Environmental impact assessment and statistical analysis of natural radioactivity and heavy metals of tap water in eastern Nile delta area, Egypt

Salama M A

doi:10.17485/ijst/v13i15.149994

Abstract

Objectives: The present work was designed to determine radionuclide and heavy metal concentrations in tap water of the eastern Nile Delta and to investigate its validity for human consumption. Methods: Thirteen samples of tap water were collected from Dakahlia governorate and analyzed for selected chemical and radionuclide constituents. The concentrations of heavy metals (iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu)) and radionuclides (232Th, 40K and 226Ra) were determined. Determination of heavy metal concentration was carried out by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICPAES). Whilst, the radionuclide measurements were conducted using Hyper Pure Germanium Detector (HPGe) Gamma-Ray Spectrometry. Findings: Results of this work indicated that Dakahlia tap water is slightly alkaline to alkaline water, with low salinity ranging from 233 ppm to 323.7 ppm. The heavy metal concentrations in tap water are below the permissible level for drinking. However, an anomaly of Co content (0.015 ppm) is detected in Aga site. Statistical analysis showed a strong correlation between every couple of sampling sites, but the correlation of Aga site with the rest of the sites was weak. Also, weak correlations among the heavy metals contents were detected. The maximum activity concentrations were 1.0 Bq/l, 0.9 Bq/l, and 2.6 Bq/l for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K, respectively. Such values are less than the international limits recommended for water consumption. Multivariate statistical ways were also used to define the existing correlation between radionuclides and radiological health risk parameters and to pinpoint the maximum contribution of radionuclide in radioactivity. A strong correlation between every couple of sampling sites is existed, however, the correlation of Aga site with the other sites was weak. The estimated values of risk indices were below the international recommended levels. Application: Accordingly, the tap water of Dakahlia governorate is considered safe for human consumption except for Aga site. The exceptional water should be infiltrated before consumption to remove the excess of Cr content. The outcome of this research may be advantageous to t3.3he water database of Dakahlia governorate. Keywords: Heavy Metals; Natural Radioactivity; Statistical Analysis; Radiation Hazard Indices; Tap Water; Eastern Nile Delta; Egypt

Highlights

The environment is the main element of human presence and entity
Our study confirmed that toxicity with heavy metals rises in alkaline pH values
The present study investigated the background levels of radioactivity and heavy metal concentrations in tap water of Dakahlia governorate

Summary

Introduction

Accumulation of some elements or combinations in the environment might result in very dangerous health problems for people [1]. These health effects are essentially results of the biochemical interactions of heavy metals and radiologic interactions of energetic particles and photons with living cells [2,3]. In order to prevent possible health risks, accumulation of heavy metals and background radiation levels have to be determined. The natural radionuclide and heavy element levels in tap water are significant for human health [4,5]. For example, from tap-water pollution (e.g. lead pipes), high ambient air concentrations near emission sources, or absorb through the food chain by Sovioli et al [6] and Wicke et al [7]

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