Heavy metals concentration in the underground waters of rural settlements in Rivne region

Abstract

The study deals with the evaluation of drinking water quality in rural settlements of Hoshcha (Rivne) district of Rivne region. It has been analyzed the concentration of biogenic (copper, zinc) and nonbiogenic (plumbum, cadmium) heavy metals in the water of the wells in the villages of Sadove, Zhalianka, Yuchyn and Tuchyn and artesian wells in the village of Tuchyn during 2012–2018. The research has given fundamental sources of underground waters pollution with heavy metals. It has been revealed that in the water of the wells Cu and Zn concentration does not increase maximum permissible concentrations during the whole period of research. The study demonstrates that water quality of the wells springs is not appropriate to the standard indicators according to the plumbum and cadmium. The authors point out the increasing of maximum permissible Pb concentrations in the wells of the villages of Sadove by 1.02–1.37 times (2012–2014, 2016, 2018) and the village of Tuchyn by 1.17–2.07 times (2012–2018). It has been stated that Cd concentration increases maximum permissible concentration in the wells of the villages of Sadove (by 1.6–3.8 times), Zhalianka (by 1.8–2.5 times), Yuchyn (by 1.3–2.7 times) and Tuchyn (by 1.8–4.5 times). Under the conditions of optimal concentrations biogenic heavy metals are necessary to provide life activities and functions of physiological processes of all organisms. However, continuous consuming of drinking water that is polluted with heavy metals negatively impacts on the organism and may cause acute and chronic diseases. Their impact depends on the concentration of the element, characteristics and intensity of its getting, absorption speed, retention and removal speed, and also human’s general state of health. In the village of Tuchyn according to cuprum, zinc, plumbum and cadmium concentration the water of artesian wells is appropriate to the permissible standards during 2012–2018 and is suitable for consumption and use. It is obviously that the use of deeper underground water horizons provides the inhabitants of the village of Tuchyn with qualitative drinking water. In the water of settlements wells where the increasing of standard Cd and Pb concentrations was observed it should be developed and implemented effective measures to develop the water quality.