Metal Concentrations In Water Research Articles

Heavy metal concentrations in water, sediments, Cladophora and two fish species from Al-Masab Alamm River, Al- Nassiriya, Iraq

Heavy metal concentrations in water, sediments, Cladophora and two fish species from Al-Masab Alamm River, Al- Nassiriya, Iraq

Assessment of Heavy Metals Concentration in Water and Fish of Dalmaj Marsh, Iraq

Most marshes in Iraq face several challenges as aquatic environments, including pollution by various chemical agents and heavy metals. The current study deal with an analysis of the water quality of Dalmaj marsh as one of the closed aquatic environments in the middle parts of Iraq located between latitudes 32ᵒ 05′ to 32ᵒ 23′N and longitudes 45ᵒ 10′ to 45ᵒ 38′ E. The marsh is suffering from a shortage in water supply, especially during the summer. It will lead to a concentration of heavy metals that are washed and transported to the marsh from the surrounding watersheds through surface runoff. This work aims to analyze water and fish samples to assess heavy metals and their accumulated risk in fish tissues based on many indices. The 16 samples of water and nine samples of fish are collected and analyzed for concentration of heavy metals, i.e., Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn). The water analysis results indicate that Chromium (Cr) only comes below the permissible limit in water. At the same time, the composite heavy metals pollution index (HPI) identified that the water samples are varied from light pollution to malignant pollution. Regarding fish samples, three indices, i.e., BAF, EDI, and HI, are used to test the accumulated concentration of heavy metals in fish tissues and to point out their risk to consumers. The results indicate that Pb and Ni are the more hazardous metals accumulated in many fish samples with increasing fish weight, while hazard index (HI) is an additive index of all tested heavy metals, indicating concern risk from most fish samples. The study recommends testing the marsh water pollution periodically.

Distribution of metals in different environmental compartments and oxidative stress biomarkers in Bryconops caudomaculatus (Osteichthyes: Characiformes) from a bauxite mining area in the Eastern Amazon

The Eastern Amazon is rich in bauxite ore. The extraction and processing of bauxite lead to the mobilization of Aluminum (Al) and other metals in environmental. We evaluated the metals (Al, Mn, Ba, and Cr) concentration in tissue, water, and sediment associated with antioxidant and oxidative damage responses in Bryconops caudomaculatus. The samplings were done in two hydrological periods (post-rain and post-dry periods) and at three points, located at two rivers: one in the surroundings of the mining area (P1) and other inside the mining area, upstream (P2), and downstream (P3). Defense antioxidant system biomarkers analyzed were total antioxidant capacity (ACAP) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity. As an oxidative damage biomarker, the lipoperoxidation (LPO) was evaluated. Metals concentrations in the water and sediment were higher in the post-rain period compared to post-dry period. The water samples were acidic, with dissolved Al concentrations above the values established by local legislation at all points. In the gills, the metals accumulation was higher in fish from in the surrounding and upstream sites, and in the liver, was higher in fish from downstream site. Fish from the surrounding had increased antioxidant defenses, with higher ACAP in all tissues and higher GST in the gills. Consequently, they had lower levels of LPO. Fish from the mining area had decreased antioxidant defenses, with lower ACAP in all tissues and lower GST in the gills. Consequently, they had higher levels of LPO, indicating oxidative stress. The fish muscle was not responsive to GST and LPO at all sites. We conclude that the oxidative stress observed in the gills and liver of B. caudomaculatus from the area modified by the mining activity reflected the local anthropogenic impact status.

Assessment of Some Heavy Metal Concentration in Fish, Water, And Sediment Of River Ndakotsu, Lapai, Niger State

This research was conducted to assess the levels of heavy metals in fish tissue, sediment and water body, at river Ndakotsu, Lapai, Niger state, Nigeria. River Ndakotsu is the major river that serve as a boundary between Lapai local government and Agaie local government and is useful to surrounding towns and villages for irrigation farming fishing and domestic purposes. Due to this, it is necessary to monitor the level of heavy metals contamination in the water body, sediment and aquatic species tissue habiting this environment. The study water samples were collected using water sampler in three different locations. Equally, In-situ water physicochemical parameters such as temperature, ph and dissolve oxygen were determined using portable multi probes meter. Fish samples were collected from fishermen immediately they arrived from fish exploration and specimen were digested using concentrated nitric acid in wet digestion technique. The level of selected heavy metal in samples were determined by the use of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS model: Accusys 211 USA) after samples dilution. The water quality of the river was within the acceptable range for fresh water species. The concentration of heavy metals, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn). From the results obtained from this study, the concentrations of heavy metals (Mn, Zn, Cd, Cu, Pb and Fe.) found in all the water samples are lower than that in the fish sample species and higher in sediment sample than fish sample

Environmental risks from consumer products: Acceptable drinking water quality can produce unacceptable indoor air quality with ultrasonic humidifier use

The commonly used consumer product of an ultrasonic humidifier (e.g., cool mist humidifier) emits fine particles containing metals from tap water used to fill the humidifier. The objectives are: 1) predict emitted indoor air inhalable metal concentrations produced by an ultrasonic humidifier filled with tap-water containing As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Pb in 33 m3 or 72 m3 rooms with varying air exchange rates; 2) calculate daily ingestion and 8-h inhalation average daily dose (ADD) and hazard quotient (HQ) for adults and children (aged 0.25–6 yr); and 3) quantify deposition in respiratory tract via multi-path particle dosimetry (MPPD) model. Mass concentrations of indoor air metals increase proportionally with aqueous metal concentrations in fill water, and are inversely related to ventilation. Inhalation-ADDs are 2 magnitudes lower than ingestion-ADDs, using identical water quality for ingestion and fill-water. However, in the 33 m3, low 0.2/h ventilated room, inhalation-HQs are >1 for children and adults, except for Pb. HQ inhalation risks exceed ingestion risks at drinking water regulated levels for As, Cd, Cr, and Mn. MPPD shows greater dose deposits in lungs of children than adults, and 3 times greater deposited doses in a 33 m3 vs 72 m3 room. Rethinking health effects of drinking water and consumer products to broaden consideration of multiple exposure routes is needed.

Pollution index assessment of surface water and sediment quality with reference to heavy metals in Teesta River in Eastern Himalayan range, India

Assessment of heavy metals in water and sediment samples were done from six locations during monsoon and winter seasons in Teesta River in Eastern Himalayas. Three-way ANOVA was used to analyze seasonal, temporal and spatial variations in metals concentration in both water and sediment samples. Downstream sites exceeded the Indian River System prescribed concentration limits for cadmium, chromium, lead and zinc. Risk assessment of heavy metal pollution using heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and degree of contamination (Cdeg) indices revealed the upstream site S1 having the lowest HPI. Downstream site S3 showed the highest HPI of 68.24 and 44.82 during monsoon and winter respectively. Good water quality was indicated at site S1 compared to high to medium range pollution in downstream sites. Cdeg for sediments signalled sites S3 and S6 as moderately polluted. Correlation analysis of heavy metals exhibited a strong correlation among all heavy metals except Cd (water) and Cd and Pb (sediment) indicating a possible common origin. Cluster analysis based on metal concentrations identified two groups each for water and sediment sites. For water, group 1 comprised of S1 and S2 and the other group comprised of S3, S4, S5 and S6. For sediment samples, S1 was separated from the remaining five sites. Principal Component Analysis evinced high concentrations of Cu, Co and Zn at S3; Cd, Cu and Pb at S5; and Cu and Co at S6. S1 seemed devoid of heavy metals indicating anthropogenic input at downstream sites. The study indicated the river being vulnerable to various point and non-point sources of pollution, exacerbated by expanding small and large-scale industries. This study offers potential for extrapolation to design effective management policies to minimize pollution load in the Teesta River in order to improve the ecological health of the river.

Adverse Effects of Toxic Metal Pollution in Rivers on the Physiological Health of Fish.

Toxic metal pollution influences the lives of diverse aquatic organisms and humans who consume contaminated aquatic products. However, its potential impacts on aquatic organism health and, thus, ecological health, have been neglected in many regions. This research was carried out to contribute to filling that knowledge gap. Three freshwater fish species in the Nhue–Day River basin, Vietnam, have been chosen to study the bioaccumulation of metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd) in the tissues (livers, kidneys, gills) and their effects on fish physiological health (changes in the oxidative-GST activity, and physiological biomarkers-energy reserves, respectively) from 2013 to 2017. The extensive results revealed significant spatial and temporal variations in metal concentrations in tissues of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), silver carp (Hypothalmic molitrix), and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and well correlated to their concentration in the water (p < 0.05). Fish bioaccumulated metals in the following order: Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd, with more in the kidneys and livers (spring and summer) than in other tissues. Metal accumulation in O. niloticus and C. carpio was higher than in H. molitrix. Biomarker responses (except for glycogen variation) were also higher during warm seasons. Changes in metal levels in water and fish tissues caused variations in biomarkers in the respective fish tissues, particularly in the livers, as demonstrated by significant correlations of metal concentrations in water and fish tissues to biochemical and physiological responses (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that metal pollution in the river basin adversely impacts the physiological health of both wild and cultured fish. Seasonal shifts in the levels of metal accumulation and biomarkers could be connected to species-specific differences in physiology and the levels of metals in environments. This biomarker set is simple but effective in assessing the impact of metal pollution on fish health and, hence, the aquatic ecosystem. This is one of the first biomonitoring studies to assist in designing better water management strategies for the Nhue–Day River basin.

Determination of heavy metals concentration in water and sediment of river donga, Taraba state

This research was carried out to ascertain the heavy metals concentrations in water and sediments from River Donga upstream and downstream was investigated for a period of three months (October to December). The Result showed heavy metals concentrations were higher in sediments compare to water during the study period while downstream values were generally higher compare to upstream. Result for mean concentration of heavy metals variations in water and sediment varied significant (p>0.05) based on the two sampling locations upstream and downstream. The heavy metals concentration in water and sediments was examined using atomic absorption spectrophometer (AAS) Bulk scientific Model 210VGP. Concentrations ranking profile was found to be Zn >Ni>Pb >Cr>Cd. The maximum mean concentration of Zn recorded in the sediment was 0.700 mg/kg while the lowest value of 0.029mg/kg was recorded for Pb at the two locations while for water value (0.200 mg/l) were observed for Zn, Ni, and Cr in the months of October November and December respectively. The lowest value of 0.014mg/1 at both locations was recorded for Cr. Data for Cr, Ni, Pb. Pb were generally low throughout the study period. Zn concentrations in water at the sampled locations (upstream and downstream) throughout the study periods showed no significant difference (p>0.05). However, Cd, Cr, Pb and Ni show variations (p

Assessment of heavy metal concentration in water and the Nile tilapia of Lake Manzala, EL-Kapoty, Egypt

Assessment of heavy metal concentration in water and the Nile tilapia of Lake Manzala, EL-Kapoty, Egypt

Wildfire Induces Changes in Receiving Waters: A Review With Considerations for Water Quality Management.

Wildfires have increased in frequency in many ecosystems, with implications for human health and the environment, including water quality. Increased fire frequency and urbanization also raise the prospect of fires burning into urban areas, mobilizing pollutants few have considered to date. As a result, water quality managers lack information to anticipate, respond to and potentially mitigate wildfire impacts. Here, we reviewed the scientific literature to assess wildfire effects on response endpoints of a conceptual model linking fire to water quality, quantifying response directionality, magnitude and duration. Physically, water yield, sediments, and temperature all increased post-fire. Chemically, nutrients, ions, organic chemicals, and metals increased in burned watersheds, sometimes by orders of magnitude over pre-fire or reference conditions. In select cases, post-fire concentrations exceeded aquatic life criteria or drinking water standards, at times even in the finished drinking water. Biological assemblages commonly declined after post-fire runoff events. The duration of effects was less than 5 yr for most endpoints (e.g., metals) on average following fire, although effects did extend 15 yr or more in some individual cases. We found only a few studies on pollutants mobilized from wildfire impacted urban areas with benzene contamination in drinking water and high metal concentrations in ash prominent exceptions. Overall, this review provides a resource for understanding wildfire impacts on water quality endpoints, with the goal of informing the response of managers and other decision makers to this growing problem.

The Analysis of Heavy Metal Transport Mechanism and Electrolytic Reduction Method for Remediation of Agricultural Ditches

The complex sources of heavy meatal pollution in agricultural lands include: inappropriate discharge, contaminated irrigation water, fertilizer application and atmospheric fallout. The excessive heavy metal concentration can affect crop production and quality. In Taiwan, there are more than 1000 hectare of contaminated agricultural lands, which are mainly located in Taoyuan, Changhua and Kaohsiung. This study aims to analyze the heavy metal concentration in water and the bottom mud to establish the water-sediment heavy metal transport model for the agricultural ditches, Sankuaizho, in Taoyuan, and further evaluate the effect of heavy metal desorption by the electrolytic reduction method. The research results showed that the water body of the Sankuaizho is mainly polluted by heavy metals such as Cu, Ni, and Zn, but only Cu exceeds the water quality standard for irrigation (&gt; 0.2 mg/L). The sediment is polluted by heavy metals, such as Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, especially Cu pollution is the most severe one. The electrolytic reduction method could effectively remove heavy metals from bottom mud in terms of the electrolytic reduction efficiency ranged between 43.93% and 97.52%. The WASP simulation results showed that the concentration of heavy metals (copper, zinc, and nickel) at the most downstream (segment 7) are highest when mixed with the polluted water from the upstream flow, which is mainly resulted from the effluent from the electronics factory. Compared to the observed data, the MAPE values of model simulation results are: copper = 47.12%, zinc = 26.62%, nickel = 36.66%, showing that the WASP model performs well and reasonably. The research results of this study could be used as a reference for future decision making to improve the water quality and solve the bottom mud issues.

The concentration of cadmium and lead in the solid and finely dispersed phases of snow and hair of the population of Gorny Altai

To create a systematic database on the presence of metals in the environment and the human body, it is necessary to conduct local studies in different regions of the Russian Federation. A comprehensive analysis of the content of cadmium and lead in different coenotic links, including the human body, has not been carried out in the Altai Republic. The aim of the study was to reveal the level of lead and cadmium accumulation in the solid and finely dispersed phases of snow and hair of the population of Gorno-Altaisk. Material and methods. The content of lead and cadmium in the snow and hair of the population of Gorno-Altaisk was estimated by the atomic absorption method. Snow samples were taken in the areas of 10 central coal boilers, hair samples were taken from 122 volunteers permanently residing in the city. Results. The concentration of metals in snow water exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations: for cadmium (0.004–0.008 mg/kg) by 3.8–8.2 times; for lead (0.008–0.469 mg/kg) by 2–15.6 times. In the solid phases of snow, the content of metals exceeded the permissible level by about 3 times. The average value of the concentration of cadmium in the hair of the population was 0.16 mg/kg, which did not exceed the all-Russian reference value (0.25 mg/kg), the proportion of excess among the population was 6.5 %. The lead content (3.18 mg/kg) approximately corresponded to the all-Russian values (3.0 mg/kg), the excess was found among 43 % of the population. Conclusion. As a result of the widespread use of solid fuels, the presence of cadmium and lead in the environment increases, which is confirmed by the accumulation of these metals in the snow cover and the accumulation of the analyzed microelements in the hair of the population of Gorno-Altaisk.

Theoretical design of phononic crystal cavity sensor for simple and efficient detection of low concentrations of heavy metals in water

Theoretical design of phononic crystal cavity sensor for simple and efficient detection of low concentrations of heavy metals in water

The effects of roadways on lakes and ponds: a systematic review and assessment of knowledge gaps

As the global population increases, the expansion of road networks has led to the destruction and disturbance of terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Road-related stressors have significant effects on both lotic and lentic habitats. While there are several systematic reviews that evaluate the effects of roads on lotic environments, there are none that consider their effects on lentic habitats only. We conducted a literature review to achieve two objectives: (1) to summarize the effects of roads on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of lentic environments; and (2) to identify biases and gaps in our current knowledge of the effects of roads on lentic habitats, so that we could find promising areas for future research.Our review found 172 papers published between 1970 and 2020. The most frequently studied stressors associated with roads included road salt and heavy metal contamination (67 and 43 papers, respectively), habitat fragmentation (37 papers), and landscape change (14 papers). These stressors can lead to alterations in conductivity and chloride levels, changes in lake stratification patterns, increases in heavy metal concentrations in water and organisms, and significant mortality as amphibians disperse across roadways. We also identified a variety of other stressors that may be understudied based on their frequency of appearance in our search results, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, road dust, increased accessibility, hydrological changes, noise pollution, dust suppressants, sedimentation, invasive species introductions, and water withdrawal.Our review indicated that there are strong geographic biases in published studies, with 57.0% examining North American sites and 30.2% examining European sites. Furthermore, there were taxonomic biases in the published literature, with most studies focusing on amphibians (41.7%), fish (15.6%), and macroinvertebrates (14.6%), while few considered zooplankton (8.3%), diatoms (7.3%), amoebas (5.2%), water birds (3.1%), reptiles (2.1%), and macrophytes (1.0%). Based on our review, we have identified promising areas for future research for each of the major stressors related to roadways. However, we speculate that rectifying the geographic and taxonomic bias of our current knowledge could significantly advance our understanding of the impacts of roads on lentic environments, thereby better informing environmental management of these important habitats.

Characterization of physico-chemical properties and heavy metal concentrations of surface water receiving effluent from champion breweries plc in uyo, akwa ibom state, nigeria

Physico-chemical properties and heavy metal concentrations of surface water receiving effluent from Champion Breweries Plc, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State were analysed to evaluate the effect of the effluent on the physico-chemical properties and heavy metal concentrations of the surface water. The water samples were collected using polyethylene bottles that were initially rinsed with 10% hydrochloric acid (HCl) then with the sample water. Two samples were collected at each sampling point. One was for physicochemical properties determinations while the other sample was for heavy metal analysis. HNO3 was added in the samples for heavy metal analysis for preservation of the metals. The collected samples were stored in an ice-packed cooler kit and taken to the laboratory for analysis. The results showed that the temperature of the water was within the permissible limit. Mean pH was lower than the permissible range for drinking water especially during the dry season. Turbidity was above the permissible limit in both dry/wet seasons. Dissolved oxygen was below the permissible limit. Mean biochemical oxygen demand was above the permissible limit. The result of the ratio of chemical oxygen demand to biochemical oxygen demand showed that the compounds in the water were relatively biodegradable. Total suspended solid was above the permissible limit. Mean total dissolved solid was below the permissible limit. Mean electrical conductivity was also below the permissible limit. The concentration of NH4 was at toxic level. The concentrations of nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and sulphate were below the permissible limits indicating non-toxicity and lack of these nutrient elements in the water. The contents of Fe, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Co and Mn were above permissible levels. The effluent from Champion breweries is considered to be one of the major sources of pollutants of surface water in this area, which efficient treatment of effluent before disposal is recommended.

Concentrations of heavy metals in water, sediments and aquatic organisms from a closed realgar mine.

Mining activities can result in severe heavy metal contamination in freshwater ecosystems and lead to significant health risks. In this study, eight heavy metal concentrations in the water, sediments and aquatic organisms, including eighteen fish species, two shrimp species, one crab species and one amphibian frog species of the abandoned Shimen Realgar Mine area, were analysed. The results showed that most of the heavy metals detected in water, sediments and fish from the mine area were at relatively high levels, and historical realgar mining activities were a major source of arsenic (As) contamination in this area. We concluded that heavy metal bioaccumulation is species- and tissue-specific and is different for each element and sampling site. The concentration of heavy metals in fish was generally lower than that of the other aquatic organism species; these concentrations varied among different species with different feeding habits and habitats. The study showed that heavy metal concentrations were lower in muscle tissue than in other tissues (e.g. liver, skin, exoskeleton). A significant positive correlation between the As concentrations in sediment and fish was observed, indicating that sediment is an important factor affecting As accumulation in fish; thus, for fish protection, controlling the sources of water and sediment contamination is essential. Furthermore, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of all metals was acceptable, and the corresponding target hazard quotient (THQ) and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) values were less than 1; hence, there was no serious health risk through fish consumption in this area.

Comparative Evaluation of Heavy Metal Concentration in Water and Sediment, Choba Segment of New Calabar River, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The heavy metal concentration in water and sediment, Choba segment of New Calabar River, Port Harcourt was investigated between February and April, 2020. Samples collected from the three locations were analysed in the laboratory for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) following standard method of APHA. The mean values of heavy metal in water (mg/l) were: Cr (2.29±1.29), Ni (2.32±0.28), Pb (2.46±0.38), Cd (0.04±0.02), Fe (52.18±7.26) while that of sediment were: Cr (7.18±0.43), Ni (5.57±0.29), Pb (8.09±0.39), Cd(0.30±0.15), Fe (123.64±5.17). The heavy metal values showed variations across the stations at P&lt;0.05. The order of concentration of heavy metal in water was: Fe&gt;Pb&gt;Ni&gt;Cr&gt;Cd while that of sediment is Fe&gt;Pb&gt;Cr&gt;Ni &gt; Cd with heavy metal concentration in sediment higher than that of water while Fe and Cd concentrations were highest and lowest in both water and sediment respectively. All the heavy metals in water except Ni exceeded the permissible limits of World Health Organisation (WHO), Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) while that of sediment were below the permissible limits except Fe. It was concluded from the results that Choba segment of the New Calabar River is under stress since the heavy metals apart from Nickel (Ni) present were above the permissible limit. This implies that the quality of the water is unsafe for use especially for domestic purpose if untreated owing to the on-going anthropogenic activities in the area. Therefore, regulatory standards for discharges from anthropogenic activities should be strictly controlled

Seasonal Dynamics of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Water and Fish from Hakaluki Haor of Bangladesh

Food safety is currently a serious concern due to the health risks associated with food intake, particularly due to heavy metal contamination. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the heavy metals concentration in water and fishes collected from Hakaluki haor, Bangladesh. Three important fish species, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus cirrhosis, and Labeo calbasu, together with water samples, were analyzed for heavy metals (Pb, Cr, and Cd), respectively. Considering four seasons, namely the monsoon, post-monsoon, winter, and pre-monsoon, a total of 72 fish samples were collected from three fishing stations from June 2017 to May 2018. The results showed that the total mean concentration of metals in water (mg L−1) was found to be in the order of Pb (0.125 ± 0.058) &gt; Cr (0.026 ± 0.012) &gt; Cd (0.001 ± 0.0002) within the maximum permissible limits set by the EU and WHO, except for Pb concentrations. Similarly, the total mean concentrations of Pb in fish (µg g−1) were found in order of L. rohita (0.388 ± 0.291) &gt; Cirrhinus cirrhosus (0.334 ± 0.236) &gt; L. calbasu (0.251 ± 0.117) greater than the maximum permissible limits (0.3 µg g−1) set by FIQC, except for L. calbasu. However, the mean concentrations of Cr and Cd in fish were found to be below the maximum permissible limits of FAO and FIQC, respectively. The quantity of heavy metal contamination in this haor indicates that the situation is worrying for the region’s biota and residents. However, to protect public health and reduce environmental risk, the appropriate authorities should oversee and monitor it with strong hands.

Evaluation of Surface Water Quality Using Various Indices for Heavy Metals in Sasolburg, South Africa

The purpose of the study was to determine the concentrations of heavy metals in surface waters used for domestic and farming activities. This study investigated various water quality parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and major and trace elements such as Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, Tl, and V, which were investigated during the dry and wet seasons from samples collected at Meulsteenpan Lake, Coalplex Stream, and Natref Stream in Sasolburg, Free State, South Africa (2019–2020). The results revealed that the pH of water collected from Meulsteenpan Lake (7.86–7.89) and Coalplex stream (7.13–7.37) were within the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), World Health Organization (WHO), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permissible guideline values for domestic and agricultural use. On the other hand, the pH from Natref stream (6.16–7.68) was within the permissible guideline values set by the DWAF for domestic use but below the permissible guideline values set by the WHO and EPA for domestic use, and the DWAF for agricultural use. The mean TDS and EC values in Meulsteenpan Lake (796–980 mg/L) and (1.20–2.00 mS/m) exceeded permissible guideline values set by the DWAF and WHO domestic use for TDS, Coalplex stream (309–326 mg/L) and (0.65 mS/m), and Natref Stream (269–413 mg/L) and (0.89–0.96 mS/m) were within the permissible guideline values for the DWAF and WHO domestic use for TDS. The results obtained for metal concentration revealed higher mean concentrations for Al, Fe, and Mo, Mn in the study area, which could pose adverse health risks to aquatic life and humans. Various pollution and health assessments (Cf, m-Cd, m-HPI, HEI, NEI, and WQI) were used to evaluate the quality status of the surface water on all sampling sites. WQI revealed that in the wet and dry seasons, surface waters from Coalplex Stream and Natref Stream had “excellent” water quality, while Meulsteenpan Lake had “excellent” water quality in the dry season, but in the wet season, the water quality was “unsuitable for drinking”.

Heavy Metal Contamination of the River Nile Environment, Rosetta Branch, Egypt

The Rosetta Branch is one of Egypt’s most important Nile River branches, providing freshwater to multiple cities. However, its water quality has been deteriorating, with various wastes containing high loads of heavy metals being discharged into its body of water. Seasonally, water and sediment samples and two native aquatic plants (Ceratophyllum demersum and Eichhornia crassipes) were collected and analyzed from the Rosetta Branch to assess the level of metal contamination (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cd, Cr, and Co) using different metal indices. The levels of some metals in the branch water overstepped those suitable for drinking water and aquatic life. In increasing order, the means of the heavy metal concentrations in branch water (µg/L) were Cd (1.8–4.9) < Co (7.18–28.1) ≈ Ni (9.0–25.1) < Cr (8.56–27.4) < Cu (14–75) < Pb (9.3–67.9) < Zn (22–133) < Mn (68–220) < Fe (396–1640). All the metal indices measured in the sediment confirmed the Ni and Cd contamination, where Ni and Cd in the sediment surpass the sediment quality guidelines in 80% and 53% of samples, respectively, reflecting frequent adverse effects on aquatic organisms. According to the bioconcentration factor, C. demersum and E. crassipes have higher accumulation capacities mainly for Cd than those for other metals considered as major pollutants in the water and sediment of Rosetta Branch, reflecting the role of hydrophytes in the biological treatment of polluted water in aquatic environments.