Health risk assessment of heavy metal pollution in groundwater of a karst basin, SW China

Fu-ning Lan; Yi Zhao; Jun Li; Xiu-qun Zhu

doi:10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280005

Volume 12 Issue 1

Mar. 2024

Turn off MathJax

Article Contents

Article Navigation > Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering > 2024 > 12(1): 49-61

Lan FN, Zhao Y, Li J, et al. 2024. Health risk assessment of heavy metal pollution in groundwater of a karst basin, SW China. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 12(1): 49-61 doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280005

Citation:

PDF( 1621 KB)

Health risk assessment of heavy metal pollution in groundwater of a karst basin, SW China

doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280005

Fu-ning Lan^{1, 2},
Yi Zhao^{1, 2},
Jun Li^{3
,
,},
Xiu-qun Zhu⁴

1.
Karst Ecosystem, National Observation and Research Station, Pingguo 531406, Guangxi, China
2.
Institute of Karst Geology, International Research Centre on Karst, Under the Auspices of UNESCO, Guangxi Karst Resources and Environment Research Center of Engineering Technology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Karst Dynamics Laboratory, MNR and Guangxi, Guilin 541004, China
3.
Hebei Key Laboratory of Water Quality Engineering and Comprehensive Utilization of Water Resources, Hebei University of Architecture, Zhangjiakou 075000, Hebei Province, China
4.
College of Hydrology and Water Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China

More Information

Corresponding author: lipshydro@163.com
Received Date: 2023-09-26
Accepted Date: 2023-12-18

Available Online: 2024-03-15

Publish Date: 2024-03-15

Abstract

Abstract

To investigate the presence of metal elements and assess their health risk for the populace in the Nandong Underground River Basin (NURB), we conducted an analysis of eleven common heavy metals in the water body. A Health risk assessment (HRA) model was employed to analyze 84 water samples from the NURB. The detection results revealed the following order of heavy metals concentrations: Fe > Al > Mn > Zn > As > Cd > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cu > Hg. Correlation analysis indicated a certain similarity in material source and migration transformation among these eleven metal elements. Our study identified that the health risks for local residents exposed to metal elements in the water of NURB primarily stem from carcinogenic risk (10⁻⁶–10⁻⁴ a⁻¹) through the drinking water pathway. Moreover, the health risk of heavy metal exposure for children through drinking water was notably higher than for adults. The maximum health risks of Cr in both underground and surface water exceeded the recommendation standard (5.0×10⁻⁵ a⁻¹) from ICRP, surpassing the values recommended by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Dutch Ministry of Construction and Environment and the British Royal Society (5.0×10⁻⁶ a⁻¹). The results of the health risk assessment indicate that Cr in the water of NURB is the primary source of carcinogenic risk for local residents, followed by Cd and As. Consequently, it is imperative to control these three carcinogenic metals when the water was used as drinking water resource.
- Water Pollution,
- Correlation Analysis,
- Toxicity of Heavy Metal Elements,
- Underground River Basin,
- Carcinogenicity Potential

FullText(HTML)

References(32)

References

Adewoyin OO, Kayode OT, Omeje O, et al. 2019. Risk assessment of heavy metal and trace elements contamination in groundwater in some parts of Ogun state. Cogent Engineering, 6(1): 1632555. DOI: 10.1080/23311916.2019.1632555.

Ameh EG. 2019. Geochemistry and multivariate statistical evaluation of major oxides, trace and rare earth elements in coal occurrences and deposits around Kogi east, Northern Anambra Basin, Nigeria. International Journal of Coal Science & Technology, 6(2): 260−273. DOI: 10.1007/s40789-019-0247-4.

Anthony E, Emmanuel DS, Jamel S, et al. 2022. Hydrogeochemical characteristics, sources and human health risk assessment of heavy metal dispersion in the mine pit water–surface water–groundwater system in the largest manganese mine in Ghana. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 102312.

Ba JJ, Gao FF, Peng C, et al. 2022. Characteristics of nitrate and heavy metals pollution in Huixian Wetland and its health risk assessment. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 61(11): 9031−9042. DOI: 10.1016/j.aej.2022.02.045.

Bakyayita GK, Norrström AC, Kulabako RN. 2019. Assessment of levels, speciation, and toxicity of trace metal contaminants in selected shallow groundwater sources, surface runoff, wastewater, and surface water from designated streams in lake Victoria basin, Uganda. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 6734017.

Bilal B, Tatiana VC, Kirill AV, et al. 2021. The heavy metal pollution in groundwater, surface and spring water in phosphorite mining area of Tebessa (Aleria). Environmental nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management, 16: 1−10. DOI: 10.1016/j.ennm.2021.100591.

Duan XL, Zhao XG. 2014. Highlights of the Chinese exposure factors handbook (Adult). China Science Press, Beijing. (in Chinese)

Duan XL, Zhao XG. 2016. Highlights of the Chinese exposure factors handbook (Children). China Environmental Science Press, Beijing. (in Chinese)

EPA. 2006. Risk-based Concentration Table, http://www.epa.gov/reg3hwmd/risk/human/rbc/rbc1006.pdf.

General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the P. R. China. 2017. Standardization Administration of the P. R. China. GB/T 14848—2017 Standard for Groundwater Quality. (in Chinese)

Jiang Y, Wu Y, Groves C, et al. 2009. Natural and anthropogenic factors affecting the groundwater quality in the Nandong karst underground river system in Yunan, China. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, 109: 49−61. DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2009.08.001.

Lan FN, Zhao Y, Jiang ZC, et al. 2022. Exploring long-term datasets of land use, economy, and demography variations in karst wetland areas to detect possible microclimate changes. Land Degradation & Development, 33: 2743−2756. DOI: 10.1002/ldr.4302.

Li J, Zhao Y, Zou SZ, et al. 2021. Metal pollutions and human health risks on groundwater from wet, normal, and dry periods in Huixian karst wetland, China. Environmental Science, 42(1). (in Chinese)

Li J, Zou SZ, Liang YP, et al. 2020a. Metal distributions and human health risk assessments on waters in Huixian Karst wetland, China. Environmental Science, 41(11): 4948−4957. (in Chinese) DOI: 10.13227/j.hjkx.202003212.

Lin JH, Yan Y, Yang GH. 2020. Distribution characteristics of mercury in biofilm and sediment of a typical mercury contaminated river. Earth Environment, 48(3): 341−347. (in Chinese) DOI: 10.14050/j.cnki.1672-9250.2020.48.041.

Liu P, Jiang ZC, Li YQ, et al. 2023. Quantitative study on improved budyko-based separation of climate and ecological restoration of runoff and sediment yield in Nandong underground river system. Water, 15: 1263. DOI: 10.3390/w15071263.

Luo X, Ren B, Hursthouse AS, et al. 2019. Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in crops, soil, and water near Xiangtan manganese mine, China: Potential risk to health in the foodchain. Environ. Geochem Health, 1–12.

Mashaal N, Akagi T, Ishibashi. 2020. Hydrochemical and isotopic study of groundwater in Wadi El-Natrun, Western Desert, Egypt: Implication for salinization processes. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 172: 104011. DOI: 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2020.104011.

Ran JK. 2020. A field experimental study on ecological remediation of heavy metal contaminated farmLand soil in Gejiu city, Yunnan Province. M. S. thesis. Kunming, Kunming University of Science and Technology, (in Chinese)

Sadeghi H, Fazlzadeh M, Zarei A, et al. 2020. Spatial distribution and contamination of heavy metals in surface water, groundwater and topsoil surrounding Moghan's tannery site in Ardabil, Iran, Int. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 102(5): 1049−1059.

State Environmental Protection Administration of the P. R. China, GB 3838-2002 Standard for Surface Water Quality. (in Chinese)

Susan, Tumwebaze B, Abrabam, et al. 2017. Water contamination with heavy metals and trace elements from Kilembe copper mine and tailing sites in Western Uganda; implications for domestic water quality. Chemosphere Environmental Toxicology & Risk, 169: 281−287.

USEPA. 2013. Code of federal regulations, protection of environment, risk assessment guidance for superfund, Human Health Evolution Manual (Part A). https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2013-title40-vol30/pdf/CFR-2013-title40-vol30,Pdf.USEPA.

USEPA, 1992. Guidelines for exposure assessment. Office of Health and Environmental Assessment US EPA, Washington DC: 186.

Verma P, Singh PK, Sinha RR, et al. 2020. Assessment of groundwater quality status by using water quality index (WQI) and geographic information system (GIS) approaches: A case study of the Bokaro district, India. Applied Water Science, 10(1): 27.

Yang SR, Huang QH, Huang QR, et al. 2023. Study on human heavy metal exposure in Gejiu tin mining area, Yunan. Yunnan Geology, 42(1): 106−113. (in Chinese)

Yu Y, Zhu RP, Ma DM, et al. 2022. Multiple surface runoff and soil loss responses by sandstone morphologies to land-use and precipitation regimes changes in the Loess Plateau, China. Catena, 217: 106477.

Zeng M, Guo R, Yang SM, et al. 2019. Heavy metal pollution and ecological risk assessment in agricultural production areas: Taking Gejiu City of Yunnan Province as an example. Soils and Crops, 8(1): 85−92. (in Chinese) DOI: 10.11689/j.issn.2095-2961.2019.01.010.

Zhang Y, Guo CQ, Sun PA. 2019. Groundwater health risk assessment based on spatial analysis in the Qiaomaidi watershed. China Environmental Science, 39(11): 4762−4768. (in Chinese) DOI: 10.19674/j.cnki.issn1000-6923.2019.0555.

Zhao Y, Li YQ, Qin XM, et al. 2017. Tracer tests on distribution and structural characteristics of karst channels in Nandong underground river drainage. Carsologica Sinica, 36(2): 226−233. (in Chinese) DOI: 10.11932/karst20170210.

Zhou JM, Jiang ZC, Xu GL, et al. 2019. Distribution and health risk assessment of metals in groundwater around iron mine. China Environmental Science, 39(5): 1934−1944. (in Chinese) DOI: 10.19674/j.cnki.issn1000-6923.2019.0230.

Zhou QM, Jiang ZC, Xu GL, et al. 2019. Water quality analysis and health risk assessment for groundwater at Xiangshui, Chongzuo. Environmental Science, 40(6): 2675−2685. (in Chinese) DOI: 10.13227/j.hjkx.201810234.

2305-7068/© Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering Editorial Office. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0)

Relative Articles

[1]	Parvaiz Ahmad Ganie, Ravindra Posti, Garima, Kishor Kunal, Nityanand Pandey, Pramod Kumar Pandey, 2024: Morphometric analysis and hydrological implications of the Himalayan River Basin, Goriganga, India, using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 12, 360-386. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280028
[2]	Ghulam Zakir-Hassan, Jehangir F Punthakey, Ghulam Shabir, Faiz Raza Hassan, 2024: Assessing the potential of underground storage of flood water: A case study from Southern Punjab Region in Pakistan, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 12, 387-396. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280029
[3]	Chun-xiao Wang, Yong Qian, Zhao-ji Zhang, Chen Yue, Chun-yan Guo, Xiang-xiang Cui, 2023: Current status and prospects of research on 1,4-dioxane pollution and treatment technologies in the water environment, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 11, 158-170. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2023.9280014
[4]	Ya-wei Zhang, Yun-tao Liu, Zi-wen Wang, Yu Cao, Xiao-ran Tu, Di Cao, Shuai Yuan, Xiao-man Cheng, Lian-sheng Zhang, 2023: Source analysis of dissolved heavy metals in the Shaying River Basin, China, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 11, 408-421. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2023.9280032
[5]	Vinay Kumar Gautam, Mahesh Kothari, P.K. Singh, S.R. Bhakar, K.K. Yadav, 2022: Analysis of groundwater level trend in Jakham River Basin of Southern Rajasthan, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 10, 1-9. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2022.01.001
[6]	Chun-lei Liu, Jian-hua Zheng, Zheng-hong Li, Ya-song Li, Qi-chen Hao, Jian-feng Li, 2021: Analysis on the situation and countermeasures of water resources supply and demand in the cities of small and medium-sized river basins along southeast coast of China — taking Xiamen City as an example, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 9, 350-358. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2021.04.008
[7]	Yue-nan Li, Yan-sheng Gu, Man-zhou Li, Guang-jie Huo, Xi-ping Wang, Zhi-jie Xu, Jie Yue, Dan Du, Man-ge Geng, 2021: Comparison on the phytoextraction efficiency of Bidens pilosa at heavy metal contaminated site in natural and electrokinetic conditions, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 9, 121-128. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2021.02.004
[8]	Liang Zhu, Jing-tao Liu, Ming-nan Yang, Yu-xi Zhang, De-ping Wen, 2021: Evolutionary trend of water cycle in Beichuan River Basin of China under the influence of vegetation restoration, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 9, 202-211. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2021.03.003
[9]	SUN Dong, LIU Xin-ze, YANG Hai-jun, CAO Nan, ZHANG Zhi-peng, CHEN Yin-song, LI Da-meng, 2019: Analysis of hydrogeolgical characteristics and water environmental impact pathway of typical shale gas exploration and development zones in Sichuan Basin, China, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 7, 195-213. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2019.03.001
[10]	LI Yang, KANG Feng-Xin, ZOU An-de, 2019: Isotope analysis of nitrate pollution sources in groundwater of Dong’e geohydrological unit, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 7, 145-154. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2019.02.005
[11]	LIU Yu, CHENG Yan-pei, GE Li-qiang, 2018: Analysis on exploitation status, potential and strategy of groundwater resources in the five countries of Central Asia, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 6, 49-57. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2018.01.006
[12]	ZHOU Chang-song, ZOU Sheng-zhang, ZHU Dan-ni, XIE Hao, CHEN Hong-feng, WANG Jia, 2018: Pollution pattern of underground river in karst area of the Southwest China, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 6, 71-83. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2018.02.001
[13]	LIU Min, NIE Zhen-long, WANG Jin-zhe, WANG Li-fang, TIAN Yan-liang, 2016: An assessment of the carrying capacity of groundwater resources in North China Plain region–Analysis of potential for development, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 4, 174-187.
[14]	WU Jian-qiang, WU Xia-yi, 2016: Geological environment impact analysis of a landfill by the Yangtze River, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 4, 96-102.
[15]	WANG Ji-ning, MENG Yong-hui, 2016: Characteristics analysis and model prediction of sea-salt water intrusion in lower reaches of the Weihe River, Shandong Province, China, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 4, 149-156.
[16]	YANG Li-zhi, LIU Chun-hua, 2015: Study on the characteristics and causes of carbon tetrachloride pollution of karst water in eastern suburbs of Jinan, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 3, 331-341.
[17]	DAI Wen-Bin, ZHANG Wei-Jun, COWEN Taha, 2015: An analysis of River Derwent pollution and its impacts, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 3, 39-44.
[18]	SHI Jian-sheng, LIU Chang-li, DONG Hua, YAN Zhen-peng, WANG Yan-jun, LIU Xin-hao, GUO Xiu-yan, JIAO Hong-jun, YIN Mi-ying, HOU Huai-ren, 2014: Stability assessment and risk analysis of aboveground river in lower Yellow River, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 2, 1-18.
[19]	HAN Kang-qin, LIU Jian, HAN Lei-lei, HAN Wen-ling, ZHANG Yun-xiao, 2014: Prediction of Impacts Caused by South-to-North Water Diversion on Underground Water Level in Shijiazhuang, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 2, 27-33.
[20]	Kang-qin HAN, Ri-sheng DUAN, Liang-liang JIA, Yuan-yuan DUAN, Min-ying FENG, 2014: Analysis on Present Status of Underground Water Pollution in Shijiazhuang and Its Prevention Measures, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 2, 44-48.