runoff, and agricultural practices.The analysis revealed notable variations in the concentrations of these heavy metals across different seasons and geographical locations within the creek. Zinc was found to be the most abundant heavy metal, followed by iron, copper, lead, and chromium, in that order. The fact that the concentration changes with the seasons suggests that the metal levels are affected by things like industrial discharges, monsoon runoff, and human activities in the area, such as religious events like immersing Ganapati idols. Among the studied metals, zinc showed the highest concentrations, which may be attributed to local industrial activities and sewage discharge into the creek.The results of this study demonstrate that heavy metal pollution in Diva-Motagaon Creek is influenced by a combination of natural processes and anthropogenic activities. High levels of metals like lead, copper, and chromium are especially bad for the environment because they can build up in aquatic organisms and make fish, invertebrates, and other marine life sick. Zinc, while essential in trace amounts for aquatic organisms, can become toxic in higher concentrations, disrupting the health of aquatic ecosystems.The study’s findings are crucial for environmental management and policy development, as they offer a scientific basis for monitoring and controlling pollution in the Diva-Motagaon Creek. The findings indicate the need for immediate action to reduce the heavy metal concentrations in the creek, particularly through effective waste management practices, industrial regulation, and pollution control strategies. The fishing industry is prevalent in the area, and the study's results emphasise the importance of protecting aquatic resources to ensure the safety of local livelihoods and the sustainability of the marine ecosystem.This study sets a baseline for the current level of pollution, which is very important for future research and actions that will be taken to help the environment and lessen the harmful effects of heavy metal pollution. The results can inform the rational planning of pollution control strategies and support efforts to restore and protect the health of Diva-Motagaon Creek. The results also show how important it is for scientists to keep an eye on things all the time to learn more about how heavy metal toxicity changes over time and how it affects marine and estuarine environments over time.The increasing levels of toxic heavy metals in aquatic environments threaten ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) is used to look at heavy metal contamination in sediment samples from Diva-Motagaon Creek in Thane District, Mumbai. In 2023, samples were taken from four locations during four seasons: pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon, and summer. The goal was to see how the concentrations of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) changed with the seasons.Results revealed significant seasonal and spatial variations, with zinc being the most abundant metal, followed by iron, copper, lead, and chromium. High metal levels, especially during and after the monsoon season, are a sign of pollution from factories, urban runoff, and human activities like immersing Ganapati idols. While zinc is essential in trace amounts, its high concentrations, along with toxic levels of lead, copper, and chromium, pose ecological risks through bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms.These findings highlight the urgent need for pollution control measures, including industrial regulation, improved waste management, and continuous environmental monitoring. Given the creek’s significance to local fisheries, mitigating heavy metal contamination is crucial for preserving marine ecosystems and safeguarding livelihoods. This study establishes a baseline for future research and policy interventions to restore and protect Diva-Motagaon Creek.

Integration of water pollution indices and DRASTIC model for assessment of groundwater quality in El Fayoum depression, western desert, Egypt

This article concentrated on appraising the water quality of the Euphrates River in the city of Ramadi, Anbar Province western Iraq from the Ramadi Dam to the AL-Khalidiyah Bridge. Seven heavy metals: (Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Cr, Cd, and Pb) and ten positions were selected to assess the presence and concentration of these heavy metals in this part of the river. These heavy metals can be a risk and cause cancers due to they do not decompose and can accumulate in body organisms. The samples were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Three indicators were utilized to appraise water quality: the Heavy Metal Evaluation Index, Contamination Degree, and Heavy Metal Pollution Index. The average concentrations of Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Cr, Cd, and Pb in the river water samples were found to be 15.87, 53.16, 152.1, 55.5, 10.41, 0.37, and 0.36 μg/L, respectively. The findings discovered that the concentrations of heavy metals in the samples are below the acceptable limits based on the World Health Organization (WHO). The average values of the indicators (HMPI, HMEI, and CD) were 49.106, 1.716, and -5.282 respectively, which are all below the acceptable limits established set by the World Health Organization. Based on these findings, the water quality of the Euphrates River in the study region is categorized as low pollution. Statistical analysis of heavy metals represented by Pearson correlation displays that the sources of the low pollution levels in the study region consequence of various human activities. Although heavy metal pollution in the Euphrates River in the study region is low, the river water cannot be pumped directly into residential units. This is due to the river water contains other pollutants, such as turbidity and suspended solids, and may also contain pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. Therefore, it must be treated at the water treatment plant before it can be used for drinking.