Metals In Sediments Research Articles

Heavy metals in water and sediment of Cikijing River, Rancaekek District, West Java: Contamination distribution and ecological risk assessment.

The Cikijing River is one of the rivers of the Citarik River Basin, which empties into the Citarum River and crosses Bandung Regency and Sumedang Regency, Indonesia. One of the uses of the Cikijing River is as a source of irrigation for rice fields in the Rancaekek area, but the current condition of the water quality of the Cikijing river has decreased, mainly due to the disposal of wastewater from the Rancaekek industrial area which is dominated by industry in the textile and textile products sector. This study aims to determine the potential ecological risks and water quality of the Cikijing River based on the content of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn). Sampling was carried out twice, during the dry and rainy seasons at ten different locations. The selection of locations took into account the ease of sampling and distribution of land use. Based on the results of this study, it was found that the water quality of the Cikijing River was classified as good based on the content of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn) with a Pollution Index 0.272 (rainy season) and 0.196 (dry season), while for the sediment compartment of the Cikijing River, according to the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) were categorized as unpolluted for heavy metals in rainy and dry seasons Cr (-3.16 and -6.97) < Cu (-0.59 and -1.05), and Pb (-1.68 and -1.91), heavily to very heavily polluted for heavy metals Zn (4.7 and 4.1) . The pollution load index (PLI) shows that the Cikijing River is classified as polluted by several heavy metals with the largest pollution being Zn> Cu > Pb > Cr. Furthermore, the results of the analysis using the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) concluded that the Cikijing River has a mild ecological risk potential in rainy season (93.94) and dry season (96.49). The correlation test results concluded that there was a strong and significant relationship between the concentrations of heavy metals Pb and Zn and total dissolved solids, salinity, and electrical conductivity in the water compartment.

Assessment of the status of selected heavy metals in water, sediments and a fish species (Oreochromis niloticus) of commercial value in Lake Nakuru with a focus on human health risks

AbstractThe present study presents selected water quality parameters and the levels of heavy metals in water, sediments and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) of Lake Nakuru. Nine sediments and nine water samples, as well as 30 specimens of Nile tilapia, were collected from the northern part of the lake. Physical parameters were measured in situ using multiple probes and metres. Heavy metals were analysed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, temperature, salinity and electrical conductivity ranged from 9.52 to 9.72, 4.58 to 8.62 mg/L, 23.40°C to 25.7°C, 2.39‰ to 2.81‰ and 4470–5226 μs/cm, respectively. Heavy metal levels (mean ± SD) were generally low in the water samples. Chromium values ranged between 7.16 and 9.19 mg/kg dw in sediment samples, and between 3.7 and 13.06 mg/kg dw in fish samples. Lead values ranged between 12.5 and 31.04 mg/kg dw in sediment samples and 4.06 and 9.95 mg/kg dw in fish samples. Arsenic values ranged between 9.5 and 21.7 mg/kg dw in sediments and below detectable limit to 2.11 mg/kg dw in fish samples. Mercury values ranged between .14 and .31 mg/kg dw in sediment samples and .12 and .35 mg/kg dw in fish samples. Cadmium was the only heavy metal concentration that was below the detection limit in the three matrices. Significant differences were observed for some heavy metal concentrations in water, sediments and fish across sites (p &lt; .05). The levels of lead and chromium in fish were above the East African Standard, World Health Organization and European Union limits. The results of the present study recommend a possible reclassification of the lake, an immediate ban on fish harvesting and consumption from Lake Nakuru and a policy intervention on the fishery and pollution management.

Chemical Determination of Base Status Metals in Soil Sediments and Particulate Matter in Wellington Industrial Estate Location

Chemical Determination of Base Status Metals in Soil Sediments and Particulate Matter in Wellington Industrial Estate Location

Evaluation of Agricultural Contamination Level by Heavy Metals and Pesticides in Sediments of Rivers and Water Bodies for Shrimp Fishing in the Lower Ou&amp;#233;m&amp;#233;: Case of the Aguigadji, Ahlan and Sele Stations in Benin

Evaluation of Agricultural Contamination Level by Heavy Metals and Pesticides in Sediments of Rivers and Water Bodies for Shrimp Fishing in the Lower Ou&amp;#233;m&amp;#233;: Case of the Aguigadji, Ahlan and Sele Stations in Benin

Migration Capacity and Bioavailability of Metals in Bottom Sediments of Surface Water Bodies (Chemical and Analytical Aspects)

Migration Capacity and Bioavailability of Metals in Bottom Sediments of Surface Water Bodies (Chemical and Analytical Aspects)

Distribution characteristic and risk assessment of acid volatile sulfide and heavy metals in sulfate-rich reservoir sediment

Distribution characteristic and risk assessment of acid volatile sulfide and heavy metals in sulfate-rich reservoir sediment

Controlling Factors on REY Enrichments in Basins From the Pacific Ocean: Early Diagenesis and Local Constraints

AbstractIncreasing interest in high‐tech metals (e.g., rare earth elements and yttrium, REY) has triggered extensive research on the enrichment of these metals in pelagic sediments. In the sediments collected worldwide, Ca‐phosphate and Fe‐Mn (oxyhydr)oxides are targeted as the two most important REY carriers based on multiple geochemical and mineralogical analyses. However, the formation of the REY‐rich stratum remains enigmatic as the influences of diagenesis and the local restrictions of different oceanic basins are complex, which require further investigation. In our study, we analyzed four sediment cores from the Western, Central North, and Eastern South Pacific (WP, CNP, and ESP), which are three of the most promising REY‐rich regions in global oceans. Sequential leaching quantifies the dominance of Ca‐phosphate by controlling ∼73.9%–93.3% of ΣREY and the secondary role of Fe‐Mn (oxyhydr)oxides by holding up to ∼97.8% of Ce and ∼4.82%–13.9% of ΣREY. The shallowly and deeply buried sediments show similar features regarding the REY proportions hosted by different phases, which indicates that the REY accumulation by Ca‐phosphate might majorly occur on the seawater‐sediment interface. The geochemistry of the studied sediment cores reveals that (a) REY enrichment in ESP is affected by hydrothermal Fe‐Mn (oxyhydr)oxides which can promote adsorptions of P and REY. (b) The Fe and Mn contents in WP sediments show an inverse relationship against REY enrichment which might be explained by the dust input from Central Asia. (c) The slow sedimentation rate of CNP enables the extraordinary REY‐uptake by Ca‐phosphate, but the low flux of phosphorus constrains the formation of high‐grade REY deposits.

Concentrations of metals in water, sediments and aquatic macrophytes in a river located in a region with a hot semi-arid climate

Concentrations of metals in water, sediments and aquatic macrophytes in a river located in a region with a hot semi-arid climate

Assessment of heavy metals and ecological risk of pangas (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) farms in Bangladesh

An investigation was conducted to evaluate the contamination levels of heavy metals (As, Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu) in surface water and sediment of pangas (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) aquaculture farms in four regions (Mymensingh, Cumilla, Bogura, and Jashore) of Bangladesh. The ecological risk index (ERI) was determined to assess the water quality index. The water contained As concentrations of 3.60–11.14 µg/L; Pb of 1.73–3.83 µg/L; Cd of 1.26–23.12 µg/L; and Cu of 6.08–45.22 µg/L; whereas the sediments contained As concentrations of 2.84–4.57 mg/Kg; Pb of 8.32–16.07 mg/Kg; and Cd of 0.22–12 mg/Kg. Most locations had moderate to low levels of pollution, and the levels of contamination decreased from Cd to Pb to As to Cr. The declining sequence of potential ecological risk factors of toxic metals in sediment was Cd &gt; Pb &gt; As &gt; Cr. Cd's potential ecological risk factor ranged from 2.84 to 21.58, making it one of the elements with the highest potential for ecological danger compared with other metals in this study. The Igeo values for the metals under study showed the following hierarchy Cr &gt; As &gt; Pb &gt; Cd. As had a geo-accumulation index of -1.87 to 0.82, Pb, Cd -0.48 to -1.13, and Cr registered -1.28 to -2.45. Ponds in four different regions were found to be safe and suitable for fish culture, however, it was recommended that continuous monitoring of heavy metal concentrations in the aquaculture sector is necessary to mitigate the threat of contamination. Ann. Bangladesh Agric.27(2):105-117

Assessment of Heavy metals in Sediments, Water and Carias gariepinus from Alau Dam, Borno State Nigeria

Alau dam attracts commercial fishing and farming activities creating a booming market for individuals involved in the fish and vegetable businesses. The lake having flowed into several towns and villages coupled with the socio-economic activities along its bank received effluents with different concentrations of heavy metals. The study was aimed at assessing the levels of selected heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, As and Hg) concentrations in the sediments, water and Clarias gariepinus from Alau dam, Borno State, Nigeria. Samples were collected bi-weekly for 3 months and analyzed using standards methods. The result of the study indicates that heavy metal concentrations (Pb, Cd and Cr) in the sediments (2.120 ± 0.011, 1.004 ± 0.010 and 0.300 ± 0.010 mg/kg respectively) were all above USEPA permissible limits. The study further shows that exception of Cr (0.011 ± 0.007) all other analyzed metals were above NESREA limits. Additionally, the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, As and Hg in the fish samples (1.020 ± 0.011, 0.940 ± 0.022, 0.001 ± 0.017, 0.010 ± 0.112 and 0.005 ± 0.033 mg/kg respectively) were within the NAFDAC limit. The Non-Cancer Risk (HQ were ˃ 1 in all calculated samples) and Cancer Risks (˃10-3 in all calculated samples) revealed high health risk from ingestion of the C. gariepinus from the study area. Furthermore, the BAF ratio shows Cd ˃ Pb ˃ Hg ˃ As ˃ Cr. The study recommends strict enforcement of NESREA regulations and a continuous monitoring of the levels of heavy metals concentration in the dam.

Correlation of some water quality parameters and Pb in sediment to gastropod diversity in Ambon Island Waters

The coastal waters of Ambon Island have quite diverse ecosystems that allow for the presence of various organisms, one of which is gastropods. This study aims to analyze the correlation of some water parameters and Pb in sediment to the diversity of gastropods. The research method was carried out by observing the density, water quality parameters, and Pb metal in sediments. Water parameters were measured in situ and analyzed in the laboratory. The distribution of gastropods was analyzed through Principal Component Analysis (PCA). At the same time, the correlation analysis was carried out using the Pearson correlation approach using SPSS v.16. The results showed that the types of gastropods with the highest density in the waters of Ambon Island were Terebralia sulcata, Hebra corticata, and Nerita patula. While the species with the lowest density value were Nassarius olivaceus, Polinices didyma, Lunella cinerea, Conus eburneus, Cypraea isabella, Vexillum plicarium, and Columbella scripta. The Shannon-Wienner Diversity Index ranges from 1.253–2.622, and the diversity index ranges from 0.083-0.207. It was included in the low category caused by the disturbance of water pollution and Pb metal in sediments. Meanwhile, the dominance index ranged from 0.098 to 0.511 indicating species dominance at several observation stations. The waters' physical-chemical parameters strongly correlating with gastropod diversity are DO and Pb, with respective correlation values ​​of r = 0.656 and r = -0.785.

Accumulation of heavy metals in water and sediments Moroccan Atlantics estuary

The strong popularity and tourist potential of the Rabat/Salé region of northern Morocco plays an important socio-economic role, asking the question of monitoring its environmental quality. This study provides a preliminary dataset for concentrations of dissolved heavy metals in water and sediment. Concentrations of six metal elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Cd) were measured in water and sediment to understand the level of heavy metals and their source distributions, that could be distributed through anthropogenic activities. The samples were taken at five stations in the Bouregreg estuary of the Rabat/Salé region in August 2022.The pollution of the estuary remains important despite the measures taken by the local authorities since 2006 in the context of ecological conservation, such as the closure of the Oulja landfill on the side of the city of Salé and the pre-treatment of wastewater on the side of the city of Rabat.

THE RELATIONSHIP OF MACROZOOBENTHOS ABUNDANCE WITH OIL AND METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN SEDIMENTS AROUND COASTAL WATERS INDUSTRIAL AREA OIL CITY OF DUMAI RIAU

Some studies say the pollution level in the waters oil industry in Dumai City, Riau. The level of pollution that occurs will affect the abundance of macrozoobenthos. This research aims to know the concentration of oil and heavy metals in sediments in the waters around the area of the Dumai City oil industry, knowing the effect of oil on the abundance of macrozoobenthos. This research method includes placement of research stations, observation and sampling, TSS sample analysis method, concentration oil in sediment samples, heavy metal concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cu at sediment samples, macrozoobenthos abundance Analysis, and data analysis. Results Research Average concentration of oil in sediments in water areas The oil industry of Dumai City, Riau, has passed the threshold that has been set determined by the Department of Water Resources Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program That is &gt; 1000 ppm, so it can be said that station 1 up to 9 are polluted and harmful to organisms that live on the bottom those waters relationship of oil concentration, heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Cu) moderate to weak

Health Risks Associated with the Concentration of Heavy Metals in Sediment, Water, and Carp Reared in Treated Wastewater from a Slaughterhouse

The use of purified slaughterhouse wastewater in carp ponds, and the use of wastewater from the pond for the irrigation of agricultural fields, was the basis for the construction of an integrated system of agricultural production as a sustainable solution for the food and fish production industries. The negative side of such integrated production systems is the concern related to the safety of fish meat produced in such a system. The aim of this research was to determine the concentration of heavy metals and metalloids in the wastewater from the slaughterhouse, in the pond water and sediment, in the carp tissue and in the water leaving the pond, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated system and the safety of the produced fish. Sampling was carried out in spring and autumn. The mean concentrations in all water samples (µg/L) were: As (12–125), Cd (0.12–4.2), Hg (1.14–14.21), Pb (&lt;0.1–17.2), Cu (&lt;0.1–44.6), Fe (17.02–425.2) and Zn (2.91–186.2), with the highest numbers in the wastewater, where it was above the prescribed limit values for the wastewater discharged from the slaughterhouses into natural recipients in both samplings. The efficiency of the wastewater treatment plant for heavy metals and metalloids was very high, in the range of 87% to 98%. The water from the pond corresponded to class 3 in terms of the concentration of heavy metals and metalloids both in spring and autumn, and can be used freely for breeding cyprinid fish species. The water from the irrigation canal corresponded to class 2/3 and can be used for irrigation. The mean concentrations of heavy metals and metalloids in the sediments (mg/kg) were: As (3.00–4.88), Cd (0.16–0.96), Hg (0.21–1.47), Pb (0.77–2.29), Cu (49.60–60.90), Fe (3.94–5.32) and Zn (92.8–115.20). The content of heavy metals in different organs of carp differed significantly depending on the season. The trend of heavy metal accumulation in common carp muscles in spring was: Zn &gt; Fe &gt; Cu &gt; Pb &gt; Hg &gt; Cd &gt; As, and in autumn: Zn &gt; Fe &gt; Cu &gt; Pb &gt; As &gt; Cd &gt; Hg. Metal concentrations in the examined fish samples were far below the WHO guidelines. It can be concluded that carp produced in a pond supplied with purified wastewater from the slaughterhouse industry, in terms of the concentration of residues of the tested heavy metals and metalloids, is safe for human consumption.

Human and ecological risk assessment of toxic metals in sediment near coal mining dump yard and the pond receiving acid mine drainage

ABSTRACT Soil and sediment pollution caused by toxic metals (TMs) is a widespread issue in many countries including India. However, there is a lack of studies on health risk assessment of TMs in sediment near coal mining areas in India. The present study analyses the pollution levels, ecological and human health risks of TMs such as Fe, Mn, Cr, Co, Cu, Cd, Ni, Zn, and Pb. The results indicate that the concentration of TMs in the sediment is higher than the reference soils. Pollution indices showed that Cr, Co, Cd, Pb, and Ni were significant pollutants, posing a potentially high ecological risk. The results of the health risk assessment indicate that the oral ingestion of sediment TMs is the primary exposure route, and the hazard index (HI) for children were higher than those for adults. While the non-carcinogenic risks for males and females were below the safe level (1.00), Pb and Cr contributed more to the HI (7.33) for children, indicating the existence of non-carcinogenic risk. Furthermore, Cd and Cr posed unacceptable carcinogenic risks for all groups, with children being more vulnerable to TMs than adults. The results of Principal Component analysis and Cluster analysis were well matched and supported the results of Pearson correlation analysis; the results revealed that Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, Ni, and Zn are from the same source, the coal mining, whereas Cd, Cr, and Pb came from multiple sources. The high pollution indices, ecological risk and carcinogenic risk underscore the urgent need for effective and sustainable remediation strategies.

Diffusion kinetic processes and release risks of trace metals in plateau lacustrine sediments

The ecological risk posed by trace metals in the plateau lacustrine sediments of China has attracted worldwide attentions. A better understanding of the kinetic diffusion processes and bioavailability of these metals in plateau lakes is needed. Using the diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT) and Rhizon, concentrations of Mn, Mo, Ni, Cr, and Co in the sediments, labile fractions, and interstitial water of Lake Fuxian were comprehensively analyzed. According to the DGT-induced fluxes in sediments (DIFS) model, fully sustained and unsustained resupplies are possible ways in which metals are released from solids to the solution. Moreover, the resupply characteristics of metals varied at different depths in the sediments and at different sites in the lake. Based on the DIFS model, the effective concentrations (CE) of the trace metals were calculated and all except Cr showed good linear relationships with the DGT-labile concentrations, indicating that the CE values were valuable for predicting metal bioavailability. According to the CE values, the metal contamination released from the sediments was relatively low based on the Monte Carlo simulation. This study provides a comprehensive solution for studying the environmental behavior and potential ecological risks of toxic metals in sedimentary environment.

Distribution and Pollution Evaluation of Nutrients, Organic Matter and Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments of Wanghu Lake in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, China

Nutrients, organic matter (OM), and heavy metals (HMs) in lake sediments are critical elements contributing to water pollution. In April 2019, surface sediments from Wanghu Lake were collected, and the nutrient, organic matter, and heavy metal content of the sediments were determined. We mainly evaluated the sediment pollutants through four evaluation methods to assess pollution and provide a reference for pollution control in Wanghu Lake. The results indicated that the averages of total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) were (1045.74 ± 190.17) mg/kg, (945.27 ± 203.56) mg/kg; most of them showed serious pollution and moderate pollution, respectively. OM was (32.31 ± 5.11) g/kg. Among them, TP and OM in the northwestern Wanghu Lake were significantly higher than those in the eastern lake (p &lt; 0.05). It shows that nutrients are greatly affected by historical aquaculture and urban human activities. TP was the most serious in the center of the lake, and the source of pollution was mainly the historical deposition. The average of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Hg, and As in the sediments were 2.15, 1.09, 1.93, 1.37, 1.28, 1.49, 2.60, 1.77 times that of the soil background values of Hubei Province, respectively. Hg and Cd were the main factors contributing to the surface sediments, with levels at considerable and moderate risks, respectively.

Water and Sediment Chemistry as Drivers of Macroinvertebrates and Fish Assemblages in Littoral Zones of Subtropical Reservoirs

Reservoirs are human-made ecosystems with diverse purposes that benefit humans both directly and indirectly. They however cause changes in geomorphological processes such as sediment cycling and influence the composition and structure of aquatic biota. This study aimed to identify water and sediment quality parameters as drivers of macroinvertebrates and fish communities during the cool-dry and hot-wet seasons in the littoral zones of three subtropical reservoirs (Albasini, Thathe and Nandoni). Macroinvertebrates and fish were collected from three sites (n = 3 from each site) in each reservoir. A total of 501 and 359 macroinvertebrates and fish individuals were collected throughout the sampling period, respectively. The present study employed a two-way ANOVA in conjunction with redundancy analysis (RDA) to assess the relationships that exist between water and sediment variables, macroinvertebrates diversity and species abundances across seasons. Based on the two-way ANOVA model, significant differences were observed across reservoirs for evenness, Simpson’s diversity, and total abundance, while seasonal differences were observed for most metrics, with exception for evenness. The RDA results identified four water variables (i.e., water temperature, oxidation–reduction potential, pH and conductivity) and one sediment metal (Mg) as the most important parameters in driving the fish community structure. Field observations and metal results attest that the Nandoni reservoir shows high concentrations of metals in sediments as compared to other reservoirs, suggesting that anthropogenic activities such as car washing, brick making, recreation, fishing, wastewater treatment work and landfill site may be the major contributor of metals to the Nandoni reservoir, which accumulate in the littoral zones. Findings of this study highlight the need to analyze reservoir ecological conditions at several scales. The study of macroinvertebrates and fish, water, and sediment chemistry in the littoral zone laid the groundwork for proposing measures for conserving aquatic ecosystems.

Spatial Variation, Ecological Risk, and Point Sources of Environmental Trace Metals in Lacustrine Ecosystems: An Assessment of Natural and Urban Inputs

ABSTRACT To gain insights into the spatial distribution, ecological risk and origins of heavy metals in surface sediments of lacustrine ecosystems in Cameroon, the content of 7 trace metals (Fe, Cr, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb and Cd) in sediments from 60 sampling stations in 5 lacustrine environments of different formation contexts. The selected metals were investigated based on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results revealed that the average concentrations of Cr, Cu and Cd were higher than the geochemical Threshold values. On the basis of the spatial variation, the studied metals vary quantitatively in the following order: Fe > Cr > Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cd. The calculated enrichment factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) showed that, sediments from large cities and industrial sites had moderate enrichment (3 < EF ≤ 5) and were moderately to severely contaminated (2 < Igeo < 3) while those from low population and rural areas had minor enrichment (1 < EF ≤ 3) and were moderately contaminated (1 < Igeo < 2). With regards to cumulative pollution, the pollution load index (PLI) and the sediment pollution index (SPI) coupled with the potential ecological risk factor (Er) and the potential ecological risk index (RI), the sediments of the lakes are polluted (SPI and PLI > 1) to some extent but with a low ecological risk (Er < 40 and RI < 150). The results of Pearson correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis (CA) identified three main sources: Ni would have a natural source; Pb from anthropogenic sources, and the other metals (Fe, Cr, Zn, Cu, and Cd) could have a mixed source (anthropogenic and natural). These findings serve as a scientific foundation for the advancement and use of these lake environments, which are the most attractive sites.

Assessment of contamination and potential ecological risks of heavy metals in riverine sediments from gold mining and pristine areas in Ghana

This study explore the characteristics of heavy metal pollution, contamination levels, and potential ecological risks in riverine sediments found in both gold mining and pristine areas. Such investigations are vital for the ongoing monitoring and preservation of water bodies and overall ecosystem health. In total, 44 composite sediment samples were collected from seven pristine environments and four mining sites. These samples underwent preparation, digestion, and analysis for heavy metal content, utilizing the inductively coupled plasma emission mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Various tools and models, including the geo-accumulation index, enrichment factor, and degree of contamination, were employed to assess the impact of pollution on the environment. Modified ecological risk index were also used to evaluate potential ecological risks. The average concentrations of heavy metals in pristine sites spanned from 0.01±0.01 (Cd) to 73,753.64 ± 388.15 mgkg−1 (Fe), while in mining sites, they ranged from 0.04±0.02 (Cd) to 56,394.25±400.66 mgkg−1 (Fe). Comparing these concentrations against the USEPA Ecological Screening Values, Mean Shales levels, and the Canadian ISQG, it became evident that Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni, Co, and Mn concentrations generally remained below the recommended guideline values in both pristine and mining areas. However, concentrations of Cr, As, Cu, and Hg exceeded the prescribed threshold limits, particularly in the mining regions. Through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Geometrical Analysis for Interactive Aid (GAIA) modeling, two primary sources of heavy metals were identified: anthropogenic-related and geogenic-related. GAIA and PCA together explained 78.53 % and 79.40 % of the total variability in heavy metal concentrations, respectively. Overall, the pollution and ecological risk assessment indicated low to moderate contamination levels, with a notable exception of high arsenic contamination in the Nyam river. The findings of this study hold significance for assessing sediment conditions and river quality in mining communities within Ghana and globally. They also provide empirical data to recommend measures for mitigating water contamination in such communities.