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Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (2 June 2023) | Viewed by 54956

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ying Zhu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
Interests: emissions of contaminants and impact factors; environmental fate and exposure modeling of emerging and persistent organic chemicals; environmental and human health risks
Dr. Wei Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
Interests: environmental chemistry; health effects; emerging organic contaminants; persistent toxic substances; monitoring techniques
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Xinli Xing

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430078, China
Interests: persistent organic pollutants; atmospheric transport; PM2.5; source diagnosis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Water is an important natural resource that all living creatures on Earth depend on. However, a United Nations’ report indicates that 2.2 billion people worldwide cannot access safe drinking water. Waterborne diseases account for 80% of human diseases according to the WHO. Other creatures besides humans are also suffering adverse effects caused by exposure to a cocktail of contaminants in waters. Water pollution has been a great global concern in the past decades. The water contaminants are mostly anthropogenic, such as POPs (persistent organic pollutants), PPCPs (pharmaceutical and personal care products), disinfection by-products, heavy metals, microplastics, etc. They are toxic and able to act as environmental endocrine disruptors that threaten human health and ecosystems.

However, the knowledge on sources, environmental fate, exposure levels and pathways, and the toxicity of mixtures of these contaminants and associated environmental health risks is still limited. The development of research methodologies and the investigation of the above issues are urgently needed. This Special Issue aims to explore the state of the art in these issues, and attempts to provide a comprehensive perspective. Potential topics include but are not limited to the diagnosis of water pollutant sources, new monitoring and chemical analytical devices or technologies, modeling approaches for environmental fate and exposure, the toxicity of pollutant mixtures, and strategies for water pollution management.

All submitted manuscripts will go through a rigorous peer-review process.

Dr. Ying Zhu
Dr. Wei Chen
Prof. Dr. Xinli Xing
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • water pollutants
  • sources
  • fate and behavior
  • passive sampling
  • human exposure
  • environmental health
  • chemical environmental fate modelling
  • exposure modelling
  • persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
  • pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs)
  • microplastics
  • heavy metals
  • ecological risks

Published Papers (24 papers)

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16 pages, 5748 KiB  
Article
Application and Comparison of Different Models for Quantifying the Aquatic Community in a Dam-Controlled River
by Jing Liu, Chao Zang, Qiting Zuo, Chunhui Han and Stefan Krause
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4148; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20054148 - 25 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1013
Abstract
In order to develop a better model for quantifying aquatic community using environmental factors that are easy to get, we construct quantitative aquatic community models that utilize the different relationships between water environmental impact factors and aquatic biodiversity as follows: a multi-factor linear-based [...] Read more.
In order to develop a better model for quantifying aquatic community using environmental factors that are easy to get, we construct quantitative aquatic community models that utilize the different relationships between water environmental impact factors and aquatic biodiversity as follows: a multi-factor linear-based (MLE) model and a black box-based ‘Genetic algorithm-BP artificial neural networks’ (GA-BP) model. A comparison of the model efficiency and their outputs is conducted by applying the models to real-life cases, referring to the 49 groups of seasonal data observed over seven field sampling campaigns in Shaying River, China, and then performing model to reproduce the seasonal and inter-annual variation of the water ecological characteristics in the Huaidian (HD) site over 10 years. The results show that (1) the MLE and GA-BP models constructed in this paper are effective in quantifying aquatic communities in dam-controlled rivers; and (2) the performance of GA-BP models based on black-box relationships in predicting the aquatic community is better, more stable, and reliable; (3) reproducing the seasonal and inter-annual aquatic biodiversity in the HD site of Shaying River shows that the seasonal variation of species diversity for phytoplankton, zooplankton, and zoobenthos are inconsistent, and the inter-annual levels of diversity are low due to the negative impact of dam control. Our models can be used as a tool for aquatic community prediction and can become a contribution to showing how quantitative models in other dam-controlled rivers to assisting in dam management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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13 pages, 2357 KiB  
Article
Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Mechanisms of the Co-Removal of Arsenate and Arsenite by Sepiolite-Supported Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron in Aqueous Solution
by Meihaguli Ainiwaer, Xibai Zeng, Xianqiang Yin, Jiong Wen, Shiming Su, Yanan Wang, Yang Zhang, Tuo Zhang and Nan Zhang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11401; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191811401 - 10 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1515
Abstract
In this study, a newly synthesized sepiolite-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (S-nZVI) adsorbent was tested for the efficient removal of As(III) and As(V) in aqueous solution. Compared with ZVI nanoparticles, the As(III) and As(V) adsorption abilities of S-nZVI were substantially enhanced to 165.86 mg/g [...] Read more.
In this study, a newly synthesized sepiolite-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (S-nZVI) adsorbent was tested for the efficient removal of As(III) and As(V) in aqueous solution. Compared with ZVI nanoparticles, the As(III) and As(V) adsorption abilities of S-nZVI were substantially enhanced to 165.86 mg/g and 95.76 mg/g, respectively, owing to the good dispersion of nZVI on sepiolite. The results showed that the adsorption kinetics were well fitted with the pseudo-second-order model, and the adsorption isotherms were fitted with the Freundlich model, denoting a multilayer chemical adsorption process. The increase in the initial solution pH of the solution inhibited As(III) and As(V) adsorption, but a weaker influence on As(III) than As(V) adsorption was observed with increasing pH. Additionally, the presence of SO42− and NO3− ions had no pronounced effect on As(III) and As(V) removal, while PO43− and humic acid (HA) significantly restrained the As(III) and As(V) adsorption ability, and Mg2+/Ca2+ promoted the As(V) adsorption efficiency. Spectral analysis showed that As(III) and As(V) formed inner-sphere complexes on S-nZVI. As(III) oxidation and As(V) reduction occurred with the adsorption process on S-nZVI. Overall, the study demonstrated a potential adsorbent, S-nZVI, for the efficient removal of As(III) and As(V) from contaminated water. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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22 pages, 7934 KiB  
Article
Source, Distribution, and Risk Estimation of Hazardous Elements in Farmland Soils in a Typical Alluvial–Lacustrine Transition Basin, Hunan Province
by Zihan Chen, Bingguo Wang, Chongwen Shi, Yonghui Ding, Tianqi Liu and Junshuai Zhang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10971; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191710971 - 02 Sep 2022
Viewed by 1334
Abstract
Increased concentrations of heavy metals in soil due to anthropogenic activities pose a considerable threat to human health and require constant attention. This study investigates the spatial distribution of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Sb) and metalloids (As) in a typical alluvial–lacustrine transition [...] Read more.
Increased concentrations of heavy metals in soil due to anthropogenic activities pose a considerable threat to human health and require constant attention. This study investigates the spatial distribution of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Sb) and metalloids (As) in a typical alluvial–lacustrine transition basin and calculates the bioavailable forms of elements posing a direct threat. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to identify the sources of contaminants, after which an ecological risk assessment was conducted. Total (T) As, Pb, and Zn decreased with the depth, whereas Cd and Sb increased in surface (0–20 cm) soil. Bioavailable (Bio) Cd and Pb in the topsoil were regulated by pH and organic matter, whereas Bio-Zn was regulated by soil pH. Within deeper soil layers, the combined effects of pH, organic matter, and clay contents regulated the bio-elements. The results of multiple methods and local investigation showed that TSb (65.3%) was mainly derived from mining activities, TCd (53.2%) and TZn (53.7%) were derived from direct pollution by industrial production and agricultural fertilizers, respectively, and TA (55.6%) was mainly derived from the soil parent material. TPb was related to vehicle exhaust emissions and atmospheric deposition from industrial activities. Although the potential ecological risk in the study area remains relatively low, there is a need for continuous monitoring of the potential ecological risks of Cd and Sb. This study can act as a reference for the prevention and mitigation of heavy metal contamination of alluvial–lacustrine transition basins. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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17 pages, 1945 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Pollution Fee Reform on the Emission of Water Pollutants: Evidence from Manufacturing Enterprises in China
by Zhe Yang, Zhenwu Xiong, Wenhao Xue and Yuhong Zhou
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10660; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191710660 - 26 Aug 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1564
Abstract
With the development of China’s industrial economy and urbanization, water pollution has become serious and gradually exposed to the public. The pollution fee policy is an important tool to force enterprises to reduce pollution. This study used the panel data of manufacturing enterprises [...] Read more.
With the development of China’s industrial economy and urbanization, water pollution has become serious and gradually exposed to the public. The pollution fee policy is an important tool to force enterprises to reduce pollution. This study used the panel data of manufacturing enterprises during 2006–2013 and the multiperiod difference in differences (DID) method to systematically analyze the impact of water pollution fee reform on emissions of manufacturing enterprises in China. In general, enterprises facing improved pollution fee collection standards reduce COD emissions by approximately 4.1%. However, significant location heterogeneities are captured in China. The rising water pollution fees have promoted the emission reduction of enterprises in northern China and resource-based cities, but the effect is not significant in southern China and nonresource-based cities. Furthermore, the mechanism analysis shows that enterprises mainly reduced emissions through terminal treatment and reducing production. This study provided micro evidence for research on the effect of pollution fee reform and supplied a reference for the improvement of the environmental protection tax system in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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15 pages, 4173 KiB  
Article
Heavy Metal Pollution and Health Risk Assessment of Vegetable–Soil Systems of Facilities Irrigated with Wastewater in Northern China
by Zhe Xu, Mingyi Shi, Xiaoman Yu and Mingda Liu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 9835; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19169835 - 10 Aug 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1833
Abstract
Soil pollution by heavy metals is a major concern in China and has received much attention in recent years. Aiming to investigate the status of heavy metal pollution and the safety of vegetables in the soil of wastewater-irrigated facilities, this study investigated the [...] Read more.
Soil pollution by heavy metals is a major concern in China and has received much attention in recent years. Aiming to investigate the status of heavy metal pollution and the safety of vegetables in the soil of wastewater-irrigated facilities, this study investigated the distribution and migration characteristics of heavy metals in vegetable–soil systems of facilities in a typical sewage irrigation area of the Xi River, Shenyang City, northern China. Health risks due to the fact of exposure to heavy metals in the vegetable soil of facilities and ingrown vegetables through different exposure pathways were evaluated. Spatial interpolation and a potential ecological risk assessment were applied to evaluate the soil quality. Bioaccumulation factors (BCFs) were used to analyze the absorption and transportation capacity of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn by different parts of different vegetables. The results showed that the average concentration of Cd exceeded the standard values by 1.82 times and accumulated by 11 times, suggesting that Cd poses the most severe pollution among the four metals in the soil of facilities in the Xi River sewage irrigation area. In the city, a significant accumulation of Cd in the soil was identified with different spatial distributions. Cd also contributed the most in terms of the estimated potential ecological risk index, while the impacts of the other three metals were relatively small. The concentrations of heavy metals were mostly lower than the limit set by the corresponding Chinese standards. Various BCFs were observed for the four metals in the order Cd > Zn > Cu > Pb. Vegetables also demonstrated different BCFs in the order of leaf vegetables > Rhizome vegetable > Solanaceae vegetable. The magnitude of the noncarcinogenic risk for all four heavy metals was less than one for all three exposure routes and did not cause significant noncarcinogenic health effects in humans. However, the carcinogenic risk of Cd from some vegetables via dietary intake was considered higher. Protection measures should be taken to implement better pollution control and land use planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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17 pages, 1541 KiB  
Article
Non-Carcinogenic Health Risk Evaluation of Elevated Fluoride in Groundwater and Its Suitability Assessment for Drinking Purposes Based on Water Quality Index
by Zahid Ullah, Yifan Xu, Xian-Chun Zeng, Abdur Rashid, Asmat Ali, Javed Iqbal, Mikhlid H. Almutairi, Lotfi Aleya, Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim and Muddaser Shah
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9071; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19159071 - 25 Jul 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2177
Abstract
Fluoride (F−) contamination in drinking groundwater is a significant human health risk in Pakistan. Moreover, high fluoride pollution in drinking water causes a variety of disorders, including dental, neurological, and skeletal fluorosis. The aim of this research was to evaluate the [...] Read more.
Fluoride (F−) contamination in drinking groundwater is a significant human health risk in Pakistan. Moreover, high fluoride pollution in drinking water causes a variety of disorders, including dental, neurological, and skeletal fluorosis. The aim of this research was to evaluate the health risk of elevated fluoride in groundwater and its suitability assessment for drinking purposes. The total of (n = 37) samples were collected from community tube wells of Quetta Valley, Balochistan, Pakistan. The results show a mean pH value of 7.7, TDS of 404.6 mg/L, EC of 500 µs/cm, depth of 96.8 feet, and turbidity of 1.7 nephelometric turbidity units. The mean values of HCO3−, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Na+, were 289.5, 47.5, 30.6, and 283.3 mg/L, respectively. The mean values of SO42−, NO3−, K+, Cl−, and Fe2+, were 34.9, 1.0, 1.6, 25.6, and 0.01 mg/L, respectively. The F− concentration in the groundwater varied between 0.19 and 6.21, with a mean value of 1.8 mg/L, and 18 samples out of 37 were beyond the WHO recommended limit of 1.5 mg/L. The hydrochemical analysis results indicated that among the groundwater samples of the study area, 54% samples were Na-HCO3 type and 46% were mixed CaNaHCO3 type. The saturation indices of the mineral phases reveal that the groundwater sources of the study area were saturated with CaCO3 and halide minerals due to their positive (SI) values. Such minerals include calcite, dolomite, gypsum, and fluorite. The principal component analysis results reveal that the groundwater sources of the study area are contaminated due to geological and anthropogenic actions. The health risk assessment results of the F− concentrations show the ranges of ADDingestion for children, females, and males in the Quetta Valley, and their mean values were observed to be 0.093052, 0.068825, and 0.065071, respectively. The HQingestion mean values were 1.55086, 1.147089, and 1.084521 for children, females, and males, respectively. It was noticed that children had the highest maximum and average values of ADDingestion and HQingestion in the research area, indicating that groundwater fluoride intake poses the greatest health risk to children. The water quality index (WQI) analyses show that 44% of the samples belong to the poor-quality category, 49% were of good quality, and 8% of the samples of the study area belong to the excellent category. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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20 pages, 19699 KiB  
Article
Temporal and Spatial Variation Characteristics of Water Quality in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Lijiang River, China and Their Responses to Environmental Factors
by Dantong Zhu, Xiangju Cheng, Wuhua Li, Fujun Niu and Jianhui Wen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 8089; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19138089 - 01 Jul 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2056
Abstract
As the climate and the external environment have changed, the environmental factors of the Lijiang River Basin (LRB) have changed, posing new threats to the environmental quality, ecosystem balance, and management and protection of the water environment of the Lijiang River. Water quality [...] Read more.
As the climate and the external environment have changed, the environmental factors of the Lijiang River Basin (LRB) have changed, posing new threats to the environmental quality, ecosystem balance, and management and protection of the water environment of the Lijiang River. Water quality indicators and environmental factors vary spatially along the Lijiang River, which runs through urban areas, farmland, and karst areas. However, research on the response of water quality to water environmental factors is still lacking. Within this context, this study considered statistical methods and hydrological, meteorological, and water quality data of the middle and lower reaches of the Lijiang River from 2012 to 2018, expounded on the temporal and spatial change characteristics and evolution trends of water quality indicators; we analyzed the correlation between water quality indicators and environmental factors; we quantitatively assessed the sensitivity and contribution rate of water quality indicators to environmental factors. The results demonstrated that rainfall feedback on the river streamflow was lagging, and upstream precipitation often affected downstream streamflow. The water quality in the upper reaches of Guilin has improved year by year, and pollution levels have increased slightly when flowing through the urban area of Guilin. In spite of this, it still falls within the range of self-purification. River characteristics heavily influence the impact of environmental factors on water quality indicators; in contrast, the effects of different locations along the same river are more similar. Four water quality indicators are negatively correlated with water temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO). The sensitivities of ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N) and chemical oxygen demand (CODMn) to streamflow increase with the flow direction. The contribution rates of DO-to-total phosphorus (TP) and pH-to-TP are over −6%. Water temperature is the major contributing factor in the Lijiang River, while DO has a higher contribution in tributaries. The external sources affect the concentration of various water quality indicators and the sensitivity of water quality indicators to the external environment. There should be a series of measures implemented to reduce pollution, such as using oxygenation or chemical means to increase pH in Dahe and Yangshuo to control water pollutants. Tourism and particular karst topography make LRB’s calculations unique, but the research method can be applied to other watersheds as well. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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18 pages, 8499 KiB  
Article
Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Groundwater of Hainan Island Using the Monte Carlo Simulation Coupled with the APCS/MLR Model
by Huanhuan Shi, Min Zeng, Hongxia Peng, Changsheng Huang, Huimin Sun, Qingqin Hou and Pengcheng Pi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7827; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19137827 - 26 Jun 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2158
Abstract
Groundwater is a significant component of water resources, but drinking groundwater with excessive heavy metals (HMs) is harmful to human health. Currently, quantitative source apportionment and probabilistic health risk assessment of HMs in groundwater are relatively limited. In this study, 60 groundwater samples [...] Read more.
Groundwater is a significant component of water resources, but drinking groundwater with excessive heavy metals (HMs) is harmful to human health. Currently, quantitative source apportionment and probabilistic health risk assessment of HMs in groundwater are relatively limited. In this study, 60 groundwater samples containing seven HMs were collected from Hainan Island and analyzed by the coupled absolute principal component scores/multiple linear regression (APCS/MLR), the health risk assessment (HRA) and the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) to quantify the pollution sources of HMs and the health risks. The results show that the high-pollution-value areas of HMs are mainly located in the industry-oriented western region, but the pollution level by HMs in the groundwater in the study area is generally low. The main sources of HMs in the groundwater are found to be the mixed sources of agricultural activities and traffic emissions (39.16%), industrial activities (25.57%) and natural sources (35.27%). Although the non-carcinogenic risks for adults and children are negligible, the carcinogenic risks are at a high level. Through analyzing the relationship between HMs, pollution sources, and health risks, natural sources contribute the most to the health risks, and Cr is determined as the priority control HM. This study emphasizes the importance of quantitative evaluation of the HM pollution sources and probabilistic health risk assessment, which provides an essential basis for water pollution prevention and control in Hainan Island. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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13 pages, 1923 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Microbial Oxidation–Neutralization Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage Rich in Ferrous Ions (Fe2+)
by Wenjie He, Haibo Li, Yin Xu, Feng Zhong, Hao Dong and Min Wang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6543; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19116543 - 27 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1205
Abstract
In this work, a method of enhanced packed-bed microbial oxidation–neutralization has been employed to treat Fe2+-rich acid mine drainage. The method features the use of a large number of immobile Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. ferrooxidans) in a bioreactor to promote [...] Read more.
In this work, a method of enhanced packed-bed microbial oxidation–neutralization has been employed to treat Fe2+-rich acid mine drainage. The method features the use of a large number of immobile Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. ferrooxidans) in a bioreactor to promote the oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+. Results show that when the influent Fe2+ concentration is about 900 mg/L and the Fe2+ oxidation efficiency tends to 100%, the maximum oxidation rate of Fe2+ in the bio-ceramsite, bio-volcanic stone, and bio-activated carbon packed columns are 301 mg/(L·h), 234 mg/(L·h), and 139 mg/(L·h), respectively. Compared with the direct neutralization method, the enhanced microbial oxidation–neutralization method has several advantages. Firstly, it oxidizes Fe2+ to Fe3+, directly neutralizing the acid mine drainage at low pH and reducing the consumption of neutralizer. Secondly, more economical CaCO3 can be used as neutralizer. Thirdly, it produces precipitates with high solid content (5.50%), good settling performance (SV30 = 4%), and small volume, and the capillary suction time (CST) is 8.9 s, which is easy to dehydrate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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15 pages, 3782 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Microbial Communities in Wastewater Treatment Plants Containing Heavy Metals Located in Chemical Industrial Zones
by Taotao Zeng, Liangqin Wang, Xiaoling Zhang, Xin Song, Jie Li, Jinhui Yang, Shengbing Chen and Jie Zhang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6529; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19116529 - 27 May 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2192
Abstract
Water pollution caused by heavy metals (HMs) poses a serious risk to human health and the environment and can increase the risk of diabetes, cancer, and hypertension in particular. In this study, two full-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in industrial zones in southern [...] Read more.
Water pollution caused by heavy metals (HMs) poses a serious risk to human health and the environment and can increase the risk of diabetes, cancer, and hypertension in particular. In this study, two full-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in industrial zones in southern China were selected to analyze the microbial community structure, diversity, similarity, and differentiation in the anoxic/oxic (AO) and anoxic/oxic membrane bioreactor (AO-MBR) units under the stress of HMs. High-throughput sequencing showed that microbial diversity and abundance were higher in the AO process than in the AO-MBR process. In the two WWTPs, the common dominant phyla were Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, while the common dominant genera were Gemmatimonadaceae, Anaerolineaceae, Saprospiraceae, and Terrimonas. Manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) positively correlated with Saccharimonadales, Nakamurella, Micrococcales, and Microtrichales, whereas copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) positively correlated with Longilinea and Ferruginibacter. Additionally, the relative abundances of Chloroflexi, Patescibacteria, and Firmicutes differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the two processes. These results may provide comprehensive outlooks on the characterization of microbial communities in WWTPs, which could also help to reduce the potential environmental risks of the effluent from WWTPs located in industrial zones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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28 pages, 2890 KiB  
Article
Geochemical Modeling Source Provenance, Public Health Exposure, and Evaluating Potentially Harmful Elements in Groundwater: Statistical and Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA)
by Abdur Rashid, Muhammad Ayub, Zahid Ullah, Asmat Ali, Seema Anjum Khattak, Liaqat Ali, Xubo Gao, Chengcheng Li, Sardar Khan, Hamed A. El-Serehy and Prashant Kaushik
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6472; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19116472 - 26 May 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2387
Abstract
Groundwater contamination by potentially harmful elements (PHEs) originating from the weathering of granitic and gneissic rock dissolution poses a public health concern worldwide. This study investigated physicochemical variables and PHEs in the groundwater system and mine water of the Adenzai flood plain region, [...] Read more.
Groundwater contamination by potentially harmful elements (PHEs) originating from the weathering of granitic and gneissic rock dissolution poses a public health concern worldwide. This study investigated physicochemical variables and PHEs in the groundwater system and mine water of the Adenzai flood plain region, in Pakistan, emphasizing the fate distribution, source provenance, chemical speciation, and health hazard using the human health risk assessment HHRA-model. The average concentrations of the PHEs, viz., Ni, Mn, Cr, Cu, Cd, Pb, Co, Fe, and Zn 0.23, were 0.27, 0.07, 0.30, 0.07, 0.06, 0.08, 0.68, and 0.23 mg/L, respectively. The average values of chemical species in the groundwater system, viz., H+, OH−, Ni2+, Mn2+, Mn3+, Cr3+, Cr6+, Cu+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Pb4+, Co2+, Co3+, Fe2+, Fe3+, and Zn2+, were 1.0 × 10−4 ± 1.0 × 10−6, 1.0 × 10−4 ± 9.0 × 10−7, 2.0 × 10−1 ± 1.0 × 10−3, 3.0 × 10−1 ± 1.0 × 10−3, 1.0 × 10−22 ± 1.0 × 10−23, 4.0 × 10−6 ± 2.0 × 10−6, 4.0 × 10−11 ± 2.0 × 10−11, 9.0 × 10−3 ± 1.0 × 10−2, 2.0 × 10−1 ± 2.0 × 10−3, 7.0 × 10−2 ± 6.0 × 10−2, 5.0 × 10−2 ± 5.0 × 10−2, 2.0 × 10−2 ± 1.5 × 10−2, 6.0 × 10−2 ± 4.0 × 10−2, 8.0 × 10−31 ± 6.0 × 10−31, 3.0 × 10−1 ± 2.0 × 10−4, 4.0 × 10−10 ± 3.0 × 10−10, and 2.0 × 10−1 ± 1.0 × 10−1. The mineral compositions of PHEs, viz. Ni, were bunsenite, Ni(OH)2, and trevorite; Mn viz., birnessite, bixbyite, hausmannite, manganite, manganosite, pyrolusite, and todorokite; Cr viz., chromite and eskolaite; Cu viz., CuCr2O4, cuprite, delafossite, ferrite-Cu, and tenorite; Cd viz., monteponite; Pb viz, crocoite, litharge, massicot, minium, plattnerite, Co viz., spinel-Co; Fe viz., goethite, hematite, magnetite, wustite, and ferrite-Zn; and Zn viz., zincite, and ZnCr2O4 demarcated undersaturation and supersaturation. However, EC, Ca2+, K+, Na+, HCO3−, Cr, Cd, Pb, Co, and Fe had exceeded the WHO guideline. The Nemerow’s pollution index (NPI) showed that EC, Ca2+, K+, Na+, HCO3−, Mn, Cd, Pb, Co, and Fe had worse water quality. Principal component analysis multilinear regression (PCAMLR) and cluster analysis (CA) revealed that 75% of the groundwater contamination originated from geogenic inputs and 18% mixed geogenic-anthropogenic and 7% anthropogenic sources. The HHRA-model suggested potential non-carcinogenic risks, except for Fe, and substantial carcinogenic risks for evaluated PHEs. The women and infants are extremely exposed to PHEs hazards. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks in children, males, and females had exceeded their desired level. The HHRA values of PHEs exhibited the following increasing pattern: Co > Cu > Mn > Zn > Fe, and Cd > Pb > Ni > Cr. The higher THI values of PHEs in children and adults suggested that the groundwater consumption in the entire region is unfit for drinking, domestic, and agricultural purposes. Thus, all groundwater sources need immediate remedial measures to secure health safety and public health concerns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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15 pages, 5829 KiB  
Article
Promising Low-Cost Adsorbent from Waste Green Tea Leaves for Phenol Removal in Aqueous Solution
by Asmat Ali, Maria Siddique, Wei Chen, Zhixin Han, Romana Khan, Muhammad Bilal, Ummara Waheed and Irum Shahzadi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6396; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19116396 - 24 May 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2542
Abstract
Phenol is the most common organic pollutant in many industrial wastewaters that may pose a health risk to humans due to its widespread application as industrial ingredients and additives. In this study, waste green tea leaves (WGTLs) were modified through chemical activation/carbonization and [...] Read more.
Phenol is the most common organic pollutant in many industrial wastewaters that may pose a health risk to humans due to its widespread application as industrial ingredients and additives. In this study, waste green tea leaves (WGTLs) were modified through chemical activation/carbonization and used as an adsorbent in the presence of ultrasound (cavitation) to eliminate phenol in the aqueous solution. Different treatments, such as cavitation, adsorption, and sono-adsorption were investigated to remove the phenol. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) morphology of the adsorbent revealed that the structure of WGTLs was porous before phenol was adsorbed. A Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis showed an open chain of carboxylic acids after the sono-adsorption process. The results revealed that the sono-adsorption process is more efficient with enhanced removal percentages than individual processes. A maximum phenol removal of 92% was obtained using the sono-adsorption process under an optimal set of operating parameters, such as pH 3.5, 25 mg L−1 phenol concentration, 800 mg L−1 adsorbent dosage, 60 min time interval, 30 ± 2 °C temperature, and 80 W cavitation power. Removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) reached 85% and 53%. The Freundlich isotherm model with a larger correlation coefficient (R2, 0.972) was better fitted for nonlinear regression than the Langmuir model, and the sono-adsorption process confirmed the pseudo-second-order reaction kinetics. The findings indicated that WGTLs in the presence of a cavitation effect prove to be a promising candidate for reducing phenol from the aqueous environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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17 pages, 54065 KiB  
Article
Heavy Metals in the Mainstream Water of the Yangtze River Downstream: Distribution, Sources and Health Risk Assessment
by Yang Jin, Quanping Zhou, Xiaolong Wang, Hong Zhang, Guoqiang Yang, Ting Lei, Shijia Mei, Hai Yang, Lin Liu, Hui Yang, Jinsong Lv and Yuehua Jiang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6204; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19106204 - 19 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1722
Abstract
Since the mainstream of the Yangtze River lower reach is an important drinking water source for residents alongside it, it is essential to investigate the concentration, distribution characteristics and health risks of heavy metals in the water. In this study, a total of [...] Read more.
Since the mainstream of the Yangtze River lower reach is an important drinking water source for residents alongside it, it is essential to investigate the concentration, distribution characteristics and health risks of heavy metals in the water. In this study, a total of 110 water samples were collected on both the left and right banks from the upstream to the downstream. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine the sources of heavy metals. Their non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were studied with health risk assessment models, and uncertainties were determined through Monte Carlo simulation. Results showed that concentrations of all heavy metals were significantly lower than the relevant authoritative standards in the studied area. From the upstream to the downstream, Ni, Cu and Cr had similar concentration distribution rules and mainly originated from human industrial activities. Pb, Cd and Zn had a fluctuating but increasing trend, which was mainly due to the primary geochemistry, traffic pollution and agricultural activities. The maximum As concentration appeared in the upstream mainly because of the carbonatite weathering or mine tail water discharge. Concentrations of Zn, As, Cd and Pb on the left bank were higher than those on the right bank, while concentrations of Cu, Ni and Cr on the right bank were higher than those on the left bank. The non-carcinogenic risk index (HI) was less than 1 (except of L11), and HI on the left bank was higher than that on the right bank. The carcinogenic risk (CR) was generally larger than 1.0 × 10−4, CR on the right bank overall was higher than that on the left bank, and the health risk of kids was greater than that of adults. Furthermore, Monte Carlo simulation results and the actual calculated values were basically the same. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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13 pages, 1302 KiB  
Article
Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in Rivers and Drinking Waters from Qingdao, China
by Guohui Lu, Pengwei Shao, Yu Zheng, Yongliang Yang and Nan Gai
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5722; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19095722 - 08 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2281
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in rivers; drinking water sources (reservoirs and groundwater); and various types of drinking waters (tap waters, barreled pure waters, and bottled mineral waters) in Qingdao, Eastern China were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The total concentrations [...] Read more.
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in rivers; drinking water sources (reservoirs and groundwater); and various types of drinking waters (tap waters, barreled pure waters, and bottled mineral waters) in Qingdao, Eastern China were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The total concentrations of PFASs (ΣPFASs) in the river waters ranged from 28.3 to 292.2 ng/L, averaging 108 ± 70.7 ng/L. PFBS was the most abundant compound, with a maximum concentration of 256.8 ng/L, followed by PFOA (maximum concentration: 72.4 ng/L) and PFBA (maximum concentration: 41.6 ng/L). High levels of PFASs were found in rivers in the suburban and rural areas. The estimated annual mass loading of the total PFASs to Jiaozhou Bay (JZB) was 5.9 tons. The PFASs in the drinking water reservoirs were relatively low. The ΣPFASs in the tap water ranged from 20.5 ng/L to 29.9 ng/L. Differences in the PFAS levels and composition profiles were found among barreled water at different market sites and for different brands of mineral water products. The sequence of the contamination levels of the waters related to drinking water was reservoir water > tap water > barrel water > groundwater > bottled mineral water. The PFASs in drinking water may not pose a serious risk to the drinking water consumers of Qingdao City. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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15 pages, 2963 KiB  
Article
Photosynthetic Toxicity of Enrofloxacin on Scenedesmus obliquus in an Aquatic Environment
by Zhiheng Li, Xianghong Zhang, Hong Fang, Xuanyu Lin, Xinmi Dai and Huijun Liu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5545; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19095545 - 03 May 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1589
Abstract
Aquaculture facilities are a potential source of antibiotics in aquatic environments, having adverse effects on the algae species. In this study, the toxicity induced by enrofloxacin (ENR) on the algae Scenedesmus obliquus was evaluated. The uptake of ENR and the change in the [...] Read more.
Aquaculture facilities are a potential source of antibiotics in aquatic environments, having adverse effects on the algae species. In this study, the toxicity induced by enrofloxacin (ENR) on the algae Scenedesmus obliquus was evaluated. The uptake of ENR and the change in the growth and photosynthesis of algae were analyzed. At the exposure doses of 10–300 μg/L, the accumulated levels of ENR in algae were 10.61–18.22 μg/g and 12.09–18.34 μg/g after 48 h and 96 h of treatment, respectively. ENR inhibited the growth of algae, with a concentration for 50% effect of 119.74 μg/L, 53.09 μg/L, 64.37 μg/L, and 52.64 μg/L after 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h of treatment, respectively, indicating the self-protection and repair ability of algae in a short period of time. Furthermore, the chlorophyll contents decreased in all treatment groups, and the photosynthetic system Ⅱ parameters decreased in a dose-dependent manner under ENR stress, suggesting that ENR caused a disorder in the electron transport of the photosynthesis of algae, and the carbon fixation and assimilation processes were thus damaged. These results indicate that ENR poses a considerable risk to aquatic environments, affects the carbon sinks, and even has an adverse effect on human health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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17 pages, 3899 KiB  
Article
Time-Space Simulation, Health Risk Warning and Policy Recommendations of Environmental Capacity for Heavy Metals in the Pearl River Basin, China
by Feng Liang, Yujie Pan, Hongxia Peng, Min Zeng and Changsheng Huang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4694; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19084694 - 13 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1552
Abstract
In China, the environmental capacity problem of heavy metals has long been hidden in the Pearl River Basin creating a contradiction between the economic development and environmental health. Thus, this research calculated the environmental capacity of heavy metals in the agricultural land of [...] Read more.
In China, the environmental capacity problem of heavy metals has long been hidden in the Pearl River Basin creating a contradiction between the economic development and environmental health. Thus, this research calculated the environmental capacity of heavy metals in the agricultural land of the urban agglomeration in the Pearl River Basin, evaluated the health risk warning capacity using a comprehensive index. The results showed that the static capacity order of heavy metals in the study area was As > Pb > Zn > Cr > Hg > Cu > Ni > Cd. The dynamic capacity showed an upward trend, and it fluctuated in some cities. The remaining capacity of Cr and Ni was relatively poor, and the comprehensive soil quality index of the Pearl River Basin was 0.64. The pollution level was of grade IV, which belongs to the medium capacity, but the soil pollution risk still existed, which threaten the health of local resident. In this regard, this study also put forward some countermeasures for pollution control. Thus, studying the soil heavy metal environmental capacity can provide a reference for heavy metal pollution control and health risk early warning in the Pearl River Basin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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9 pages, 830 KiB  
Article
Occurrence and Removal of Triazine Herbicides during Wastewater Treatment Processes and Their Environmental Impact on Aquatic Life
by Meng Wang, Jiapei Lv, Haowei Deng, Qiong Liu and Shuxuan Liang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4557; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19084557 - 10 Apr 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2408
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) represent a major point source for pesticide residue entry to aquatic environment and may threaten ecosystems and biodiversity in urban area. Triazine herbicides should be paid attention to for their ubiquitous occurrence in the environment and long-term residue. The [...] Read more.
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) represent a major point source for pesticide residue entry to aquatic environment and may threaten ecosystems and biodiversity in urban area. Triazine herbicides should be paid attention to for their ubiquitous occurrence in the environment and long-term residue. The present study aimed to quantify eleven compounds of triazine herbicides during wastewater treatment processes. The solid phase extraction and gas-chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) determination method were developed to identify the target herbicides with approving sensitivity. The pollution levels, removal rates of eleven triazine herbicides along five different treatment stages in WWTP were investigated. The results showed that three herbicides including atrazine, simetryn and prometryn were detected. Their concentrations in influent were among 28.79 to 104.60 ng/L. Their total removal rates from influent to effluent were 14.92%, 10.79% and 4.41%, respectively indicating that they were difficult to be effectively remove during wastewater treatment. Regarding the negative impact of triazine herbicides discharged from WWTPs on downstream water quality and aquatic life, the environmental risks were assessed by calculating the Environmental Relevance of Pesticides from Wastewater Treatment Plants Index (ERPWI) and water cycle spreading index (WCSI). The risk assessment results denoted the possible high risks for atrazine and simetryn to alage, and simetryn concurrently posed a high risk for the daphnia, while prometryn was at medium risk to alage. Atrazine and simetryn in effluent posed high risk for algae, meanwhile, simetryn had high risk for Daphnia. These results suggested a possible threat to the aquatic environment, rendering in this way the ERPWI method as a useful assessment tool. Further extensive study is needed for atrazine and simetryn in order to better understand their migration mechanism in aquatic environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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15 pages, 3151 KiB  
Article
An Efficient Method for Testing the Quality of Drinking-Water Filters Used for Home Necessities
by Horea-George Crișan, Florina Șerdean, Corina Bîrleanu, Marius Pustan and Oana-Adriana Crișan
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4085; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19074085 - 30 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2118
Abstract
This paper presents research conducted in the direction of analyzing the efficiency of filters used for drinking water intended for domestic consumption, with effects on the water quality gained from the public distribution network. A basic method that uses accessible techniques, such as [...] Read more.
This paper presents research conducted in the direction of analyzing the efficiency of filters used for drinking water intended for domestic consumption, with effects on the water quality gained from the public distribution network. A basic method that uses accessible techniques, such as optical microscopy and tests that involve the use of existing products on the consumer market, was developed regarding the filtration capacities of the main filters existing on the market—a method that has advantages, such as speed and ease of application, a unitary character in obtaining samples, low costs, and high efficiency. The technique approached is that of microscopy, and the samples used were taken from the laboratory tests made on the mentioned filters, using a specific experimental stand designed to support laboratory tests by using chosen filter cartridges. The research results obtained were analyzed to make a classification from the perspective of filtration efficiency, in terms of using statistical analysis tools (mathematical models and methods processed in MATLAB software). Moreover, by using a certain type of application based on specific mathematical algorithms, which takes into account some influential factors with a decisive role on household consumers, it was aimed to identify the optimal filter element for acquisition and use in its own regime. The aim of the study was to identify the optimal filter cartridge from the perspective of quality–price ratio. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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16 pages, 3609 KiB  
Article
Adsorption Properties and Mechanism of Attapulgite to Graphene Oxide in Aqueous Solution
by Na Li, Jiyuan Fang, Ping Jiang, Cuihong Li, Haibo Kang and Wei Wang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2793; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19052793 - 27 Feb 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2212
Abstract
In order to remove toxic graphene oxide (GO) from aqueous solution, attapulgite (ATP) was used as adsorbent to recycle it by adsorption. In this paper, the effects of different pH, adsorbent mass, GO concentration, time and temperature on the adsorption of GO by [...] Read more.
In order to remove toxic graphene oxide (GO) from aqueous solution, attapulgite (ATP) was used as adsorbent to recycle it by adsorption. In this paper, the effects of different pH, adsorbent mass, GO concentration, time and temperature on the adsorption of GO by attapulgite were studied, and the adsorption performance and mechanism were further explored by XRD, AFM, XPS, FTIR, TEM and SEM tests. The results show that when T = 303 K, pH = 3, and the GO concentration is 100 mg/L in 50 mL of aqueous solution, the removal rate of GO by 40 mg of attapulgite reaches 92.83%, and the partition coefficient Kd reaches 16.31. The adsorption kinetics results showed that the adsorption equilibrium was reached at 2160 min, and the adsorption process could be described by the pseudo-second-order adsorption equation, indicating that the adsorption process was accompanied by chemical adsorption and physical adsorption. The isotherm and thermodynamic parameters show that the adsorption of GO by attapulgite is more consistent with the Langmuir isotherm model, and the reaction is a spontaneous endothermic process. The analysis shows that attapulgite is a good material for removing GO, which can provide a reference for the removal of GO in an aqueous environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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20 pages, 2514 KiB  
Article
Distribution Dynamics of Phthalate Esters in Surface Water and Sediment of the Middle-Lower Hanjiang River, China
by Lei Dong, Li Lin, Xiong Pan, Sheng Zhang, Zhanao Lv and Changqing Mi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2702; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19052702 - 25 Feb 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 1999
Abstract
Phthalate esters (PAEs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that pose potential risks to human health. Water and sediments are crucial carriers and storage media for the migration and transformation of PAEs. In this study, six congeners of PAEs were measured in water and sediment samples [...] Read more.
Phthalate esters (PAEs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that pose potential risks to human health. Water and sediments are crucial carriers and storage media for the migration and transformation of PAEs. In this study, six congeners of PAEs were measured in water and sediment samples to elucidate their spatial distribution, congener profiles, and ecological risks in the middle-lower Hanjiang River during the wet and dry seasons. The concentration of the Σ6PAEs ranged from 592 to 2.75 × 103 ng/L with an average of 1.47 × 103 ng/L in surface water, while the concentration of the Σ6PAEs ranged from 1.12 × 103 to 6.61 × 103 ng/g with an average of 2.69 × 103 ng/g in sediments. In general, PAE concentrations were ranked as sediment > water, and dry season > wet season. DEHP and DBP were the dominant PAEs in the middle-lower Hanjiang River in surface water and sediments. SPSS analysis showed that dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in surface water was significantly correlated with the concentration of DBP, DEHP, and the ∑6PAEs, while organic matter (OM) was significantly correlated with the concentration of the ∑6PAEs in sediments. The concentrations of PAEs were irregularly distributed and varied significantly in surface water and sediments. Compared with other regions at home and abroad, the pollution levels of surface water and sediments in the middle-lower Hanjiang River were relatively low and not enough to have a negative impact on the local water’s ecological environment. However, the supervision of land-based discharge should still be strengthened. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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14 pages, 10165 KiB  
Article
Distribution and Potential Sources of OCPs and PAHs in Waters from the Danshui River Basin in Yichang, China
by Wei Chen, Bo Peng, Huanfang Huang, Ye Kuang, Zhe Qian, Wenting Zhu, Wei Liu, Yuan Zhang, Yuan Liao, Xiufang Zhao, Hong Zhou and Shihua Qi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 263; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19010263 - 27 Dec 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3228
Abstract
To investigate the concentrations, spatial distribution, potential sources and mass fluxes of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in waters from the Danshui River Basin, a total of 20 water samples were collected and analyzed from a karstic river in Western [...] Read more.
To investigate the concentrations, spatial distribution, potential sources and mass fluxes of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in waters from the Danshui River Basin, a total of 20 water samples were collected and analyzed from a karstic river in Western Hubei of Central China. The average concentrations of total OCPs and PAHs in the river water were 4719 pg·L−1 and 26.2 ng·L−1, respectively. The characteristic ratios of different isomers and the composition analysis of individual OCPs and PAHs revealed that HCHs originated from a mixed input of technical HCHs and Lindane, DDTs were mainly from technical DDTs, and PAHs mainly originated from biomass and coal combustion. The mass flux analysis showed that PAHs had a higher emission and heavier burden than OCPs in the Danshui River Basin. OCPs and PAHs emitted from agricultural or other human activities could enter the groundwater and then be transported to the surface/river water in the karst area. The adsorption of OCPs and PAHs by particles and the sedimentation of particles could be the primary processes to intercept these pollutants in the water of the karstic river system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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18 pages, 3366 KiB  
Article
Metal Pollution and Bioaccumulation in the Nhue-Day River Basin, Vietnam: Potential Ecological and Human Health Risks
by Huong Thi Thuy Ngo, Lan Anh Thi Tran, Dinh Quoc Nguyen, Tien Thi Hanh Nguyen, Thao Thanh Le and Yue Gao
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13425; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182413425 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3451
Abstract
(1) Background: Metal pollution in the Nhue-Day River basin has impacted approximately 12 million people. However, none of the previous studies considered the entire basin’s environmental and health risks. Thus, this research aims to fill knowledge gaps and reduce risks. (2) Methods: Sediment [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Metal pollution in the Nhue-Day River basin has impacted approximately 12 million people. However, none of the previous studies considered the entire basin’s environmental and health risks. Thus, this research aims to fill knowledge gaps and reduce risks. (2) Methods: Sediment and fish samples from the basin were analyzed to determine the levels of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd pollution and their potential ecological (EF, modified Pollution Index—mPI, and expanded, modified potential ecological risk index—emRI) and human health risks (THQ, HI, and TR indices). (3) Results: Metal levels in sediment exceeded Canadian aquatic life protection guidelines, indicating moderate to severe contamination (EFs: 1.3–58.5 and mPIs: 4–39). Compared to the new proposed ecological risk threshold, all river sites and Site 1 for ponds had elevated metal levels; and these posed a very high ecological risk in spring (emRI > 4.5), with Cd being the most hazardous. Lead levels in all fish tissues surpassed Vietnamese and EU food regulations. In agreement with THQ, EWI (Zn, Cu) and EMI (Cd) were both less than 2.5% of the PTWI and PTMI, respectively. However, HI values of 0.67–1.26 suggested a moderate health risk. Carcinogenic risk (TR > 10−6; estimated for Pb) was detected in several localities for Common carp and Tilapia during the warm season. (4) Conclusions: Metals had a negative impact on the basin’s ecosystem, with Cd being the most dangerous. Because of lead, consumption of Common carp and Tilapia from the basin may pose both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health concerns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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14 pages, 1341 KiB  
Article
Simultaneous Determination of Seven Antibiotics and Five of Their Metabolites in Municipal Wastewater and Evaluation of Their Stability under Laboratory Conditions
by Sheng Han, Xinyue Li, Hongmei Huang, Ting Wang, Zhenglu Wang, Xiaofang Fu, Zilei Zhou, Peng Du and Xiqing Li
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10640; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182010640 - 11 Oct 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2217
Abstract
The selection and spread of antibiotic resistance poses risks to public health by reducing the therapeutic potential of antibiotics against human pathogens. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is potentially the most reliable approach to estimate antibiotics use. Previous WBE studies used parent antibiotics as biomarkers, [...] Read more.
The selection and spread of antibiotic resistance poses risks to public health by reducing the therapeutic potential of antibiotics against human pathogens. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is potentially the most reliable approach to estimate antibiotics use. Previous WBE studies used parent antibiotics as biomarkers, which may lead to overestimation since parent antibiotics may be directly disposed of. Using metabolites as biomarkers can avoid this drawback. This study developed a simultaneous solid-phase extraction coupled with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for analyzing 12 antibiotics and human metabolites in wastewater to help assess health risk. Optimum conditions were achieved using a PEP cartridge at pH 3.0. The extraction efficiencies were 73.3~95.4% in influent and 72.0~102.7% in effluent for most of the target analytes. Method detection limit ranged from 0.1 to 1.5 ng/L for influent wastewater and 0.03 to 0.7 ng/L for effluent wastewater. A stability experiment showed that sulfonamide parents and their metabolites were stable at 4 °C, −20 °C and −80 °C, while macrolides metabolites were more stable than their corresponding parents at 4 °C and −20 °C. Finally, the method was applied to measure these analytes in wastewater samples collected from three Beijing WWTPs and to derive apparent removal rates. All metabolites were detected in wastewater samples with concentrations ranging from 1.2 to 772.2 ng/L in influent, from <MDL to 235.6 ng/L in effluent. The apparent removal rates of five metabolites were above 72.6%. These results set a solid foundation for applying WBE to evaluate antibiotics use and its public health effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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13 pages, 2389 KiB  
Case Report
Pollution Indicators and HAB-Associated Halophilic Bacteria Alongside Harmful Cyanobacteria in the Largest Mussel Cultivation Area in Greece
by Maria P. Kalaitzidou, Maria V. Alvanou, Konstantinos V. Papageorgiou, Athanasios Lattos, Marina Sofia, Spyridon K. Kritas, Evanthia Petridou and Ioannis A. Giantsis
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5285; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19095285 - 26 Apr 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2040
Abstract
Taking into consideration the essential contribution of Mytilus galloprovincialis farming, it is of rising importance to add knowledge regarding bacterial species occurrence in water samples from aquaculture zones from the point of view of both the organism and public health. In the present [...] Read more.
Taking into consideration the essential contribution of Mytilus galloprovincialis farming, it is of rising importance to add knowledge regarding bacterial species occurrence in water samples from aquaculture zones from the point of view of both the organism and public health. In the present study, we investigated the bacterial community existing in water samples from six Mytilus galloprovincialis aquaculture areas in the Thermaikos gulf, northern Greece, that may provoke toxicity in aquatic organisms and humans and may indicate environmental pollution in mussel production as well as algal blooms. Bacterial species were identified molecularly by sequencing of a partial 16s rRNA segment and were analyzed phylogenetically for the confirmation of the bacterial taxonomy. The results obtained revealed the presence of four bacterial genera (Halomonas sp., Planococcus sp., Sulfitobacter sp., and Synechocystis sp.). Members of the Halomonas and Sulfitobacter genera have been isolated from highly polluted sites, Planococcus bacteria have been identified in samples derived directly from plastic debris, and Synechocystis bacteria are in line with microcystin detection. In this context, the monitoring of the bacteria community in mussel aquaculture water samples from the Thermaikos gulf, the largest mussel cultivation area in Greece, represents an indicator of water pollution, microplastics presence, algal blooms, and toxin presence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Pollution: Human Health and Ecological Risks)
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