Water quality and health risk assessment of trace elements contamination in Ghodaghodi Lake, Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal

Abstract

The contamination of trace elements (TEs) in freshwater sources has become an alarming issue globally. This study evaluates the contamination level of TEs, their spatial distributions, and the health risks in the Ghodaghodi Lake complex, Nepal. Altogether, ten water samples were collected, and As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sc, Sr, Ti, Tl, V, Y, and Zn were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results revealed that Sr, Zn, Cu, As, Sc, and Rb were dominated TEs, contributing to the contamination. The principal component analysis and correlation matrices demonstrated both the geogenic and anthropic origin of the TEs in the lake. The water quality index (WQI=10.08) and hazard indices <1 exhibited that the TEs pose a low risk to human health and, hence the water of the lake was suitable for drinking purposes. However, exposure risk assessment results suggested that children are relatively more vulnerable compared to adults. The outcome of this study will provide new insights to local people and the concerned authorities for the sustainable management of Ramsar listed Ghodaghodi Lake complex.

Drinking Water Quality from Different Sources at Squatter Settlements of Bagmati River Corridors in Kathmandu, Nepal: An Assessment using Water Quality Index (WQI)

“…Acharya et al (2020) carried out the chemical characteristics of Karmanasha River, Lalitpur, and its appropriateness for irrigational usage by WQI assessment. Pant et al (2021) used WQI for testing the water quality of the Ghodaghodi Lake, Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal for drinking purposes. Ram et al (2021) estimated WQI of groundwater for suitability for human consumption in the hard rock terrain of Bundelkhand massif, Uttar Pradesh, India.…”