Heavy Metals Accumulation in Water and Human Health Risk Assessment via the Consumption of Labeobarbus intermedius Samples from Borkena River, Ethiopia

Abstract

Concentrations of heavy metals, namely, chromium, lead, cadmium, and copper, were evaluated in the water samples and selected fish organs (Labeobarbus intermedius) from the Borkena River, Ethiopia. The concentrations of these metals were determined using ELICO’s SL-176 double-beam atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The distribution of heavy metals in water samples analyzed was in the order of magnitude of Cu > Cr > Cd > Pb. The average heavy metal concentrations recorded in the water samples were below the maximum permissible limit established by international and national organizations (WHO, EPA, and USEPA), except for cadmium. Organ specificity was observed for accumulating the selected heavy metals in the order of liver > kidney > muscles. Pearson’s correlation results revealed that Cr and Cd originated from similar sources. Hazard quotient (HQ) and total hazard index (THI) results showed that Cu, Cr, Cd, and Pb contents were safe and might not have adverse public health effects. From the point of carcinogenic risk, this study suggests that the observed Cr and Cd concentrations possibly pose a risk of developing cancer in the future. Controlling waste at the source and implementing remediation strategies should be done to reduce heavy metal pollution in the river.

Adsorption of Lead(II) from Aqueous Solution by Synthetic Barium Hexaferrite Magnetic Nanoparticles

“…The prepared solution was shaken with an orbital shaker with a speed of 150 rpm after its pH was adjusted. The impact of the following parameters of the experiment on the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solution was investigated: incubation time (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 90 min), pH value of solution (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7), adsorbent dose (0.02, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.16 and 0.20 g), initial concentration of Pb(II) (1,5,10,15,20,25 and 30 mg/L) and temperature (10, 30 and 50 ºC). The suspension of BaFe12O19 adsorbent was separated from Pb(II) using an external magnet and the supernatant solution was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS).…”

“…Effect of initial concentration of Pb(II) ions: The adsorption efficiency is also affected by the initial concentration of Pb(II) ions in an aqueous solution. The impact of Pb(II) ion 5,10,15,20,25 and 30 mg/L with 30 min of incubation time and 0.20 g/L of adsorbent at a pH 6. As displayed in Fig.…”

“…Heavy metal contaminants have numerous adverse impacts on the environment and human health because of their high reactivity, propensity to form complexes and high biochemical and physiological activity [4]. According to the World Health Organization [5], heavy metals become toxic at concentrations greater than 1 mg/L. Lead causes cerebral, renal, circulatory and nervous disorders when its concentration is 6.0 × 10 -3 mg/L, which corresponds to the maximum contaminant level (MCL) standards for harmful heavy metals [6].…”