Estimation of Risk to the Eco-Environment and Human Health of Using Heavy Metals in the Uttarakhand Himalaya, India

In the modern era, due to the rapid increase in urbanization and industrialization in the vicinity of the Himalayas, heavy metals contamination in soil has become a key priority for researchers working globally; however, evaluation of the human and ecological risks mainly in hilly areas remains limited. In this study, we analyzed indices like the contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (DC), enrichment factor (EF), geochemical index (Igeo), pollution ecological risk index (PERI), and pollution load index (PLI), along with cancer risk (CR) and hazard indices (HI), to ascertain the eco-environmental and human risks of using heavy metals in datasets collected from 168 sampling locations in Uttarakhand, India. The evaluation calculated of Igeo, EF, and CF suggests that represented soil samples were moderately contaminated and highly augmented with Rb, while PERI (75.56) advocates a low ecological risk. Further, PLI and DC (PLI: 1.26; DC: 36.66) show a possible health risk for the native population in the vicinity of the studied catchment. The hazard index (HI) is estimated greater than 1 (HI > 1) for Cr and Mn, representing a possible risk for cancer. However, adults are free from cancer risk, and other studied elements have been reported as noncarcinogenic. This assessment gives important information to policymakers, environmentalists, and foresters for taking mitigation measures in advance to mitigate the potential future risk of soil pollution on humans, ecology, and the environment.

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GEOCHEMISTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN SURFACE SOIL IN AL-HAWIJA, SOUTHWEST KIRKUK

Iraqi Geological Journal ◽

10.46717/igj.53.2e.4ms-2020-11-26 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 53 (2E) ◽

pp. 36-61

Author(s):

Ahmed Al-Obeidi

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Soil Pollution ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽

Surface Soil ◽

Risk Index ◽

Size Fraction ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Pollution Load Index ◽

Anthropogenic Sources

Soil pollution adversely affects the safety and health of the human being. The main objective of the study is to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn) in surface soil in Al-Hawija, southwestern Kirkuk. Twenty-one samples were collected and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to measure the content of heavy metals and assess the soil pollution by using the contamination factor, degree of contamination, geoaccumulation index, pollution load index and ecological risk index (RI). The results indicate that there is high pollution by lead, chromium and copper (78.8, 87.4 and 53.8 mg/kg) respectively, in industrial areas due to anthropogenic sources with the presence of significant ecological risk (Er) of the lead (116) in site S7, due to its high concentrations, while size fraction analysis indicated that all heavy metals are concentrated in the fine parts as a result of adsorption processes by clay minerals.

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Ecological and Health Risk Studies of Heavy Metals in Soils around an Abandoned Battery Factory in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria

European Journal of Environment and Earth Sciences ◽

10.24018/ejgeo.2020.1.4.8 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Romanus A. Obasi ◽

Henry Y. Madukwe

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Health Risk ◽

Enrichment Factor ◽

Health Risks ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Risk Index ◽

Hazard Index ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Southwestern Nigeria ◽

High Enrichment

Heavy metals on the soil around an abandoned battery site at Wofun, Ibadan, Southwestern, Nigeria were studied for their ecological and health risks. Ten soil samples collected from the soil around the abandoned battery sites were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma –Mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The data were evaluated using indices such as contamination factor, enrichment factor, geo-accumulation index and pollution index to determine the ecological and health risks posed by the heavy metals. The results showed an average concentration of Pb (7274.4), V (190.63), Cu (77.52), Zn (53.08) and Co (53) in a decreasing order. The enrichment factor revealed high enrichment for Co (12.30) at site one (S1), and extreme enrichment of Pb (61.12). Zn, Rb and Mo showed no enrichment in the soil. All the sites exhibited extremely high enrichment of Pb except at S10 where the enrichment of Pb was only severe. The results of Igeo indicated that all the sites were strongly to extremely polluted by Pb while S6 is moderately polluted by Co. The rest of the metals do not constitute any pollution threats. An evaluation of the ecological risk index (RI) revealed that the mean Er for Co (13.95), Cu (8.61), and Zn (0.56) indicate low ecological risk as they are less than 40 (Er <40). Lead (Pb) with Er value of 1818.60 has a very high ecological risk and accounts for most of the ecological risks in the study area. Lead (Pb) being the most toxic and abundant of all the heavy metals analyzed in the study areas was used to evaluate the potential non-carcinogenic health risk for both children and adults. The hazard index which is the sum of the hazard quotients for children is 26.64 suggesting that non-carcinogenic health risk may occur if there is any form of exposure to the soil. The hazard index for the adult (2.87) indicated a significant potential non-carcinogenic health risk in the study area.

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Evaluation of ecological risk, source and spatial distribution of some heavy metals in marine sediments in the Middle and Eastern Black Sea region, Turkey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-320256/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Aylin Apaydın ◽

Hatice Kabaoğlu ◽

Gökhan Apaydın ◽

Murat Şirin ◽

Erhan Cengiz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Spatial Distribution ◽

Black Sea ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Risk Index ◽

Agricultural Practices ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Pollution Load Index ◽

Black Sea Region ◽

The Mean

Abstract In the present study, the concentration levels of heavy metals such as Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr and Pb in sediment samples collected from 16 sampling locations in the Middle and Eastern Black Sea regions, Turkey was measured using energy dispersive X–ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF). Various pollution parameters and methods, such as the enrichment factor (EF), geo–accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), ecological risk index (RI), and geo–spatial distribution patterns were used to assess in detail the pollution status, ecological risks and sources of metals in sediment. The mean concentrations of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr and Pb were found to be 565.38, 46,000, 34.38, 104.06, 109.88, 87.31, and 32.31 mg/kg, respectively. Results showed that the mean concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb exceeded the crustal shale value, with the exception of Mn, Fe, Ni and Cr. According to the calculated pollution parameters, although minimal or moderate pollution was detected in the area investigated, it was determined that there was a very low ecological risk. Multivariate statistical analysis results showed that Cu, Zn, and Pb levels in the investigated region were slightly influenced by anthropogenic inputs such as mining and agricultural practices. In addition, the geo–spatial distributions of Cu, Zn, Fe and Pb were found to be higher in this region due to the mining activities carried out in the Eastern Black Sea region.

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“Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Soil of Chattogram Hill Tracts, Bangladesh and Concomitant Health Risk”

10.21203/rs.3.rs-320812/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Troyee Barua ◽

AKM Saiful Islam Bhuian ◽

Mayeen Uddin Khandaker ◽

Nipa Deb ◽

Shahadat Hossain ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Risk Index ◽

Hazard Index ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Principal Component ◽

Hierarchical Cluster ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Pollution Load Index ◽

Toxic Heavy Metals

Abstract The increased human population and associated activities may create a risk in the ecological balance of Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT), Bangladesh via contamination of soil with toxic heavy metals. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the concentration of heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium, Copper, Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Chromium and Nickel) in forest soils of the CHT area by using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The degree of contamination of soil was evaluated by five indices: geo-accumulation index (I geo ), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (PERI). According to these criteria, these soils can be classified as moderately contaminated with some metals. Furthermore, the identification of pollution sources based on principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis have revealed that all analyzed metals are anthropogenic except Fe. Calculated hazard index>1 indicates the possibility of noncarcinogenic effect due to higher value of Fe. Carcinogenic risks through the ingestion, inhalation and dermal pathway for carcinogenic elements (Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni) shows a non-significant risk (CR<10 -6 ) for both children and adults living in the studied area. Measured data may help the policymakers to reduce the potential effects of soil contamination on eco-environment and human health.

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Tortum Gölü Yüzey Sedimentlerindeki Metal Birikiminin Ekolojik İndeksler Yolu ile Kapsamlı Risk Değerlendirmesi

Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology ◽

10.24925/turjaf.v4i12.1185-1191.969 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 4 (12) ◽

pp. 1185 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Serkan Kürker

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Enrichment Factor ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Fossil Fuels ◽

Risk Index ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Pollution Load Index ◽

Organic Carbon Content ◽

Lake Catchment

In this study, ecological risks arising from the accumulation of some heavy metals in surface sediments of Lake Tortum are discussed based on the use of ecological indices, such as enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk index (PER) and the mean probable effect concentration quotient (mPEC-Q). Sediment samples were collected from six different sites using Van Veen grab and heavy metal and organic carbon content of sediments were determined. Results testify to the existence of minimal to moderate contamination in lake sediment. The highest value for the enrichment factor pertains to Cd caused by the use of fossil fuels in settlement areas in the lake catchment. PLI and PER estimations, on the other hand, reveals the presence of low heavy metals-induced ecological risk in lake sediments. Ranging between 15% and 29%, mPEC-Q values are indicative of the fact that Lake Tortum is a low-moderate priority site in terms of toxicity level caused by heavy metals.

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Heavy Metals Contamination of Soil in the Vicinity of Hawassa Industrial Zone, Ethiopia

Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management ◽

10.4314/jasem.v24i8.21 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 24 (8) ◽

pp. 1447-1454

Author(s):

B. Samuel ◽

S. Solomon ◽

F. Daniel ◽

G.M. Zinabu ◽

G. Riise

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Human Impacts ◽

Risk Index ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Pollution Load Index ◽

Water Sources ◽

Industrial Zone ◽

Pollution Load ◽

Degree Of Contamination

Industrial effluents, containing heavy metals, drain directly into downstream water sources within the Hawassa Industrial Zone. These, water sources are used for irrigation, drinking water and other domestic purposes. The load of pollutants, environmental risks and potential human impacts are generally, unknown for soil in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the extent of heavy metal pollution of soil within the Hawassa Industrial Zone and to evaluate environmental impacts using contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (Cd), modified degree of contamination (mCd), ecological risk factor (Er), ecological risk index (ERI) and pollution load index (PLI) analyses. Seven heavy metals: Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb were determined in soil samples from three different sites by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Average concentration of metals decreased in the order of Zn>Cu>Cr>Ni>Pb>As>Cd consistent with the normal order of abundance in non-polluted soils. One way ANOVA revealed significant differences (P<0.05) in the concentrations of Cu, As, Cd and Pb among the sampling sites. Pearson’s correlation, principal component and cluster analyses revealed that heavy metals are originating from different sources. Within the industrial area, the CF increased in the order of Pb<Cd<Zn<As<Cu<Cr<Ni. The result of Cd revealed that there was considerable to very high contamination of the soil. The mCd index showed moderate contamination of the soils. The Er increased in the order of Zn<Cr<Pb<Cu<Ni<As<Cd and the result of the ERI value revealed considerable ecological risk for the soils. Overall, the study showed that the soils within the Hawassa Industrial Zone are highly contaminated with heavy metals. Therefore, regular monitoring of heavy metals concentration in soil and policy interventions with respect to waste disposal are recommended. Keywords: Heavy metals, potential ecological risks, pollution load index, soil

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Seasonal and spatial distribution of heavy metals in an industrially affected river sediment and evaluation of ecological risk, health risk & pollution source

10.21203/rs.3.rs-569994/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yeasmin Nahar Jolly ◽

Atahar Rabby ◽

Mehedi Hasan ◽

Khan Mohammad Mamun ◽

Shirin Akter ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Statistical Analysis ◽

Health Risk ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Multivariate Statistical Analysis ◽

Hazard Index ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Pollution Load Index ◽

Multivariate Statistical ◽

Sediment Samples

Abstract Present study sketched to quantify heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As) in sediment samples (Dry and Rainy season) of an industrially affected river namely Shitalakshya by Energy Dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique. Different geochemical indices and multivariate statistical analysis were applied to define the accumulation, source and level of metal pollution in the sediment samples and probabilistic health risk implications due to dermal contact of sediment was also evaluated. Study revealed mean heavy metal (HM) concentrations in a sequence of Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > As > Cd for both the seasons and almost all the elements were found within the suggestive standard value by various agencies with an exception of Cd and As. Enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI) indicated a high level of contamination by HM and a moderate level of Ecological risk was assessed for both the season. Hazard Index (HI), known as non-carcinogenic health risk for all the elements studied found bellow 1, indicating no harm for health and total carcinogenic risk also revealed the safe range. Results of multivariate statistical analysis indicates, the possible sources are mostly anthropogenic which may be owing to discharge of untreated wastes from various industries, metal and waste dumping sites, oil and refinery industries, glass and ceramic industries as they are located closely to the sampling sites of the Shitalakshya river.

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Heavy metals in soils and forage grasses irrigated with Vieira River water, Montes Claros, Brazil, contaminated with sewage wastewater

Ambiente e Agua - An Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Science ◽

10.4136/ambi-agua.2440 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Matheus Mendes Reis ◽

Leonardo David Tuffi Santos ◽

Ariovaldo José da Silva ◽

Gevany Paulino de Pinho ◽

Leonardo Michel Rocha

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

River Water ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Risk Index ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Anthropogenic Pollution ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Pollution Load Index ◽

Polluted Water ◽

Forage Grasses

There is great concern with soil and plant contamination by heavy metals due to the use of polluted water in agricultural irrigation. In this study, areas irrigated with Vieira River water were evaluated as to contamination by As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn. The Vieira River receives effluent from Montes Claros city, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. To do so, two irrigated areas were selected, one upstream and one downstream of the Montes Claros city. Wastewater discharge increased the concentration of As and Ni in the water of Vieira River, and consequently, of As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in the soil and of As and Zn in forage grasses. However, the content of heavy metals in the soil did not exceed the internationally recommended limits. Pollution load index (PLI) and contamination factor (CF) indicated the existence of pollution and moderate contamination in downstream soils of the city of Montes Claros. Potential ecological risk index (RI) and ecological risk factor (Er) indicated a low ecological risk, but these indicators were higher in downstream soils of Montes Claros. Arsenic (As) was the only heavy metal that featured a transfer factor (TF) higher than the widespread values found in literature and positive geoaccumulation index (Igeo), indicative of anthropogenic pollution.

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Assessment of heavy metals contamination and associated risks in shallow groundwater sources from three different residential areas within Ibadan metropolis, southwest Nigeria

Applied Water Science ◽

10.1007/s13201-021-01414-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Saheed Adekunle Ganiyu ◽

Abimbola Temitope Oyadeyi ◽

Azeem Adedeji Adeyemi

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Cancer Risk ◽

Urban Area ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Water Samples ◽

Risk Index ◽

Shallow Groundwater ◽

World Health ◽

Southwest Nigeria ◽

The Mean

AbstractThis study has been conducted to appraise the concentrations of selected heavy metals and total dissolved solids (TDSs) in the drinking water from shallow wells in parts of Ibadan metropolis, southwest Nigeria. Fifteen (15) water samples were collected from three representative residential locations [traditional core area (TCA), peri-urban area (PUA), and urban area (UA)] for geochemical analysis. Heavy metals and TDS were analyzed with the aid of atomic absorption spectrophotometer and calibrated meter, respectively. The mean concentration (mg/L) of Zn, Pb Mn, Fe, and Cd has been 3.930, 0.658, 0.0304, 1.698, and 0.501, respectively, and as a consequence, the order of abundance of studied metals was Zn > Fe > Pb > Cd > Mn. Concentrations of Zn, Fe, Pb, and Cd were higher than recommended standards in 60%, 86.7%, 100%, and 100% of groundwater samples, respectively. However, at all points tested, the mean concentrations of Mn and TDS in water samples lie within the safe limits set by World Health Organization. The evaluation of geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), and contamination factor suggests that representative water samples were low-to-moderate contamination. The potential ecological risk index advocates low-to-moderate ecological risk in TCA and PUA, while it demonstrated exclusive “moderate” risk in UA. Further, the range of pollution load index (PLI) (0.55–1.32) in both TCA and PUA shows nil-to-moderate pollution status, while PLI values > 1 in UA indicate moderate contaminated state. The degree of contamination in groundwater showed the following trends: UA > TCA > PUA in the study area. Moreover, the results of EF and quantification of contamination of analyzed metals in water samples indicate geogenic and anthropogenic inputs. The contribution of studied metals to the incidence of non-cancer risk via oral intake within the residential sites follows the order: cadmium > lead > zinc > iron > manganese. The hazard index as a result of ingested heavy metals for the three population classes surpasses the acceptable range in the order of infant < child < adult. Cadmium and lead made considerable impact to the estimation of cancer risk in the study area for the three human population categories. Factor analysis extracted only one component that explained 94.64% of the entire variance, while cluster analysis identified three distinct groups based on similar water quality characteristics. Based on the findings of the study, awareness programs toward protecting the shallow groundwater sources should be launched, encouraged, and sustained. Moreover, the study suggests better hygienic practices and pre-treatment of contaminated water before consumption.

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Reforestation Impacted Soil Heavy Metal Fractionation and Related Risk Assessment in the Karst Area, Southwest China

Forests ◽

10.3390/f12070891 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (7) ◽

pp. 891

Author(s):

Qian Zhang ◽

Guilin Han ◽

Xingliang Xu

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Risk Assessment ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Southwest China ◽

Risk Index ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Karst Area ◽

Risk Assessment Code ◽

Bcr Sequential Extraction ◽

Soil Heavy Metals

Human agricultural activities have resulted in widespread land degradation and soil contamination in the karst areas. However, the effects of reforestation after agricultural abandonment on the mobility risks and contamination of heavy metals have been rarely reported. In the present study, six soil profiles were selected from cropland and abandoned cropland with reforestation in the Puding karst regions of Southwest China. The Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction method was used to evaluate the compositions of different chemical fractions of soil heavy metals, including Fe, Mn, Cr, Zn, Ni, and Cd. The total contents of Cr, Ni, Zn, Cd, and Mn in the croplands were significantly higher than those in the abandoned croplands. For all soils, Cr, Ni, Zn, and Fe were mainly concentrated in the residual fractions (>85%), whereas Mn and Cd were mostly observed in the non-residual fractions (>65%). The non-residual fractions of Cd, Cr, Ni, and Zn in the croplands were higher than those in the abandoned croplands. These results indicated that the content and mobility of soil heavy metals decreased after reforestation. The individual contamination factor (ICF) and risk assessment code (RAC) showed that Cd contributed to considerable contamination of karst soils. The global contamination factor (GCF) and potential ecological risk index (RI) suggested low contamination and ecological risk of the investigated heavy metals in the croplands, moreover they can be further reduced after reforestation.

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