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8 pages, 789 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Achieving the One Health Goal: Highlighting Groundwater Quality and Public Health

by Peiyue Li, Jianhua Wu and Saurabh Shukla

Water 2022, 14(21), 3540; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14213540 - 04 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1727

Abstract

In many regions of the world, groundwater is the main water source for multiple uses, including for drinking, irrigation, and industry. Groundwater quality, therefore, is closely related to human health, and the consumption of contaminated groundwater can induce various waterborne diseases. In the [...] Read more.

In many regions of the world, groundwater is the main water source for multiple uses, including for drinking, irrigation, and industry. Groundwater quality, therefore, is closely related to human health, and the consumption of contaminated groundwater can induce various waterborne diseases. In the last ten years, the world has witnessed a rapid development in groundwater quality research and the assessment of associated health risks. This editorial introduced the foundation of the current Special Issue, Groundwater Quality and Public Health, briefly reviewed recent research advances in groundwater quality and public health research, summarized the main contribution of each published paper, and proposed future research directions that researchers should take into account to achieve the one health goal. It is suggested that groundwater quality protection should be further emphasized to achieve the one health goal and the UN’s SDGs. Modern technologies should be continuously developed to remediate and control groundwater pollution, which is a major constrain in the development of a sustainable society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Public Health)

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Research

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25 pages, 8020 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Delineation of Hydrochemical Characteristics and Tracing Nitrate Contamination of Groundwater Based on Hydrochemical Methods and Isotope Techniques in the Northern Huangqihai Basin, China

by Jing Jin, Zihe Wang, Yiping Zhao, Huijun Ding and Jing Zhang

Water 2022, 14(19), 3168; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14193168 - 08 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1766

Abstract

Hydrochemical research and identification of nitrate contamination are of great significant for the endorheic basin, and the Northern Huangqihai Basin (a typical endorheic basin) was comprehensively researched. The results showed that the main hydrochemical facies were HCO₃–Mg·Ca and HCO₃–Ca·Mg. [...] Read more.

Hydrochemical research and identification of nitrate contamination are of great significant for the endorheic basin, and the Northern Huangqihai Basin (a typical endorheic basin) was comprehensively researched. The results showed that the main hydrochemical facies were HCO₃–Mg·Ca and HCO₃–Ca·Mg. Spatial variation coefficients of most indices were greater than 60%, which was probably caused by human activities. The hydrochemical evolution was mainly affected by rock weathering and also by cation exchange. The D–¹⁸O relationship of groundwater was δD = 5.93δ¹⁸O − 19.18, and the d–excess range was −1.60–+6.01‰, indicating that groundwater was mainly derived from precipitation and that contaminants were very likely to enter groundwater along with precipitation infiltration. The NO₃(N) contents in groundwater exceeded the standard. Hydrochemical analyses indicated that precipitation, industrial activities and synthetic NO₃ were unlikely to be the main sources of nitrate contamination in the study area. No obvious denitrification occurred in the transformation process of nitrate. The δ¹⁵N(NO₃) values ranged from +0.29‰ to +14.39‰, and the δ¹⁸O(NO₃) values ranged from −6.47‰ to +1.24‰. Based on the δ¹⁵N(NO₃) – δ¹⁸O(NO₃) dual isotope technique and hydrochemical methods, manure, sewage and NH₄ fertilizers were identified to be the main sources of nitrate contamination. This study highlights the effectiveness of the integration of hydrochemical and isotopic data for nitrate source identification, and is significant for fully understanding groundwater hydrochemistry in endorheic basins and scientifically managing and protecting groundwater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Public Health)

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16 pages, 2342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Toxic Impacts of Hg Migration in the Disjointed Hyporheic Zone in the Gold Mining Area Experiencing River Water Level Changes

by Ruiping Liu, Fei Liu, Jiangang Jiao, Youning Xu, Ying Dong, El-Wardany R.M., Xinshe Zhang and Huaqing Chen

Water 2022, 14(19), 2950; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14192950 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1348

Abstract

In order to study the occurrence form, vertical migration and transformation and the potential ecological risk of Hg in the disjointed hyporheic zone in the gold mining area is investigated. Through field investigation, in-situ test, and test analysis, the results show that: (1) [...] Read more.

In order to study the occurrence form, vertical migration and transformation and the potential ecological risk of Hg in the disjointed hyporheic zone in the gold mining area is investigated. Through field investigation, in-situ test, and test analysis, the results show that: (1) the form of mercury in the original stratum where the river water-groundwater hydraulic connection is disconnected is mainly in the residual state, accounting for 77.78% of the total mercury; (2) after the water content increases or the water level changes, the various forms of occurrence in the soil surface layer decrease, and the residual state is still the main form; the main forms of mercury in the sand and pebble layer are diversified, including the residual state, strong organic state and humic acid state; (3) the mercury content in the subsurface zone in winter is higher than that in summer; (4) although the mercury content in groundwater has not been detected, the potential ecological risk of mercury in the disjointed Hyporheic zone near the river in the study area is much higher than the extreme ecological hazard threshold, which has a value of 320. The risk of groundwater pollution caused by mercury during the long-term runoff of the river is higher than that during the flood period. Therefore, relevant departments need to rectify the river as soon as possible, from the source to reduce the ecological risk of heavy metals to groundwater. The results will provide a scientific basis for groundwater control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Public Health)

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21 pages, 5133 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stimulating Nitrate Removal with Significant Conversion to Nitrogen Gas Using Biochar-Based Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron Composites

by Siyuan Liu, Xiao Han, Shaopeng Li, Wendi Xuan and Anlei Wei

Water 2022, 14(18), 2877; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14182877 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2364

Abstract

For efficient and environmentally friendly removal of nitrate from groundwater, biochar-based nanoscale zerovalent iron composites were prepared, where biochar was derived from pine sawdust at 4 different pyrolysis temperatures. The results show that biochar with different pyrolysis temperatures played a great role in [...] Read more.

For efficient and environmentally friendly removal of nitrate from groundwater, biochar-based nanoscale zerovalent iron composites were prepared, where biochar was derived from pine sawdust at 4 different pyrolysis temperatures. The results show that biochar with different pyrolysis temperatures played a great role in both nitrate removal efficiency and nitrate conversion rate to nitrogen gas for the prepared composites. Specifically, the composite with biochar pyrolyzed at 500 °C, ZB12-500, showed the best performance in both nitrate removal and conversion to nitrogen gas. With an initial solution pH from 5 to 10, ZB12-500 maintained high removal efficiencies varying from 97.29% to 89.04%. Moreover, the conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas increased with the initial nitrate concentration, and it reached 31.66% with an initial nitrate concentration of 100 mg/L. Kinetics analysis showed that the nitrate removal process fit well with a two-compartment first-order kinetic model. Meanwhile, the test of nitrate removal by ZB12-500 in synthetic groundwater showed that HCO₃⁻ and SO₄²⁻ limited nitrate removal but improved nitrate conversion to nitrogen gas. Furthermore, the nitrate removal mechanism suggested that biochar could facilitate electron transfer from zero valent iron to nitrate, which led to high nitrate removal efficiency. In addition, the interaction of ferrous ions and the quinone group of biochar could increase the nitrate conversion to nitrogen gas. Therefore, this study suggests that ZB12-500 is a promising alternative for the remediation of nitrate-contaminated groundwater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Public Health)

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20 pages, 4865 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Groundwater Health Risk Assessment Based on Monte Carlo Model Sensitivity Analysis of Cr and As—A Case Study of Yinchuan City

by Zhiyuan Ma, Junfeng Li, Man Zhang, Di You, Yahong Zhou and Zhiqiang Gong

Water 2022, 14(15), 2419; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14152419 - 04 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1892

Abstract

Groundwater is an important resource for domestic use and irrigation in the Yinchuan region of northwest China. However, the quality of groundwater in this region is declining due to human activities, with adverse effects on human health. In order to study the effects [...] Read more.

Groundwater is an important resource for domestic use and irrigation in the Yinchuan region of northwest China. However, the quality of groundwater in this region is declining due to human activities, with adverse effects on human health. In order to study the effects of chemical elements in groundwater on human health, the human health risk of drinking groundwater was calculated based on the actual situation in China and on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) model. Moreover, the sensitivity of contaminant exposure in drinking water wells was quantified using Monte Carlo simulation to minimize uncertainty in conjunction with USEPA risk assessment techniques, with the aim to identify the major carcinogenic factors. In addition, Visual Minteq was used to analyze the possible ionic forms of the major factors in the hydrogeological environment of the study area. The results showed that the mean CR values for As were 2.94 × 10^−0.5 and 5.93 × 10^−0.5 for the dry and rainy seasons, respectively, while for 2018 they were 5.48 × 10^−0.5 and 3.59 × 10^−0.5, respectively. In parallel, the CR values for children for 2017 were 6.28 × 10^−0.5 and 1.27 × 10^−0.4, respectively, and 1.17 × 10^−0.4 and 7.67 × 10^−0.5, respectively, indicating a considerably higher carcinogenic risk for children than for adults. results of the sensitivity analysis of Cr⁶⁺ and As using Crystal Ball software showed association values of 0.9958 and 1 for As and 0.0948 and 0 for Cr in the dry and rainy seasons in 2017, and 0.7424 and 0.5759 for As and 0.6237 and 0.8128 for Cr in the dry and rainy seasons in 2018, respectively. Only in the rainy season of 2018, the association values for As were lower than those for Cr, indicating that As is more sensitive to total carcinogenic risk. The results of the visual coinage model analysis showed that among all the possible ionic forms of As, the activity of HAsO₄²⁻ had the largest logarithmic value and that of H₃AsO₄ had the smallest value, regardless of pH changes. This indicates that HAsO₄²⁻ is the ionic form of As with the main carcinogenic factor in the hydrogeological environment of the study area. Therefore, corresponding environmental control measures need to be taken in time to strengthen the monitoring and control of As, especially HAsO₄²⁻, in the groundwater of the study area. This study is of great significance for Yinchuan city to formulate groundwater pollution risk management and recovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Public Health)

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17 pages, 4693 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Assessment of the Hydrochemical Characteristics and Formation Mechanisms of Groundwater in A Typical Alluvial-Proluvial Plain in China: An Example from Western Yongqing County

by Xueshan Bai, Xizhao Tian, Junfeng Li, Xinzhou Wang, Yi Li and Yahong Zhou

Water 2022, 14(15), 2395; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14152395 - 02 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1440

Abstract

The geographic location of Yongqing County is optimal, covering the center of the Beijing, Tianjin, and Baoding triangle. However, the economic and social development of Yongqing County in recent years has resulted in negative impacts on groundwater. Therefore, investigating the current status of [...] Read more.

The geographic location of Yongqing County is optimal, covering the center of the Beijing, Tianjin, and Baoding triangle. However, the economic and social development of Yongqing County in recent years has resulted in negative impacts on groundwater. Therefore, investigating the current status of groundwater chemistry in Yongqing County is of great significance to provide a useful basis for future studies on groundwater quality assessment. The aim of this study is to assess the hydrochemical characteristics and formation mechanisms of the unconfined aquifers of Yongqing County using descriptive statistical and multivariate statistical methods. In addition, ionic ratios, Piper diagram, Gibbs diagrams, and PHREEQC software were used in this study to determine the main factors influencing the hydrochemical characteristics of the unconfined aquifers. The results suggested slightly alkaline groundwater of the unconfined aquifers in the western part of Yongqing County, belonging to the fresh-brackish groundwater type. In addition, the hydrochemistry facies types in the study area are complex, consisting of four facies types, namely HCO₃⁻−Mg·Ca, HCO₃⁻−Na, HCO₃⁻-Na·Ca, and HCO₃⁻-Na·Mg. On the other hand, the main factors influencing the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater are mineral dissolution followed by some anthropogenic pollution. Rock dominance was the main influencing factor, demonstrated by thedissolution of silicate and carbonate rock minerals. In addition, the alternating adsorption of cations occurring in the aquifer plays a non-negligible effect on the hydrochemical characteristics of the unconfined aquifers in the study area. In fact, the validation results using PHREEQC inverse hydrogeochemical simulations demonstrated consistent conclusions with those mentioned above. According to the findings obtained, the dissolution of carbonate and silicate minerals as well as Na⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ ion exchange in the aquifer are the main factors influencing the hydrochemical characteristics of the unconfined aquifers of Yongqing County. The recommendations suggest put forward in this research are helpful to understand the formation mechanism of hydrochemistry in typical alluvial proluvial plain and provide insights for decision makers to protect the groundwater resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Public Health)

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15 pages, 1884 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Spatial and Seasonal Drinking Water Quality Assessment in a Sub-Saharan Country (Guinea-Bissau)

by Ana Machado, Eva Amorim and Adriano A. Bordalo

Water 2022, 14(13), 1987; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14131987 - 21 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1769

Abstract

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal target 6.1 calls for universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water. Worldwide, about 2.2 billion people live without access to safe water, and millions of people suffer from waterborne pathogens each year, representing the [...] Read more.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal target 6.1 calls for universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water. Worldwide, about 2.2 billion people live without access to safe water, and millions of people suffer from waterborne pathogens each year, representing the most pressing situation in developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the drinking water quality dynamics across an endemic cholera sub-Saharan country (Guinea-Bissau), and understand its implications for public health. Microbiological and physical–chemical quality parameters of 252 major water sources spread all over the country were seasonally surveyed. These comprised hand-dug shallow wells and boreholes, fitted with a bucket or a pump to retrieve water. The results showed that the majority of water sources available to the population were grossly polluted with faecal material (80%), being unsuitable for consumption, with significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels during the wet season. Hand-dug wells revealed the highest contamination levels. The chemical contamination was less relevant, although 83% of the water sources were acidic (pH < 6.5). This study highlights the potential health risk associated with the lack of potable drinking water, reinforcing the evidence for water monitoring, and the need to improve WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) infrastructure and water management in West African countries. In addition, the authors suggest easy-to-implement interventions that can have a dramatic impact in the water quality, assisting to reduce the associated waterborne diseases rise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Public Health)

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16 pages, 2354 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Hydrochemical Characteristics and Formation Mechanism of Strontium-Rich Groundwater in Tianjiazhai, Fugu, China

by Chengcheng Liang, Wei Wang, Xianmin Ke, Anfeng Ou and Dahao Wang

Water 2022, 14(12), 1874; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14121874 - 10 Jun 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1999

Abstract

Strontium-rich groundwater exists in the underlying carbonate rocks of the Tianjiazhai Shimachuan River basin, Fugu, China. In this study, the hydrochemical characteristics and formation mechanisms of Sr-rich groundwater were assessed using mathematical statistics and traditional water chemistry, combining geological and hydrogeological conditions, as [...] Read more.

Strontium-rich groundwater exists in the underlying carbonate rocks of the Tianjiazhai Shimachuan River basin, Fugu, China. In this study, the hydrochemical characteristics and formation mechanisms of Sr-rich groundwater were assessed using mathematical statistics and traditional water chemistry, combining geological and hydrogeological conditions, as well as hydrogeochemical theory. The results showed that the Sr²⁺ content range in Sr-rich groundwater was 0.85~2.99 mg·L⁻¹, which is weakly alkaline fresh water. HCO₃⁻ Ca·Mg·Na was the main facies type of Sr-rich groundwater. Sr-rich groundwater has relatively stable contents of chemical elements. The water–rock interaction was the main factor controlling the hydrochemical characteristics of Sr-rich groundwater, particularly carbonate dissolution, influenced by some degree of cation exchange. The Sr element in groundwater mainly comes from the dissolution of the sandstone of the Yanchang Formation. The higher the degree of weathering and the longer the water–rock reaction time, the more favorable the dissolution and enrichment of Sr in groundwater. Moreover, the large weathering thickness and fracture development of the rocks in the Tianjiazhai area provide favorable conditions for the formation of Sr-rich groundwater. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for developing effective policies to protect Sr-rich groundwater resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Public Health)

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18 pages, 4706 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Groundwater Quality and Associated Human Health Risk in a Typical Basin of the Eastern Chinese Loess Plateau

by Jiao Li, Congjian Sun, Wei Chen, Qifei Zhang, Sijie Zhou, Ruojing Lin and Yihan Wang

Water 2022, 14(9), 1371; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14091371 - 22 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2674

Abstract

Groundwater is an important source for drinking, agricultural, and industrial purposes in the Linfen basin of the Eastern Chinese Loess Plateau (ECLP). To ensure the safety of drinking water, this study was carried out to assess the quality using the water quality index [...] Read more.

Groundwater is an important source for drinking, agricultural, and industrial purposes in the Linfen basin of the Eastern Chinese Loess Plateau (ECLP). To ensure the safety of drinking water, this study was carried out to assess the quality using the water quality index (WQI) and potential health risks of groundwater using the human health risk assessment model (HHRA). The WQI approach showed that 90% of the samples were suitable for drinking, and Pb, TH, F⁻, SO₄²⁻, and TDS were the most significant parameters affecting groundwater quality. The non-carcinogenic health risk results indicated that 20% and 80% of the samples surpassed the permissible limit for adult females and children. Additionally, all groundwater samples could present a carcinogenic health risk to males, females, and children. The pollution from F⁻, Pb, and Cr⁶⁺ was the most serious for non-carcinogenic health risk. Cd contributed more than Cr⁶⁺ and As to carcinogenic health risks. Residents living in the central of the study area faced higher health risks than humans in other areas. The research results can provide a decision-making basis for the scientific management of the regional groundwater environment and the protection of drinking water safety and public health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Public Health)

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18 pages, 8916 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geospatial Assessment of Groundwater Quality with the Distinctive Portrayal of Heavy Metals in the United Arab Emirates

by Imen Ben Salem, Yousef Nazzal, Fares M. Howari, Manish Sharma, Jagadish Kumar Mogaraju and Cijo M. Xavier

Water 2022, 14(6), 879; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14060879 - 11 Mar 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3150

Abstract

Groundwater is a valuable resource, and its quality is critical to human survival. Optimal farming and urbanization degraded groundwater reserves. This research investigates and reports the spatial variability of selected heavy metals developed in the Liwa area of the United Arab Emirates. Forty [...] Read more.

Groundwater is a valuable resource, and its quality is critical to human survival. Optimal farming and urbanization degraded groundwater reserves. This research investigates and reports the spatial variability of selected heavy metals developed in the Liwa area of the United Arab Emirates. Forty water samples were collected from existing wells and analyzed for different elements. Principal components analysis was applied to a subgroup of the data set in terms of their usefulness for determining the variability of groundwater quality variables. Geographic information systems were used to produce contour maps to analyze the distribution of heavy metals. Ordinary kriging was used with Circular, Spherical, Tetraspherical, Pentaspherical-Bessel, K-Bessel, Hole effect, and Stable models for better representation. The water quality index was constructed using heavy metal concentrations and other variables. This yielded a value of 900 beyond the limit stated by WHO and US EPA. Nugget analysis showed that Cd (0), K (7.38%), and SO₄ (1.81%) variables exhibited strong spatial dependence. Al (27%), Ba (40.87%), Cr (63%), Cu (34%), EC (27%), HCO₃ (56%), NO₃(36%), Pb (64%), and TDS (53%) represented moderate spatial dependence. As (76%), Mn (79%), Ni (100%), pH (100%), Temp (93%), and Zn (100%) exhibited weak spatial dependence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Public Health)

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17 pages, 44689 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrochemical Characteristics of Arsenic in Shallow Groundwater in Various Unconsolided Sediment Aquifers: A Case Study in Hetao Basin in Inner Mongolia, China

by Zizhao Cai, Lingxia Liu, Wei Xu, Ping Wu and Chuan Lu

Water 2022, 14(4), 669; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14040669 - 21 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1613

Abstract

This study focused on the entire Hetao Basin, which can fall into four hydrogeological units, the Houtao Plain, Sanhuhe Plain, Hubao Plain, and South Bank Plain of the Yellow River, all of which are under different geological and environmental conditions. To systematically investigate [...] Read more.

This study focused on the entire Hetao Basin, which can fall into four hydrogeological units, the Houtao Plain, Sanhuhe Plain, Hubao Plain, and South Bank Plain of the Yellow River, all of which are under different geological and environmental conditions. To systematically investigate the hydrochemical characteristics and spatial distribution of high-As groundwater (As > 10 μg/L), 974 samples were collected from shallow groundwater. As indicated from the results, high-As groundwater had an extensive distribution, and its spatial distribution in the four hydrogeological units exhibited significant variability. Three concentrated distribution areas were reported with high-As groundwater, which were all in the discharge areas of groundwater, and the arsenic contents in the groundwater were found to exceed 50 μg/L. The hydrochemical types of high-As groundwater in the HT Plain and the SHH Plain consisted of HCO₃ SO₄·Cl for anions and Na for cations, while those in the other two plains included HCO₃ for anions as well as Na·Mg·Ca for cations. According to the pH values, the groundwater was weakly alkaline in the areas with high-As groundwater, and arsenic primarily existed as arsenite. Furthermore, high-As groundwater in the Hetao Basin was characterized by high contents of Fe (mean value of 2.77 mg/L) and HCO₃⁻ (mean value of 460 mg/L) and a low relative concentration of SO₄²⁻ (average value of 310 mg/L). This study did not identify any significant correlation between groundwater arsenic and other ions (e.g., Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, HCO³⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₂⁻ and NO₃⁻) in the entire Hetao Basin over a wide range of hydrogeological units. The results remained unchanged after the four hydrogeological units were analyzed. The special sedimentary environment evolution of the Hetao Basin was found as the prerequisite for the formation of high-arsenic groundwater. Furthermore, groundwater runoff conditions and hydrogeochemical processes in the basin were indicated as the factors controlling the formation of high-arsenic groundwater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Public Health)

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19 pages, 3407 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Health Risk of the Shallow Groundwater and Its Suitability for Drinking Purpose in Tongchuan, China

by Abel Nsabimana, Peiyue Li, Song He, Xiaodong He, S. M. Khorshed Alam and Misbah Fida

Water 2021, 13(22), 3256; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13223256 - 17 Nov 2021

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3325

Abstract

Studying the quality and health risks of groundwater is of great significance for sustainable water resources utilization, especially in arid and semi-arid areas around the world. The current study is carried out to evaluate the quality and potential health risks of groundwater in [...] Read more.

Studying the quality and health risks of groundwater is of great significance for sustainable water resources utilization, especially in arid and semi-arid areas around the world. The current study is carried out to evaluate the quality and potential health risks of groundwater in the Tongchuan area on the Loess Plateau, northwest China. Water quality index (WQI) and hydrochemical correlation analysis were implemented to understand the status of groundwater quality. Daily average exposure dosages through the oral and dermal contact exposure pathways were taken into consideration to calculate the health risks to the human body. Additionally, graphical approaches such as Piper diagram, Durov diagram and GIS mapping were used to help better understand the results of this study. The WQI approach showed that 77.1% of the samples were of excellent quality. The most significant parameters affecting water quality were NO₃⁻, F⁻, and Cr⁶⁺. The health risk assessment results showed that 27.1% and 54.2% of the samples lead to non-carcinogenic risks through oral intake for adults and children, respectively. In contrast, 12.5% of the groundwater samples would result in carcinogenic risks to the residents. This study showed that the WQI method needs to be supplemented by a health risk evaluation to obtain comprehensive results for groundwater quality protection and management in the Tongchuan area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Quality and Public Health)

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