Drinking water disparities and aluminum concentrations: Assessing socio-spatial dimensions across an urban landscape

Weisner, Meagan L.; Harris, Michael S.; Mitsova, Diana; Liu, Weibo

doi:10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100536

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…Al ranged between 1.3 and 5.1 µg/L, with sources related to mining waste generally present in the mountain areas of Romania or acid rain dissolving minerals from soil and leaking to groundwater sources. If consumed, bioaccumulation of Al, known as a neurotoxin, in humans could affect the nervous system (sclerosis, Parkinson, Alzheimer), but also liver, brain, heart and bone systems, and could cause anaemia, asthma and gastrointestinal inflammation [ 50 , 57 ]. According to Weisner et al [ 57 ] waters with amounts of Al of 0.1 mg/L day −1 and higher than 0.1 mg/L day −1 , in the case of elder people, could increase the risk of cognitive impairment.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chemical Assessment of Drinking Water Quality and Associated Human Health Risk of Heavy Metals in Gutai Mountains, Romania

Dippong,

Resz

2024

Toxics

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Chemical data compiled from field and laboratory studies were analysed on drinking water sources from a mountain area (Gutai Mountains) in Romania. Six physico-chemical indicators, nine anions, and twenty-one metals were determined and analysed. The results of this study showed that waters are generally rich in NH4+ and NO2−, exceeding the recommended limit of 0.5 mg NH4+/L, while some waters are rich in As, Cd, Mn and Pb, but with concentrations below the limits concerning the use of waters with drinking purposes. The applied heavy metal pollution indices (scores: 0.56–47.9) indicate that more than 50% of samples are characterized by medium pollution degrees. Based on the results obtained, it was determined that geological and human activities were influential in enriching the studied waters with the chemicals considered. Emphasizing this aspect related to pollution sources and the importance of a clean chemical status that must characterize waters used for drinking purposes, a human health risk assessment for heavy metals was implemented. The results indicated that even though the studied waters are rich in heavy metals, scores related to the risk assessment of heavy metals indicated a lack of non-carcinogenic risks for As, Mn, Cd and Cu. Nevertheless, this study and the results obtained are significant at national and international levels by offering a perspective on determining the potential pollution and associated human health risks at heavy metals in drinking water sources from a mountain area.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chemical Assessment of Drinking Water Quality and Associated Human Health Risk of Heavy Metals in Gutai Mountains, Romania

Dippong,

Resz

2024

Toxics

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“…Al is also a harmful substance for species that respire through gills, including fish and invertebrates, as it reduces the disruption of ion concentrations in their plasma and haemolymph which, in turn, results in a breakdown of osmoregulation processes [91]. Elevated concentrations of aluminum were discovered in the central and eastern regions of the studied area, where Eutricambisol and Gleisols soils prevail and the pH tends to be more acidic compared to the western part of the town [86][87][88][89][90]. Regarding barium (Ba), the highest concentration was observed in the drinking-water source (88.98 µg/L); the lowest value was found at point 2 of Teceu Lake (39.80 µg/L).…”

Section: Metal Composition Of Water Samplesmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…The primary chemical species of aluminum in groundwater are hydroxo-aluminum components, including those containing silicon [87]. When aluminum is found in drinking water, its bioavailability can be higher, enabling increased absorption in the body [88]. Connections have been identified between exposure to aluminum and neurodegenerative diseases of the brain such as Alzheimer's disease [89].…”

Section: Metal Composition Of Water Samplesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Water Physico-Chemical Indicators and Metal Assessment of Teceu Lake and the Adjacent Groundwater Located in a Natura 2000 Protected Area, NW of Romania

Dippong,

Mihali,

Avram

2023

Water

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This study closely analyzes the water quality dynamics of Teceu Lake, situated in a Natura 2000 protected area in Romania. The research investigates seasonal variations and interconnections with groundwater, assessing various ecological impacts. The main physico-chemical indicators of water, such as electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), oxygen saturation (OS), temperature, pH, turbidity, ammonium concentration (NH4+), nitrates (NO3−), nitrites (NO2−), orthophosphates (PO43−), water hardness, alkalinity (A), and chlorides (Cl−), were measured over the January–December 2022 period. Metal concentrations for both major metals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al) and trace metals (Li, Ga, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Ti, Mo, Sr, Ba) were assessed. The evolution of the physico-chemical indicators revealed an increase in nutrient compounds (ammonium and phosphates) during the spring and autumn months. The EC values ranged from 180–444 μS/cm for the lake and 1575–2480 μS/cm for groundwater. The pH values (7.12–7.96) indicated a slightly alkaline environment. DO levels (6.79–11.21 mg/L) indicated good water quality. Chlorides exceeded levels in drinking water in some instances. Water hardness varied due to pH, temperature, and atmospheric pressure. Metal composition revealed diverse levels of aluminum, barium, nickel, copper, zinc, and manganese, which carries implications for environmental and human health. The water quality index (WQI) score, which is based on major ions, indicated that 93% of the groundwater samples were classified as excellent and good for drinking. WQI, based on the main physico-chemical indicators, revealed that 79.17% of the Teceu Lake-water samples and 41.66% of the groundwater samples gathered were classified as good quality; the difference indicated poor quality, especially in autumn. Q- and R-mode cluster analyses revealed distinct clusters for seasonal months and sampling points, suggesting shared sources and geological influences. Notable connections between physico-chemical indicators and metal content were identified, emphasizing the need for a tailored conservation strategy. Correlation analyses highlighted both positive and negative relationships between metal pairs. Understanding these parameters is vital for water resource management and preserving biodiversity in the region. The results of this study are important for monitoring pollution in Lake Teceu and might prompt local communities and authorities to take measures to reduce and prevent pollution.

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“…Recognized as a neurotoxin on a broad scale, exposure to aluminum has been associated with neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and multiple sclerosis. Studies indicate cognitive decline at Al intake ≥0.1 mg/day from water, with elevated levels posing an increased risk of cognitive impairment in the elderly, leading to heightened vulnerability to hip fractures and adverse health effects [67].…”

Section: Metal and As Content In Groundwater Samplesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluating Groundwater Metal and Arsenic Content in Piatra, North-West of Romania

Dippong,

Mihali,

Avram

2024

Water

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The present study introduces a monitoring initiative focused on the quality of groundwater in the Piatra locality, situated in the North-West region of Romania. This paper employs an evaluation of 21 physico-chemical parameters, encompassing factors such as electrical conductivity, pH, chemical oxygen demand, turbidity, total hardness, NH4+, NO3−, Cl−, PO43−, Li, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Ba, Sr, Al, Fe, Mn, Sn, and Ti. Additionally, it examines five heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and arsenic in water sourced from six distinct private wells. Each well, with its characteristics, serves as a unique drinking water source. The assessment encompassed the evaluation of pollution levels, quality status, and risk factors for all drinking water sources, utilizing pollution, quality, and risk indices. The aim of this study was to establish the level of toxicity in water, assess its impact on human health, and disseminate information to the public about the appropriate utilization of individual water sources. The results indicated a general contamination with chloride, ammonium, manganese, chromium, and iron. Human health risk assessment indices revealed that the consumption of studied waters presented non-carcinogenic risks associated with Cr for adults and with Cr, As, Pb, and Cu for children for some of the groundwater sources. The water quality index (WQI) categorizes the samples as possessing excellent and good quality. This research represents one of the initial endeavors to assess the groundwater source quality in connection with the potential human health risks posed by the metals studied within the protected area of the Tisa River Basin.

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Drinking water disparities and aluminum concentrations: Assessing socio-spatial dimensions across an urban landscape

Cited by 3 publications

References 34 publications

Chemical Assessment of Drinking Water Quality and Associated Human Health Risk of Heavy Metals in Gutai Mountains, Romania

Chemical Assessment of Drinking Water Quality and Associated Human Health Risk of Heavy Metals in Gutai Mountains, Romania

Water Physico-Chemical Indicators and Metal Assessment of Teceu Lake and the Adjacent Groundwater Located in a Natura 2000 Protected Area, NW of Romania

Evaluating Groundwater Metal and Arsenic Content in Piatra, North-West of Romania

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