Aug 2026· Environmental Toxicology· 0 citations· 47 references
Medicine
Abstract
Metal contamination in estuarine environments poses environmental and public health concerns, particularly where surface waters support domestic and subsistence uses. This study assessed the seasonal distribution, controlling mechanisms, and non-carcinogenic health risks of selected metals (Mg, Al, Ba, Fe, Mn, and Zn) in the Buffalo River Estuary, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Water samples were collected from 11 stations during wet and dry seasons and analyzed using standard methods. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to evaluate metal distribution, inter-element relationships, and dominant controlling processes. Marked seasonal variability was observed, with higher concentrations of Al (97-1708 μg/L), Ba (7.4-29 μg/L), Fe (54-1751 μg/L), Mn (4-116 μg/L), and Zn (4-23 μg/L) during the wet season, while Mg concentrations were elevated in the dry season (10686-851 382 μg/L) relative to the wet season (1056-1313 μg/L). PCA indicated that wet-season metal dynamics were governed by lithogenic and hydrological processes linked to runoff and suspended sediments, whereas dry-season variability reflected sedimentary geochemical controls, redox processes, conservative mixing, and secondary anthropogenic inputs. Non-carcinogenic health risk assessment for Al, Ba, Fe, Mn, and Zn showed Mn as the largest contributor to risk, although cumulative hazard indices for adults (2.19 × 10-2-1.39 × 10-1) and children (8.10 × 10-2-5.01 × 10-1) remained below unity, indicating low health risk. These findings highlight the dominance of seasonal geochemical processes, providing essential baseline data for water-quality management, and underscore the need for continued monitoring to support effective water-resource management.
This study assessed heavy metal contamination and ecological and human health implications in waters of mudskipper habitats along the southeastern Bay of Bengal coast, Bangladesh. Concentrations of Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co, Mn, Zn, and Fe were quantified by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Nickel had the highest concentration (0.33 mg/L), followed by Co (0.15 mg/L), Pb (0.09 mg/L), Mn (0.06 mg/L), Cd (0.04 mg/L), and Cu and Zn (0.03 mg/L), while Cr and Fe were below detection limits. Significant spatial variation (p < 0.05) indicated contamination linked to maritime activities, agricultural runoff, hatchery effluents, domestic waste, and coastal transport. Correlation, principal component, and cluster analyses revealed co-occurrence patterns consistent with mixed anthropogenic and natural influences. Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Co, and Zn were associated with localized human activities, whereas Mn, Fe, and Cr patterns may reflect geochemical inputs, low concentrations, or analytical non-detection. These findings indicate potential source patterns rather than definitive source apportionment. Human health risk assessment identified dermal absorption as the dominant exposure pathway, with children more susceptible than adults. Several hazard quotient and hazard index values exceeded the screening threshold (HI > 1.00), particularly for Cd, Ni, Co, and Mn, indicating possible non-carcinogenic concern. Carcinogenic risk was mainly associated with Cd, Ni, and Pb, although estimates were sensitive to exposure assumptions and cancer slope factors. Overall, the study provides baseline evidence for contamination in mudskipper-associated intertidal waters and supports integrated coastal monitoring programs for water, sediment, and biota along Bangladesh's southeastern coast.
Md. Simul Bhuyan, Vinmoy Mondal, A. Morshed et al.· Marine Pollution Bulletin· 0 citations
This study assessed the distribution, contamination status, source characteristics, and health risks of heavy metals in soils from artisanal potash extraction sites within the Dagilfani section of River Hadejia floodplain, Northern Nigeria. The aim of the study is to evaluate heavy metals pollution in an artisan potash extraction site using pollution analysis and to evaluate the impact of heavy metals to public health. Twenty-five topsoil samples were collected and analyzed using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF). Descriptive statistics, Multivariate statistics, pollution Assessment and health risk models were applied for interpretation. The mean concentrations of Al, K, Fe, Mg, Zr, and La exceeded crustal background values, whereas Ca, Ti, Mn, Ce, Zn, and Cr remained below background levels. High coefficients of variation for Ca, Mg, La, Cr, and As indicated strong anthropogenic influence. Correlation analysis (CA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) revealed that Al, K, Fe, Ca, Mg, Ti, Ce, Mn, and Zr were mainly controlled by lithogenic sources. The study also showed that Cr, As, Zn, and La originated from mixed anthropogenic and natural sources linked to agriculture, vehicular emissions, and artisanal activities. Geo-accumulation results showed that the soils were generally unpolluted, although La, Zr, K, and Al exhibited slight to moderate enrichment, with EF values of 2.04 and 1.66 recorded for La and Zr, respectively. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment indicated no significant risk for both adults and children (HI < 1). However, carcinogenic risk values for As and Cr ranged from 2.03 × 10⁻⁴ to 2.76 × 10⁻⁴, exceeding the USEPA acceptable limit and indicating potential long-term cancer risk.
M. Abdullahi, Mohammed Saleh· Journal of Basics and Applie...· 0 citations
Aim of the study
This study addresses the growing concern of water pollution in rural areas, where limited monitoring can affect both human health and ecosystem stability. Contamination of freshwater resources has become an important environmental and public health issue, prompting the need for detailed local assessments. This study assesses pollution status and water quality in Baicë village, Kosovo, a rural area where limited monitoring can affect both human health and ecosystem stability.
Material and methods
Groundwater samples were analyzed for key physicochemical parameters and heavy metals, including Cr, Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, As, and Cd. The results revealed significantly elevated concentrations of lead at all sampling points (M1: 0.27 mg/L, M2: 0.25 mg/L, M3: 0.29 mg/L), exceeding recommended limits and indicating serious contamination. Elevated levels of other parameters, including COD and BOD5, further suggest anthropogenic impacts on water quality.
Results and conclusions
Toxic element levels, including Cr, Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, As, and Cd, were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), providing additional insights into contamination. Furthermore, geospatial analysis using GIS and Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation generated contamination hotspot maps, revealing spatial variations and helping identify priority areas for targeted remediation efforts. However, due to the limited number of sampling locations and temporal coverage, the results should be considered a preliminary assessment and further monitoring is recommended to improve the understanding of groundwater contamination patterns in the study area.
Kaltrina Jusufi, Skender Demaku, Krenare Dibrani et al.· Acta Scientiarum Polonorum....· 0 citations
Freshwater systems in developing regions are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pollution, with significant consequences for ecosystem health and human use. This study assessed the physicochemical properties and heavy metal contamination of River Kaduna, Nigeria, to evaluate its water quality status. Water samples were collected from upstream (control) and downstream (polluted) locations and analyzed using standard procedures. Results indicated substantial deterioration in water quality at polluted sites, characterized by reduced dissolved oxygen (3.1 mg/L), elevated biological oxygen demand (6.9 mg/L), and high turbidity (45 NTU). Nutrient enrichment was evident, with increased nitrate and phosphate concentrations. Heavy metals, particularly lead (0.35 mg/L) and cadmium (0.05 mg/L), exceeded recommended limits. These findings highlight severe anthropogenic influence, posing ecological and public health risks. The study underscores the need for continuous monitoring and regulatory intervention.
Ummi S. Gimba, F. Abdullahi, Simon S. Moses et al.· FUDMA Journal of Sciences· 0 citations
The contamination of groundwater by trace metals is a significant concern on global scale as it presents direct and indirect hazards to the ecosystem and human health. However, only limited studies have focused on the risks of trace metals’ contamination in major agronomical areas of Pakistan. The present investigation was designed to evaluate the concentrations of selected metals (Mg, K, Ca, Na, Sr, Ag, Li, Zn, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb and Ni) and physicochemical characteristics (EC, pH, TDS, TH, TA, and Cl−) in the groundwater of Southern Pothohar region of Pakistan. Significant seasonal variations in the metal concentrations were detected; average levels of Ni (0.206 mg/L), Cr (0.085 mg/L), Cu (0.038 mg/L), Mn (0.029 mg/L), Ag (0.026 mg/L), and Cd (0.017 mg/L) were comparatively higher in summer, whereas mean values of Ca (9.210 mg/L), Sr (2.181 mg/L), Co (0.195 mg/L), Li (0.033 mg/L), and Zn (0.025 mg/L) showed relatively elevated concentrations in winter. Average contents of Co, Cr, Cd, Pb and Ni were observed to surpass the permissible limits in 37–99% of the samples established by national and international standards. Multivariate statistical analyses revealed that groundwater contamination was predominantly influenced by anthropogenic sources (mostly originating from agricultural waste, domestic waste, combustion processes, industrial effluents and automobile emissions). The Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) value demonstrated that the groundwater is highly suitable for irrigation. Health risk estimation revealed that noncancer risk for Cd, Cr Ni, and Li surpassed the safe limit (HQing > 1) for adults while Pb and Co exceeded the safe limit (1.0) for children and adults in both seasons. Overall, the study indicated more susceptibility of children than adults to noncarcinogenic risks. Additionally, the carcinogenic health risks for nickel, chromium, lead, and cadmium notably exceeded the acceptable threshold of 1.0 × 10− 06, indicating significant lifetime cancer risk linked to these metals in groundwater. The health concerns warrant urgent attention, and immediate actions are necessary to safeguard and improve the groundwater quality in the studied region.
Maryam Batool, M. Toqeer, M. Shah· Discover Hazards· 0 citations
Arsenic contamination in drinking water poses a significant public health risk, particularly for rural populations dependent on untreated sources. This study assessed arsenic concentrations in spring water sources across three agroecological zones (Dega highland, Woina Dega midland, and Kola lowland) in Jamma District, Ethiopia. Fifteen (15) water samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Results showed spatial variability, with mean arsenic concentrations of 3.3 µg/L in Dega, 8.7 µg/L in Woina Dega, and 9.9 µg/L in Kola, respectively. While highland springs were below the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value of 10 µg/L, midland and lowland samples showed elevated levels, with one site exceeding the limit (12.4 µg/L). Health risk assessment using Chronic Daily Intake and Hazard Quotient methods indicated moderate non-carcinogenic risks (HQ 0.16–0.69) in the affected zones, though all values remained below the critical threshold (HQ < 1). The findings highlight geogenic arsenic contamination linked to hydrogeological conditions, emphasizing the need for localized monitoring and mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable rural communities’ dependent on untreated spring water. This research provides critical baseline data for managing arsenic exposure and safeguarding public health in similar agroecological settings.
M. Asfaw· French-Ukrainian Journal of...· 0 citations
We use cookies to run the site and, with your consent, for analytics and to show ads.
See our Cookie Policy.
