Human Health Risks due to Exposure to Water Pollution: A Review

Abstract

Water resources are crucial in developing any area as they serve as a major source of potable, agricultural, and industrial water. Water contamination, caused by natural and anthropogenic activities, poses a significant threat to public health globally. This review synthesizes data from various studies published in national and international journals, as well as reports from governmental and non-governmental organizations. Our primary objective is to understand and review previous research on water pollution, contamination types, and the effects of water contamination on public health. Water pollution studies generally involve a scientific understanding of the biological, chemical, and physical processes that control the movement of contaminants in the underground environment. The nature and severity of health consequences vary based on several factors, including the chemical composition, duration of exposure, and concentration of pollutants. This work highlights the human health risks associated with current research topics such as anthropogenic, geogenic, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals. A section on remedial measures and mitigation strategies is included to emphasize sustainable approaches to water conservation, replenishment, and sustainability. However, there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge regarding the distribution, toxic effects, and human health risks associated with different sources of contamination. This review thus establishes links between multiple sources of pollution, their toxicity to human health, and approaches to health risk assessment.

Isolation and identification of metallotolerant bacteria with a potential biotechnological application

“…In this regard, efficient and sustainable ways to remove metals from the environment are priority 9 , 10 . A possible way to achieve metal bioremediation is using microorganisms, such as bacteria present in the contaminated sites, which are able to adapt to high concentrations of metals, and to develop mechanisms for removing HMs from the environment 11 – 14 .…”

Towards a One Health Assessment of Artisanal and Informal Mining in Benue State, Nigeria

“…Mining has long been associated with the release of a range of toxic metals including lead (Pb), found at high levels in land surrounding mine dumps and far afield. Research has documented high levels of Pb in water sources associated with solid mineral mining operations in different world regions [1][2][3][4]. Chronic human exposure to Pb in water can lead to accumulation in human blood and elevated blood lead levels (BLLs).…”

Hexavalent chromium adsorption by watermelon peels from tannery wastewater

“…For people, plants, and other living things, an increasing amount of dangerous trace metals (loids) presents a significant risk to their survival in the environment [24]. The contamination of food caused by the release of hazardous trace elements into the water, which is increasing water pollution, poses a severe threat to the food chain [6], [27]). Additionally, the worldwide demand for water resources is significantly increased by the presence of these heavy metals (loids) in water streams [20].…”