New Method Evaluates Water Quality and Health Risks Using Simulation Techniques

Jenn Hoskins
4th August, 2024

New Method Evaluates Water Quality and Health Risks Using Simulation Techniques

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study focused on the health and environmental risks of toxic elements in the Algerian desert's terminal aquifer
  • 84% of water samples showed high levels of heavy metal pollution, posing significant environmental risks
  • Children are more vulnerable to non-carcinogenic risks from metals like Fe, Mn, Pb, and Cr, with higher hazard index values than adults
The University of Miskolc recently conducted a study[1] to evaluate the health and environmental risks associated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the complex terminal aquifer of the Algerian desert. This research is crucial, given the growing concerns about water contamination and its implications for human health and the environment. The study employed various analytical methods to understand the sources and extent of contamination. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were used to estimate the origin of ions and contaminants. These methods help in identifying patterns and grouping similar data points, making it easier to pinpoint pollution sources. Additionally, several indices such as the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), Metal Index (MI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) were applied to assess both environmental and human health risks. The Monte Carlo method, a statistical technique used for probabilistic risk assessment, was also utilized. This method allows for the simulation of various scenarios to predict the likelihood of different outcomes, providing a comprehensive risk assessment for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects through oral and dermal exposure routes in adults and children. The results revealed that about 16% of the samples fell within the low pollution category (HPI < 100), indicating relatively lower levels of heavy metal contamination. However, the remaining 84% of the samples exhibited high pollution levels, indicating a significant presence of heavy metal pollutants in the northeastern part of the investigated area. The calculated average risk index (RI) for the collected samples was 18.99, with a range from 0.03 to 103.21. This indicates that a large portion, 82% of the samples, could cause low ecological risk (RI < 30), whereas the remaining 18% indicate a significant environmental pollution risk. The hazard index (HI) for oral ingestion showed that adults had HI values ranging from 0.231 to 1.54, while children exhibited higher values, ranging from 0.884 to 5.9. For dermal exposure, HI values in adults ranged from 2.71E-07 to 8.74E-06 and in children, from 2.18E-06 to 7.03E-05. These findings highlight the potential non-carcinogenic risks associated with oral exposure to PTEs and underscore the increased vulnerability of children to metals such as Fe, Mn, Pb, and Cr. Most samples showed CR values exceeding 1 × 10-4 for chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb), indicating a significant vulnerability to carcinogenic effects in both children and adults. This study corroborates earlier findings from other regions that have faced similar issues. For instance, a study on the water resources of Egypt's northwestern desert also found high pollution risks, with significant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for both adults and children[2]. Similarly, research on the Danube River in Hungary identified moderate to high pollution levels and highlighted the vulnerability of children to carcinogenic effects from metals like arsenic and chromium[3]. Moreover, the environmental management techniques reviewed at the Sukari Gold Mine in Egypt emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and proactive control measures to mitigate environmental risks[4]. These findings align with the current study's recommendation for comprehensive water treatment measures to mitigate the health risks associated with PTEs in the Algerian desert. In conclusion, the study by the University of Miskolc provides a detailed assessment of the health and environmental risks posed by heavy metal contamination in the Algerian desert's terminal aquifer. The findings underscore the urgent need for effective water treatment and continuous monitoring to protect both the environment and public health, particularly the most vulnerable populations such as children.

EnvironmentHealthSustainability

References

Main Study

1) Advanced approach combines integrated weight water quality index and potential toxic elements for environmental and health risk assessment supported by simulation technique in Oued Souf, Algeria.

Published 1st August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-68854-1

Related Studies

2) New approach into human health risk assessment associated with heavy metals in surface water and groundwater using Monte Carlo Method.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-50000-y

3) Investigating the impacts of heavy metal(loid)s on ecology and human health in the lower basin of Hungary's Danube River: A Python and Monte Carlo simulation-based study.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-023-01769-4

4) Hydrogeochemical characteristics and air quality risks associated with gold mining operations in Egypt using geochemical modeling and risk indices.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31086


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