Metal Pollution Index Research Articles

The goose barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes as a tool for trace metal biomonitoring and health risk assessment for human consumers in northwestern Atlantic coast of Morocco

The bioaccumulation of trace metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn in soft tissues of the barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes was investigated seasonally along the Atlantic coast of northwestern Morocco. Average concentrations (μg g−1 dry weight) exhibited a decreasing order: Fe (548.15 ± 132.43) > Zn (430.80 ± 181.68) > Cd (17.46 ± 9.99) > Cu (7.72 ± 1.26) > Cr (3.12 ± 0.80), with the highest levels during wet seasons. The “Metal Pollution Index” and “Individual Multimetal Bioaccumulation Index” revealed a substantial barnacle contamination in industrialized areas. Additionally, Cd and Zn concentrations surpassed permissible guideline limits. While the “Target Hazard Quotient” and “Hazard Index” unveiled no significant health risks associated with barnacle consumption for humans, Cd posed potential risks, particularly for children consuming barnacles from polluted locations. Regarding the “Maximum Safe Consumption”, Cd demonstrated potential harm across all sex and age groups. These findings contribute valuable data on the safety of barnacle consumption, marking the initial assessment of such risks in Morocco. The study offers evidence of metal pollution occurrence and proposes the barnacle species as a reliable biomonitor of trace metal bioavailabilities in marine coastal areas. To our knowledge, this investigation is the first comprehensive report of metal contamination biomonitoring using barnacles from Moroccan Atlantic waters.

Current water pollution status at an important wintering site of the black-faced spoonbill Platalea minor in Xinghua Bay, south China

Xinghua Bay is one of the largest wintering sites of the black-faced spoonbill Platalea minor in mainland China. The ecosystem of Xinghua Bay has shown a deteriorating trend with the increasing pressure of economic development in recent decades. To understand the current conservation status of the wintering spoonbills in Xinghua Bay, we collected water samples along the coast of Xinghua Bay and important spoonbill habitats during the wintering period to analyze the pollution degree of 7 target heavy metals and organics. The Nemerow pollution index (NPI), heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and contamination degree (CD) were used to assess the heavy metal pollution levels. The ecological risk index of a target heavy metal (Efi) and potential ecological risk index of all target heavy metals (RI) were used to assess the ecological risk of heavy metals levels in Xinghua Bay. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was used to determine the sources of heavy metals in coastal waters with the EPA PMF5.0 model. The results showed that there was moderate to very heavy pollution by heavy metals and moderate associated ecological risks in Xinghua Bay, in which Hg and Cd were the major heavy metal pollution sources, and the level of organic pollution was of serious concern. The use of fertilizers for cultured shellfish and aquaculture in and around the bay were the major cause of the excessive nitrogen and phosphorus levels, and factories surrounding Xinghua Bay were the major sources of heavy metals and organic pollution. We propose conservation measures to increase black-faced spoonbill population and enhance its habitats.

Assessment of heavy metal and other chemical pollution in Lake Tana along urban peripheries, Ethiopia

Abstract This study investigates the heavy metals (HMs) and other constituents in Lake Tana around the Gulf of Bahir Dar City. The water sample was collected from areas receiving drainage water and a reference sample was collected from areas away from the urban impact, both during dry and wet seasons. Pollution sources and levels were determined using pollution indices and GIS spatial analyses. All in situ parameters were in the recommended range of the USEPA aquatic and WHO drinking water guidelines. The level of dissolved P was recorded between 0.03 and 0.9 mg/l and the level of N-NO3 ranged from 0.05 to 1.01 mg/l indicating that the limits were above USEPA aquatic criteria. The HMs varied from 0.08 to 2.85 mg/l for Cu, 0.10 to 1.60 mg/l for Fe, 0.04 to 0.22 mg/l for Cr, and Mn was below detection. Cr and Fe were above the aquatic and drinking water guideline limit. Spatially, pollution was more significant in areas receiving drainage. Also, except Cu and Fe, other parameters were higher in the rainy season indicating storm runoff pollution. The overall pollution indices of water quality status, such as water quality index 63, heavy metal pollution index 3.1, and nutrient pollution index 4.7, indicated the quality level of water to be alarming. Therefore, comprehensive regulatory and waste management practices are needed.

Evaluation of river water quality using multivariate statistics and water quality indices: A case of Göynük canyon (Turkey)

Natural and anthropogenic water pollution caused by heavy metals has become a major problem worldwide. As a result of these processes, many harmful heavy metals are mixed into the water and endanger the environment and human health. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the hydrogeochemical properties of the stream waters of Göynük Canyon (Göynük Stream), which is located in southern Turkey, an important touristic region of Antalya. A total of 44 water samples were retained to evaluate the geochemical type, heavy metal contamination level, and suitability for drinking and irrigation of Göynük Canyon Stream waters. All samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and multi-parameter portable water quality assessment.Analysed water samples were found to be of classes II and III in terms of overall water quality. The average hardness level is above the limit values. The results of geochemical analyses showed that the common water types in the region are Mg–Ca–HCO3, Ca–Mg–HCO3, Ca–Mg–HCO3–SO4, and Ca–Mg–HCO3–Cl-water facies. Most of the samples belong to the "rock weathering dominated" region represented in the Gibbs diagram. The hydrogen ion concentration (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) values vary between respectively 6.5–7.9; 230.4–720.8 μS/cm, and 149–468 mg/L. Cations and anions followed the order Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+ and HCO3− > SO42− > Cl− > F− > NO3−. Heavy metal anomalies in water followed an increasing order: Cu < As < Pb < Ni < Ba < Fe < Cr < Mn < Zn < Sr. These heavy metals showed high index values (Poseidon index (PoS), contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), geochemical index (Igeo), heavy metals pollution index (HPI), contamination degree (Cd), in some water samples. There is a spatial anomaly in these locations related to limestone and ophiolite. This water can be used for irrigation purposes according to Wilcox, the United States salinity laboratory diagram (USSL), permeability index (PI), Kelly's ratio (KR), and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC).

Evaluation of surface water contamination and its impacts on health in the mining districts of Kambélé and Bétaré-Oya (Eastern-Cameroon)

This study aimed to assess water contamination and associated health risks for populations residing in the mining areas of Kambélé and Bétaré-Oya. Key parameters, including pH, EC, TDS, TSS, and concentrations of metallic elements (Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb and Mn), were measured using established water analysis techniques. The analysis included multivariate statistical assessments, calculation of metal pollution and water quality indices, and health risk determinations, including daily intake (DI) and hazard quotient (HQ). Findings indicate a diverse pH range (5.26 < pH < 8.72), low mineralization (33.22 < EC (μS/cm) < 179.64), and elevated TSS content (22.53 < TSS (in mg/l) < 271.51). Metallic elements were observed in the descending order of Fe > Mn > Pb > Cr > Cd. Water quality assessments using the Water Quality Index (WQI) categorized sites as displaying doubtful to very poor quality, notably Woupy (WQI = 719.14) in Kambélé and Mali (WQI = 794.24) in Bétaré-Oya, with Heavy metal Pollution Index (HPI) values exceeding 100. These outcomes highlight consistent chemical degradation of surface water, posing potential risks to local populations' health and well-being. The study emphasizes the critical need for proactive environmental protection measures in mining areas, recommending the adoption of healthy mining practices and effective site reclamation strategies. Furthermore, future studies should consider exposure duration's potential impact on residents' health problems in these areas. Overall, this study contributes significantly to understanding and addressing the intricate interplay between mining activities, water quality, and public health in the Cameroon countryside.

Factors affecting the performance of a pharmaceutical wastewater treatment plant: Characterization of effluent and environmental risk

Pharmaceutical industries produce a huge volume of emerging pollutants (EPs) that pose a threat to the aqueous environment. Biological processes have shown their inefficacy in treating many pharmaceutical products. The study assessed physicochemical parameters, EPs, heavy metals in pharmaceutical industrial wastewater, and the removal efficiency (RE) of an aerobic biological treatment plant. The study also assessed the contamination levels and risk using several indices, such as the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI), heavy metal pollution index (HPI), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), and risk quotients index (RQs). The study found that the treated water quality was poor, having antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and others, along with several transformation products (TPs) and heavy metals, which were unsafe for consumption with high environmental risk. The analysis results showed that the RE for TSS, BOD5, COD, TDS, and EC were found to be 91.80%, 86.81%, 72.29%, 72.20%, and 65.60%, respectively, where the values of BOD5, COD, NO3−, and PO43− in the effluent were still higher than the permissible limits of the ECR (2023). However, the RE for heavy metals was in the order of Cu (84.62%) > Fe (65.04%) > Mn (63.3%) > Zn (60.58%) > Cd (53.85%) > Ni (54.12%) > Pb (42.42%) > Cr (38%), where Cr and Cd concentrations were still higher than the permissible limit of DoE (2019). The Pearson correlation and PCA suggested that EC, TDS, TSS, DO, BOD5, and COD were the most correlating and contributing variables. This study argued that metal-ligand behaviors mainly affect the removal efficiency of the treatment plant by lowering the removal rate of heavy metals and pharmaceutical products.

Assessment of post-war groundwater quality in urban areas of Mosul city /Iraq and surrounding areas for drinking and irrigation purposes by using the Canadian Environment Water Quality Index CCME-WQI and Heavy Metal Pollution Index HPI

The negative impact of war acts in the conflict area of the city of Mosul and its surroundings on groundwater quality and thus its use as drinking water, in domestic applications and for irrigation was addressed. Therefore, 8 wells were analyzed from January to September 2022 using the parameters pH, E.C., TDS, % salinity, COD, phosphate, nitrate, sulfate and the heavy metals Cd, Pb, Zn, Cr and Ni, and water quality was evaluated using a mathematical model based on the CCME WQI, the HPI and present salinity. Due to salinity, 6 of the 8 wells were moderately suitable for irrigation and 2 wells were difficult in use. According to the CCME WQI criteria, 4 wells were highly and 3 wells were moderately contaminated for drinking water supply and domestic use, and therefore unusable or limited usable, while 3 wells were unusable and 2 wells were moderately usable for irrigation purposes. For irrigation, only one well showed low and 2 wells showed marginal contamination. The HIP revealed good quality of 3 wells, poor quality of 2 wells and unsuitability of 3 wells (drinking water/ domestic use) or very poor quality (irrigation), respectively. According to all approaches, the wells located in the conflict area consistently showed poor water quality. Thus, war had a significant negative impact on groundwater quality in the conflict area, as the surface-near wells located here showed comparatively high levels of contaminations and heavy metals due to the infiltration of contaminated surface water, damaged sewage networks and infiltration of rainwater after passing through highly polluted soils. Cadmium, followed by lead, were the dominant water contaminants, which is why caution is advised before using this well water.

Heavy metal contamination assessment and potential human health risk of water quality of lakes situated in the protected area of Tisa, Romania

Protected areas are significant due to the high value of natural resources they shelter. This study's primary objective is to assess the quality status of the water resources (13 lakes and Tisa River) localized in the protected area of Tisa River on the territory of Romania. A number of 13 lakes and surface water (Tisa River) situated in the protected area through the Natura 2000 ecological network are studied. The chemistry and potential pollution status were analyzed by measuring and analyzing a set of twenty elements and sixteen physico-chemical parameters. The potential impact of anthropogenic activities was settled through the applied analysis and obtained results. A potential human health risk was noticed. Results indicated that waters are rich in Ni and Fe probably due to interaction with groundwater rich in Fe and Ni. Waters are characterized by potential contamination, which if directly or through the food chain consumed could negatively influence the human health. Piper and Gibbs plots indicated that the studied waters are divided into three categories based on water-rock interactions: mixed Ca2+-Na+-HCO3-, CaCO3−, and Na+-HCO3-. Likewise, the applied pollution indices (Heavy metal Pollution Index, HPI and Heavy metal Evaluation Index, HEI) indicated three pollution categories correlated to the As, Ni and Fe amounts. The findings of this research imply that the chemistry of the studied lakes and surface waters is influenced by the geogenic origin and emergence of anthropogenic activities. The significance of this research is related to understanding of mechanisms that influence the water quality, improving and conserving the natural water resources, and correspondingly understanding if any potential human health risks could be identified.

Potentially toxic elements pose a threat to environmental quality and human health: The Kumasi Abattoir Ghana in perspective

The environmental and human health risks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) – iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd), in the Kumasi Abattoir Ghana (KAG) untreated effluent have been investigated. PTEs' spatial variability was analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). Environmental risk assessments were investigated using three novel indices Effluent Pollution Index (EPI), Effluent Discharge Quality Index (EDQI), and modified Heavy Metal Pollution Index (mHPI), which incorporated eigenvectors from the two PCs. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks were evaluated for children and adults using standard methods. The high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the PCA was attributed to PC1 (54.2 %) and PC2 (26.2 %), accounting for 80.4 % of the total variance. The eigenvectors of Cu and Zn (both non-carcinogenic) for PC1 and Mn (non-carcinogenic) and Pb (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic) for PC2 exerted the most effects. PC1 and PC2 corresponded to the effluent temperature and chemical oxygen demand (COD), respectively. The highest EPIpc1 = 61.20 and EPIpc2 = 46.48 were attributed to Fe. Ni had the lowest values (EPIpc1 = 0.02, EPIpc2 = 0.01). EDQIpc1 = 9.52, EDQIpc2 = 7.30 and mHPIpc1 = 474.97 and mHPIpc2 = 267.94 depicted major environmental threats. These indices corresponded to the effluent nitrate (NO3−). Major health threats emerge through ingestion non-carcinogenic (child = 31.42; adult = 18.88) and carcinogenic risk (child = 8.25 × 10−1; adult = 4.96 × 10−1). The dermal health risks were negligible non-carcinogenic (child = 6.25 × 10−4; adult = 3.91 × 10−4) and carcinogenic (child = 1.36 × 10−6; adult = 8.52 × 10−7). Limited by national exposure values, this study provides scientific evidence of potential dangers associated with PTE exposure in the KAG's effluent. It also serves as a critical bridge between environmental quality and health risk of vulnerable communities, calling for actionable intervention.

Health risk and pollution associated with trace metals in the waters of the Ebolowa municipal lake basin (Central Africa): evidence from hydrochemistry, quality indices, and statistical analyses.

The aim of this study was to investigate the status of trace metals (As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Fe, and Zn) and health and carcinogenic risk associated then in the Ebolowa Municipal Lake (EML) basin. To this end, 21 water samples were collected from the EML and its two tributaries, Mfoumou and Bengo'o, and analyzed by Quantofix method (nanocolors and visiocolor ECO) by using the MACHEREY-NAGEL photometer. The data were processed using multivariate statistics. The results showed that all the physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, and TDS), with the exception of TDS, comply with were within WHO limits. The distribution of trace metals at the three sites investigated was as follows: Zn (80-400 ± 1.58µg/L) > Cu (50-150 ± 9.38µg/L) > Fe (10-40 ± 0.71µg/L) > Pb (1-20 ± 3.02µg/L) > As (1-9 ± 0.44µg/L) > Ni (1-9 ± 1.48µg/L). However, the highest values were observed in the EML and the Mfoumou River, where Pb pollution was noted. Statistical analysis showed that anthropogenic inputs increase the presence of Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Trace Metal Pollution Index values were below 15 at all sites, illustrating low levels of pollution. The trace metal evaluation index values for the Bengo'o stream are pure (mean = 0.6), slightly affected in the Mfoumou stream (mean = 2.0), and moderately affected in the EML (mean = 2.2). The toxicity load index values illustrate that the waters studied are toxic. The non-carcinogenic (HI) and carcinogenic (CR) health risk index values suggest a risk linked to oral ingestion in the LME and Mfoumou watercourses. The latter appears to be the main source of allochthonous pollutant input to the EML.

Determination of potentially toxic elements bioaccumulated in the commercially important pelagic fish narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson)

Anthropogenic activities have increased the discharge of marine contaminants threatening marine life. Small gulfs, such as the Arabian Gulf, are vulnerable to accumulating potentially toxic elements in marine species due to slow water exchange. The concentration of 21 elements was determined in the tissues of Scomberomorus commerson from Umm Al Quwain (United Arab Emirates) and Bandar Abbas (Iran). Chromium, Copper, and Iron exceeded internationally established maximum permissible limits. Sites could not be distinguished based on Principle Component Analyses of elements. Elevated Cu and Cr in muscle are of concern to marine species as well as humans. Metal Pollution Index showed a significant difference between sites, with 20.34 % and 100 % of individuals suffering high metal toxicity and poor body conditions, respectively. The Arabian Gulf is experiencing an increase in discharge of industrial wastes. Implementation of strict policies to reduce discharge of toxic substances is required to protect marine organisms and humans.

Elevated Uptake and Translocation Patterns of Heavy Metals in Different Food Plants Parts and Their Impacts on Human Health.

Irrigation with contaminated wastewater is a common practice in cultivation of crops and vegetables in many developing countries due to the scarcity of available fresh water. The present study has investigated the transfer and mobilization trends of heavy metals in different crops and vegetables plants grown in contaminated soil and waterbody. The translocation patterns of metals from polluted sources into different organs of plants bodies such as roots and edible parts and associated health risks have been evaluated simultaneously. Total of 180 different environmental samples including food plants, agricultural soil, and irrigation water were collected and analyzed. Heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb, Cu, Cd, As) in water, soil, and different parts of crops and vegetable plants were compared with the permissible levels reported by FAO/WHO, EU, and USEPA. Different metals contents within the food plants were found to be in the order of Fe > Mn > Ni > Cu > Pb > Cd > As. Pollution load index (PLI) data indicate that soil is highly polluted with Cd as well as moderately contaminated by As and Cu. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) analysis showed excessive accumulation of some heavy metals in crops and vegetables. Target hazard quotient (THQ) and target carcinogenic risk (TCR) analysis data showed higher carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for both adult and children from the consumption of metal-contaminated food items. The results of metal pollution index (MPI), estimated daily intake (EDI), and hazard index (HI) analyses demonstrated the patterns of metals pollution in different food plants.

Participatory assessment of pollution and health risk in artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities in Colombia

The predominantly Afro-descendant communities of Yolombó and La Toma depend on the region's rich natural resources through livelihoods such as farming, fishing, and artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). Previous studies of the region have identified elevated levels of mercury in several surface and groundwater sites. Furthermore, recent regional studies have identified human health risks associated with mercury exposure through hazard quotient (HQ) modeling and global sensitivity and uncertainty analysis (GSUA). However, there has yet to be a comprehensive analysis of water pollution involving different metals and metalloids potentially present in ASGM-influenced areas to estimate the associated environmental and human health impacts. In this study, we employed a participatory methodology to identify sources of exposure in Colombian ASGM communities through surveys, consumption diaries, and interviews. We then screened for relevant metals and metalloids through groundwater analysis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS). Furthermore, we calculated water pollution indices, including heavy metal pollution index (HPI), degree of contamination (Cd), heavy metal toxicity load (HMTL) and heavy metal evaluation index (HEI). Finally, we quantified human health risks related to groundwater consumption through the HQ and hazard index (HI). Although the groundwater assessed in this study generally meets United States and Colombian regulatory standards, heightened Fe, Mn, and Al levels were observed. The pollution indices generally agreed that three of the sites tested showed medium to high pollution levels. The HI showed that the combined effect of all metals tested did not substantiate risk for most participants. However, the HI of one participant, a child, exceeded the 1.00 threshold. Furthermore, the presence of Pb, despite meeting regulatory limits, necessitates further scrutiny due to its substantial impact on pollution and human health hazard indices.

Analysing the factors influencing groundwater quality with different pollution indices and PLS-SEM approach in the vicinity of an open dumping yard in Saduperi, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.

Open dumping is the prevailing municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal technique in India. Unsanitary landfill releases leachate that contaminates valuable groundwater. Hence, the present study was carried out in the vicinity of the Saduperi open dumpsite, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, to explore the key factors that influences groundwater contamination. A total of 216 groundwater samples were collected between May 2021 and April 2022. These samples were categorised into four different seasons such as summer, southwest monsoon (SWM), northeast monsoon (NEM), and winter. Pollution indices such as the Leachate Pollution Index (LPI) and the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) were used to evaluate the contamination potential. The calculated LPI > 35 in all seasons indicates the prevailing poor environmental condition. It was observed that about 56% of the sampling site was affected by heavy metal concentrations such as Cd, Cr, and Ni. The HPI value was found to be more than the critical value of 100 in the 10 sampling wells for all seasons. Partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) has also been carried out in this study to create a link between latent variables such as 'IOT Parameters', 'Leachate Parameters', 'Heavy Metal', and 'Groundwater Quality' which were quantified by the yield of R2 value. The R2 value of the sampling well ahead of the dumpsite and along the direction of the groundwater flow values ranges from 24.7 to 86.5% in comparison to the wells located behind the dumpsite, which are prone to more contamination due to migration of leachate. Hence, this present study shows various influencing factors that affect the groundwater quality.

Spatiotemporal variations, sources, pollution status and health risk assessment of dissolved trace elements in a major Arabian Sea draining river: insights from multivariate statistical and machine learning approaches.

River Mahi drains through semi-arid regions (Western India) and is a major Arabian Sea draining river. As the principal surface water source, its water quality is important to the regional population. Therefore, the river water was sampled extensively (n = 64, 16 locations, 4 seasons and 2years) and analyzed for 11 trace elements (TEs; Sr, V, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd, Ba, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Co). Machine learning (ML) and multivariate statistical analysis (MVSA) were applied to investigate their possible sources, spatial-temporal-annual variations, evaluate multiple water quality parameters [heavy metal pollution index (HPI), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI)], and health indices [hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (THI)] associated with TEs. TE levels were higher than their corresponding world average values in 100% (Sr, V and Zn), 78%(Cu), 41%(Ni), 27%(Cr), 9%(Cd), 8%(Ba), 8%(Co), 6%(Fe), and 0%(Mn), of the samples. Three principal components (PCs) accounted for 74.5% of the TE variance: PC-1 (Fe, Co, Mn and Cu) and PC-2 (Sr and Ba) are contributed from geogenic sources, while PC-3 (Cr, Ni and Zn) are derived from geogenic and anthropogenic sources. HPI, HEI, HQ and THI all indicate that water quality is good for domestic purposes and poses little hazard. ML identified Random forest as the most suitable model for predicting HEI class (accuracy: 92%, recall: 92% and precision: 94%). Even with a limited dataset, the study underscores the potential application of ML to predictive classification modeling.

Controlling effects of terrestrial organic matter on metal contamination and toxicity risks in port sediments

The contents of metals, total carbon, total nitrogen (TN), total organic carbon (TOC), and stable isotope composition (δ13Corg and δ15N) of sediment organic matter (SOM) were investigated to explore the sources and spatial distribution of metals and SOM in the surface sediments (Kaohsiung Port, Taiwan). Results showed that TOC and metals in estuarine sediments are high, gradually decreasing toward the port entrances. The δ13Corg, δ15N, and TOC/TN ratios indicate that SOM comes mainly from terrestrial sources. This study proposes a befitting model between metal pollution and toxicity risk index and SOM sources in port sediments by combining stable isotope composition, correlation matrix, and multiple linear regression analysis. The model indicates that the degree of metal pollution and toxicity risk in sediments are mainly affected by TOCterr content and SOM source. The results help to understand the influence of organic matter sources in port sediments on metal concentration distribution.

Heavy metal distribution and ecological pollution assessments in water bodies and sediments in rural areas of Bangladesh

Pollution in rural waterbodies, sediments, and aquatic species due to long-range transportation and mobilization of heavy and toxic metals contaminants is a growing concern in many developing countries nowadays. Environmental components in rural areas are usually considered as safe and information on metals toxicities in rural natural resources are very limited. Herein, accumulation, mobilization, and distribution of eight different elements (Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb, Cr, Cu, Cd, As) in water bodies and sediments in rural areas of Bangladesh have been investigated successfully. Different metals contents found in water and sediment were compared with standard threshold levels reported by WHO, USEPA, China, and the results revealed the occurrence of pollution in respective environmental resources with the excessive presence of some heavy metals. Pollution characteristics analyses with trace metal pollution index (TPI), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), contamination index (Cd), and comprehensive pollution index (CPI) indicated that water bodies in rural areas are contaminated with Pb, Mn, Fe, and different metals contents were varied in the order of Fe > Mn > Cu > Pb > Cr > As > Cd > Ni (mg/L). Contamination analyses in sediments with potential ecological risk index (PERI), pollution load index (PLI), metal enrichment (EF), and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) assessments revealed the occurrence of pollution in sediments with Ni, Cr, Cu, and the translocations of different heavy metals in rural sediments were varied in the order Fe > Mn > Cr > Ni > Cu > Cr > Cu > Pb > As > Cd (mg/Kg). PLI data of metals showed higher than one and the magnitudes of Igeo were greater than zero which indicated inordinate accumulation of Ni, Cr, and Cu in sediments. The present research findings offer significant information on how the pollutants from point sources impact the environmental ecosystems in rural areas of Bangladesh due to the long-range pollution with flood and other natural disasters that occur frequently in the region. These results may be useful for making necessary environmental policies in developing countries regarding long-range pollution.

Potential health risk assessment of mixtures of heavy metals in drinking water

Despite the potential to cause chronic adverse effects, heavy metals screenings are not typically as frequent or exhaustive as those for bacterial contamination. Additionally, there is a pressing need for collectively assessing heavy metals as a mixture rather than individual allowed limits. We tested a hypothesis that comprehensive methodical wide screening for heavy metals can inform the magnitude of potential exposures and aid in classifying heavy metals collectively as hazardous rather than individual level comparisons. A total of 297 samples were taken by proportional cluster sampling from different households in Irbid governorate, depending on population density in each district. We analyzed the samples using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Our analysis looked at individual levels of heavy metal clustering in different water sources and regions and calculated a heavy metals pollution index (HPI) in five different types of drinking water: harvested rainwater, bottled water, spring water, water shop, and tap water. Pb and Fe were the main contaminants in drinking water, especially tap and harvested rainwater. High amounts of essential metals were found in tap, harvested rain, and spring waters compared to water shop and bottled water. HPI was above critical value in 29 samples, all of which were harvested rainwater samples, and most of which came from Wasateya and Taiba regions. Spring and tap water had similar heavy metal patterns. This experimental approach provides a guide for clustering water sources in their heavy metal patterns and for classification of heavy metals as mixtures rather than individual limits; it also fills crucial gaps in prioritization of heavy metal testing according to water type and metal correlations. Furthermore, this study presents the first data on drinking water quality in Jordan to be published in over a decade.

Investigating the influence of thermal evaporation method on the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) of groundwater

Groundwater plays a substantial role in satisfying freshwater demand for different purposes worldwide. The degradation of groundwater by various industrial and anthropogenic activities has become a significant problem in recent times. Specifically, the intrusion of heavy metal substances into the groundwater aquifers through industrial effluents is a critical concern. Therefore, the evaluation of groundwater quality has become the need of the hour in order to guarantee the sustainable and secure utilization of freshwater for farming, commercial, and, most importantly, domestic applications. In this study, the groundwater quality and the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) of an industrial area in Tamil Nadu, India, called ‘Thoothukudi’, have been evaluated in order to determine the influence of industrial activities on the groundwater quality. In total, ten groundwater samples were accessed from the borewells located near the major industrial areas. The parameters, namely pH, total hardness (TH), electrical conductivity (EC), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and lead (Pb) levels of the groundwater samples were evaluated. Further, the samples were treated using solar thermal-based evaporative (STBE) arrangements. The HPI values of the raw samples demonstrated that the groundwater in the studied areas was affected by heavy metal contamination. The distillation of the groundwater samples exhibited that the STBE method is an effective and energy-efficient tool to eradicate the heavy metal contamination of the groundwater. Specifically, the average day-wise yield of the STBE arrangement was reported as 2838 ml/day in the lab-scale experiments.

Using Heavy Metals Pollution Indices for Assessment of Tigris River Water Within Al-Tarmiya City, Northern Baghdad, Iraq

Using Heavy Metals Pollution Indices for Assessment of Tigris River Water Within Al-Tarmiya City, Northern Baghdad, Iraq