scholarly journals A Machine Learning Approach for Spatial Mapping of the Health Risk Associated with Arsenic-Contaminated Groundwater in Taiwan’s Lanyang Plain

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11385
Author(s):  
Ching-Ping Liang ◽  
Chi-Chien Sun ◽  
Heejun Suk ◽  
Sheng-Wei Wang ◽  
Jui-Sheng Chen
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Cross Validation ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Prediction Performance ◽  
World Health ◽  
Spatial Mapping ◽  
Mean Square Errors

Groundwater resources are abundant and widely used in Taiwan’s Lanyang Plain. However, in some places the groundwater arsenic (As) concentrations far exceed the World Health Organization’s standards for drinking water quality. Measurements of the As concentrations in groundwater show considerable spatial variability, which means that the associated risk to human health would also vary from region to region. This study aims to adapt a back-propagation neural network (BPNN) method to carry out more reliable spatial mapping of the As concentrations in the groundwater for comparison with the geostatistical ordinary kriging (OK) method results. Cross validation is performed to evaluate the prediction performance by dividing the As monitoring data into three sets. The cross-validation results show that the average determination coefficients (R2) for the As concentrations obtained with BPNN and OK are 0.55 and 0.49, whereas the average root mean square errors (RMSE) are 0.49 and 0.54, respectively. Given the better prediction performance of the BPNN, it is recommended as a more reliable tool for the spatial mapping of the groundwater As concentration. Subsequently, the As concentrations estimated obtained using the BPNN are applied to develop a spatial map illustrating the risk to human health associated with the ingestion of As-containing groundwater based on the noncarcinogenic hazard quotient (HQ) and carcinogenic target risk (TR) standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Such maps can be used to demarcate the areas where residents are at higher risk due to the ingestion of As-containing groundwater, and prioritize the areas where more intensive monitoring of groundwater quality is required. The spatial mapping of As concentrations from the BPNN was also used to demarcate the regions where the groundwater is suitable for farmland and fishponds based on the water quality standards for As for irrigation and aquaculture.

scholarly journals Distribution, Sources, and Water Quality Assessment of Dissolved Heavy Metals in the Jiulongjiang River Water, Southeast China

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 2752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Liang ◽  
Guilin Han ◽  
Man Liu ◽  
Kunhua Yang ◽  
Xiaoqiang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Urban Land ◽  
World Health ◽  
Mining Activities ◽  
Southeast China ◽  
Dissolved Heavy Metals ◽  
Jiulongjiang River

In this study, the concentration of eight dissolved heavy metals (Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Mo, Sb, and Ba) in 42 water samples from the Jiulongjiang River, southeast China, were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Multivariate statistical methods, including correlation analysis (CA) and factor and principal component analysis (FA/PCA), were analyzed to identify the sources of the elements. Water quality index (WQI) and health risk assessment, including hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI), were used to evaluate water quality and the impacts on human health. Our results were compared with the drinking water guidelines reported by China, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), revealing that Ti, Mn, and Sb were not within approved limits at some sites and might be the main pollutants in the drainage basin. Based on the spatial distributions, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Mo showed good similarity, indicating that they might come from similar sources along the river. The CA results also showed that Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Mo had a high correlation coefficient. The FA/PCA results identified three principal components (PC) that accounted for 79.46% of the total variance. PC 1 suggested that a mixed lithogenic and urban land source contributed to Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Mo; PC 2 showed that Cr, Ni, and Mo were influenced by the discharge of industrial effluents; Sb had a strong loading on PC 3, which was controlled by mining activities. The results of the WQI indicated that the water in the Jiulongjiang River was basically categorized as excellent water, but the water quality levels in site W5 and N4 were poorer due to urban land use. Hazard quotient and HI values showed that Sb was a potential threat to human health, indicating that preventive actions should be considered in regard to mining activities in the upper reaches of Beixi stream.

scholarly journals The Safety Assessment of Toxic Metals in Commonly Used Herbs, Spices, Tea, and Coffee in Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5779
Author(s):  
Grażyna Kowalska
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Target Hazard Quotient ◽  
Plant Materials

The presented study was aimed at the determination of the level of contamination with heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As, and Hg) in 240 samples of plant materials, i.e., herbal raw materials, spices, tea, and coffee. Moreover, a probabilistic risk assessment (noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks) was estimated by models including target hazard quotient (THQ) and cancer risk (CR). The samples were subjected to microwave mineralisation with the use of HNO3 (65%), while the determination of the content of the elements was performed with the use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP–MS) and a mercury analyser. The element which was characterised by the highest level of accumulation in the analysed samples was lead (from 0.010 to 5.680 mg/kg). Among the heavy metals under analysis, the lowest concentration was noted in the case of mercury (from 0.005 to 0.030 mg/kg). A notably higher level of contamination with heavy metals was noted in the analysed samples of herbs and spices (0.005–5.680 mg/kg), compared to samples of tea and coffee (0.005–0.791 mg/kg). According to the guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) concerning the limits of contamination of samples of herbal raw materials with heavy metals, lead levels exceeding the limits were only noted in 24 samples of herbs (18%). In all of the analysed samples of spices, tea, and coffee, no instances of exceeded limits were noted for any of the analysed heavy metals. The values of TTHQmax (in relation to the consumption of the analysed products) were as follows: up to 4.23 × 10−2 for spices, up to 2.51 × 10−1 for herbs, up to 4.03 × 10−2 for China tea, and up to 1.25 × 10−1 for roasted coffee beans. As the value of THQ ≤1, there is no probability of the appearance of undesirable effects related to the consumption of the analysed group of raw materials and products of plant origin. The CR value for As (max. value) was 1.29 × 10−5, which is lower than the maximum acceptable level of 1 × 10−4 suggested by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

scholarly journals Evaluation of Chemical Parameters of Urban Drinking Water Quality along with Health Risk Assessment: A Case Study of Ardabil Province, Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5179
Author(s):  
Reza Aghlmand ◽  
Saeed Rasi Nezami ◽  
Ali Abbasi
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Health Risk Assessment ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
World Health ◽  
Study Region

In recent years, in addition to water resources’ quantity, their quality has also received much attention. In this study, the quality of the urban water distribution network in northwestern Iran was evaluated using the water quality index (WQI) method. Then, some important trace elements were investigated, and finally, the health risk assessment was evaluated for both carcinogenic elements (Ni, Cd, Cr, Pb, and As) and non-carcinogenic elements (Ca, Mg, Na, K, F, NO3, and Cu) using carcinogenic risk (CR) and hazard quotient (HQ), respectively. In the present study, the WQI was calculated based on both World Health Organization (WHO) and Iranian drinking water standards. Comparing the results of these standards revealed that the WQI based on the Iranian standard was slightly higher. Regarding the calculated WQI for the study region, the status of water quality for drinking consumption is in the good water quality class (25 < WQI < 50). It was observed that Cu and Cd have the highest and lowest concentrations in all sampling points, respectively. Hazard Index (HI) results showed that the non-carcinogenic substances studied had a low risk for both adults and children (<1.0). However, the CR results showed that Ni, Cd, and As were above the desired level for both children and adults. The results of this study can be applied for efficient water management and human health protection programs in the study area.

scholarly journals Assessment of Physiochemical Characteristics of Drinking Water Quality in Allahabad Metropolitan City, India

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-135
Author(s):  
Roohi Rawat ◽  
A. R. Siddiqui
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Drinking Water Quality ◽  
World Health ◽  
Natural State ◽  
Consumption Pattern ◽  
The World

Clean and safe drinking water is important for the overall health and wellbeing; therefore, access to safe potable drinking water is one of the basic amenities of humankind, especially in urban areas with high consumption pattern of the large population inhabiting these spaces. Among the various sources of water, groundwater is considered to be the safest source of drinking water. However, due to rapid industrialization and population growth, the groundwater resources are getting polluted with harmful contaminants. These contaminants can be chemical or microbiological and cause various health problems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 80 percent of all diseases in the world are directly or indirectly related to the contamination of water. Water in its natural state is colorless, odorless, and free from pathogens with pH in the range of 6.5–8.5. This water is termed as “potable water.” In the present study, the researchers have made an attempt to assess the physiochemical characteristics of drinking water quality in Allahabad and the effect of these contaminants on the health of the consumers. A comparison of the parameter standards as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) (ISI, Indian standard specification for drinking water (IS10500). New Delhi: ISI, 1983 ) and the WHO (Guidelines for drinking water quality (Vol. 1). Geneva: WHO, 1984 ) have also been made to understand the national and global benchmarks. With the help of the standards of various parameters given by these organizations, the assessment of water quality of samples from various locations in Allahabad has been done.

scholarly journals Water Quality Assessment of Cimanuk River in West Java Using Pollution Index

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 ◽  
pp. 04009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ihya Sulthonuddin ◽  
Djoko Mulyo Hartono ◽  
Suyud Warno Utomo
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Government Regulation ◽  
Pollution Index ◽  
Quality Standard ◽  
World Health ◽  
West Java ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Water Quality Standard

Cimanuk river is one of the seven rivers in West Java. Cimanuk river pollution is indicated to have suffered as a result of the activity of domestic waste, industrial and agricultural uncontrolled in the riparian area of Cimanuk river. This research aims to analize water quality of Cimanuk river based on water quality standard on Government Regulation of Republic of Indonesia (IDN), Regulation of the Governor of West Java (WJ), World Health Organization (WHO), Enviromental Standard of United Kingdom (UK), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Enviromental Quality Standard (EQS), and Department of Environment (DOE). This research used pollution index method. The result is water quality of Cimanuk river not meet water quality standard where the TSS (94.85±84,60 mg/L), BOD (9.61±3.16 mg/L), COD (37.69±14.01 mg/L), DO (5.12±1.22 mg/L), NH3N (0.25±0.24 mg/L). Degradation of water quality of Cimanuk river from upstream to downstream marked by increased pollution index value annually. Pollution index of Cimanuk river ranging from 1.25 to 20.31. Water quality status of Cimanuk river has been from lightly polluted to heavilypolluted.

scholarly journals Identifying Groundwater Fluoride Source in a Weathered Basement Aquifer in Central Malawi: Human Health and Policy Implications

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (14) ◽  
pp. 5006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc J. Addison ◽  
Michael O. Rivett ◽  
Peaches Phiri ◽  
Prince Mleta ◽  
Emma Mblame ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Policy Change ◽  
Dental Fluorosis ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Human Health Risk ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
World Health ◽  
Current Standard ◽  
Lithological Composition ◽  
Augen Gneiss

Consumption of groundwater containing fluoride exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) 1.5 mg/L standard leaves people vulnerable to fluorosis: a vulnerability not well characterised in Malawi. To evaluate geogenic fluoride source and concentration, groundwater fluoride and geology was documented in central Malawi where groundwater supplies are mainly sourced from the weathered basement aquifer. Lithological composition was shown as the main control on fluoride occurrence. Augen gneiss of granitic composition posed the greatest geological fluoride risk. The weathered basement aquifer profile was the main factor controlling fluoride distributions. These results and fluoride-lithology statistical analysis allowed the development of a graded map of geological fluoride risk. A direct link to human health risk (dental fluorosis) from geological fluoride was quantified to support science-led policy change for fluoride in rural drinking water in Malawi. Hazard quotient (HQ) values were calculated and assigned to specific water points, depending on user age group; in this case, 74% of children under six were shown to be vulnerable to dental fluorosis. Results are contrary to current standard for fluoride in Malawi groundwater of 6 mg/L, highlighting the need for policy change. Detailed policy recommendations are presented based on the results of this study.

scholarly journals A comprehensive assessment of groundwater for seasonal variation in hydro-geochemistry, quality, contamination and human health risk from Deccan Basaltic region, Western India

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajaykumar Kadam ◽  
Vasant Wagh ◽  
James Jacobs ◽  
Sanjay Patil ◽  
Namdev Pawar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Human Health Risk ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Pollution Index ◽  
Flow Region ◽  
World Health ◽  
Western India

Abstract Groundwater occurrence in hard rock basaltic terrains is restricted to weathered and fractured zones and pockets wherein slow movement of groundwater, prolonged rock-water interactions and higher residence time alter the natural chemistry of groundwater raising water quality issues. The qualitative geochemical analysis, contamination levels and human health risk assessment (HHRA) of groundwater is an integral step in groundwater management in the Deccan Plateau basalt flow region of India. Representative groundwater samples (68) collected from the Shivganga River basin area during pre-monsoon (PRM) and post-monsoon (POM) seasons in 2015 were analyzed for major cations and anions. According to World Health Organization (WHO) EC, total dissolved solids, hardness, bicarbonate, calcium and magnesium surpassed the desirable limit. Boron and fluoride content exceeded the prescribed desirable limit of the WHO. The pollution and drinking suitability were assessed by computing pollution index of groundwater (PIG), groundwater quality index (GWQI), and HHRA particularly for boron and fluoride toxicity. PIG values inferred that about 6% of groundwater has moderate, 24% has low, and 70% has insignificant pollution in the PRM season; while, only 1 sample (3 %) showed high pollution, 6% showed low, and 91% showed insignificant pollution in the POM season. GWQI results indicate that 27% and 15% samples are within the poor category, and only 15% and 18% of the samples fall within the excellent water quality category in the PRM and the POM season, respectively. Total hazard index (THI) revealed that 88% of children, 59% of adults, and about 38% of infants are exposed to non-carcinogenic risk, as THI values (> 1) were noted for the PRM season; while, 62% of children, 47% of adults and 24% of infants, are vulnerable to non-carcinogenic health hazard during the POM period.

scholarly journals Air Pollution, Vietnames Legal Finalization for Environmental Protection

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mai Hai Dang
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Burden Of Disease ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Household Air Pollution ◽  
World Health ◽  
Motor Vehicles ◽  
Parkinson’S Diseases

Air pollution has been a growing concern for decades, which has a serious toxicological impact on human health and the environment. It has a number of different emission sources, but motor vehicles and industrial processes contribute the major part of air pollution. According to the World Health Organization, six major air pollutants include particle pollution, ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and lead. Air pollution is considered as the major environmental risk factor in the incidence and progression of some diseases such as asthma, lung cancer, ventricular hypertrophy, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, psychological complications, autism, retinopathy, fetal growth, and low birth weight. This article aims to discuss toxicology of major air pollutants, sources of emission, and their impact on human health. We have also proposed practical measures to reduce air pollution in VietNam. Keywords: Air pollution, cardiovascular diseases, environment, human health, Vietnam. References: [1] http://www.healthdata.org/infograp hic/global-burden-air-pollution.[2] http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/781521473177013155/pdf/108141-REVISED-Cost-of-PollutionWebCORRECTEDfile.pdf.[3] https://epi.envirocenter.yale.edu/epi-topline.[4] https://thanhnien.vn/thoi-su/khong-khi-ha-noi-lai-vuon-len-muc-o-nhiem-nhat-the-gioi-1185769.html.[5] Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (adopted 13 November 1979, entered into force 16 March 1983).[6] United States Environmental Protection Agency (2007), “Terms of Environment: Glossary, Abbreviations and Acronyms.[7] Trường Đại học Luật Hà Nội, Giáo trình luật môi trường, NXB. Công an Nhân dân, Hà Nội, 2014, tr.165.[8] WHO, ‘A Global Assessment of Exposure and Burden of Disease: FAQs’ http://www. who.int/phe/health_topics/outdoorair/global-exposure-assessment-faq/en.[9] https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/what-causes-air-pollution#agriculture.[10] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/household-air-pollution-and-health.[11] WHO, “Household Air Pollution and Health” (February 2016).http://www.who.int/ mediacentre/factsheets/fs292/en/.[12] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/household-air-pollution-and-health.[13] M. Sand et al, “Response of Arctic Temperature to Changes in Emissions of Short-Lived Climate Forcers” (2016) 6 Nature Climate Change 286.[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6862654/#B2-ijerph-16-04296.[15] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749114000062.[16] Kết luận số 56-KL/TW, ngày 23/8/2019 của Bộ Chính trị về tiếp tục thực hiện Nghị quyết Trung ương 7 khoá XI về chủ động ứng phó với biến đổi khí hậu, tăng cường quản lí tài nguyên và bảo vệ môi trường.[17] Quyết định số 79/QĐ-BTNMT, ngày 09/01/2020 của Bộ trưởng Bộ Tài nguyên và Môi trường về việc công bố 10 sự kiện ngành tài nguyên và môi trường năm 2019.[18] https://www.thiennhien.net/2020/02/25/chat-luong-khong-khi-do-thi-dien-bien-xau-trong-2-thang-dau-nam/.[19] https://vietnamnet.vn/vn/thoi-su/moi-truong/khong-khi-ha-noi-o-nguong-rat-co-hai-ngay-thu-7-lien-tiep-599095.html.[20] https://thanhnien.vn/thoi-su/khong-khi-ha-noi-lai-vuon-len-muc-o-nhiem-nhat-the-gioi-1185769.html.[21] Shannon N. Koplitz và cộng sự, Burden of Disease from Rising Coal-Fired Power Plant Emissions in Southeast Asia (2017), https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.est.6b03731. [22] Nguyễn Quang Dy, Câu chuyện đầu năm: Nguy cơ khủng hoảng môi trường, http://www.viet-studies.net/kinhte/NQuangDy_KhungHoangMoiTruong.html.    

scholarly journals Results of heavy metals and other water quality levels in tap water from Çan sourced from Ağı Dağı (Mt. Ağı) (Çanakkale, Turkey)

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 549-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gamze Kilinc ◽  
Selehattin Yilmaz ◽  
Muhammet Turkoglu ◽  
Huseyin Erdugan
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Optical Emission ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
World Health ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Fe And Mn

In this study, the concentrations of heavy metals Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, Fe, Mn and Cr were determined using an inductively coupled plasma and optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES), and water quality parameters pH, temperature, and conductivity were measured using the YSI 556 MPS water probe. The water samples were collected monthly from five different street tap water points sourced from Mt. Agi (Ağı Dağı in Turkish) spring waters between May 2012 and February 2013 in Çan (Canakkale, Turkey). All results were compared with the drinking water standards of the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE 266), World Health Organization, European Union and US Environmental Protection Agency. While concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn were within limit values, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr were at undetectable limits. The highest concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn were 0.010 ppm, 0.018 ppm, 0.058 ppm, and 0.014 ppm, respectively. The findings revealed that although there was no public health risk in view of heavy metal concentrations, there was an acidity problem due to lower pH levels correlated with some heavy metals such as Cu (R = 0.419), Fe (R = –0.421) and Mn (R = –0.687).

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