Assessment of metal pollution and human health risks in road dust from mineral rich zone of East Singhbhum, India.

A detailed study of heavy metals in the road dust of a mineral rich zone of Jharkhand state, India is reported herein. Metal concentrations in the road dust exceeded the corresponding values in the average shale as well as world average of soil. Metal pollution due to the road dust and the possible health impact arising there from was appraised through a number of indices such as Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Pollution Load Index, Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factor and US EPA Hazard Index and Cancer Risk. Cu contamination was highest as per EF and Igeo, followed by Pb and Zn. Aggravated heavy metal loading in the road dust was conspicuous in the proximity of copper mines and processing units. Both geogenic and anthropogenic sources were responsible for heavy metals in road dust according to principal component analysis. Hazard Quotient, Hazard Index and Cancer Risk were calculated to ascertain non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks in adults and children. Local inhabitants, particularly children, were under appreciable cancer and non-cancer risk. Oral ingestion was the major pathway for risk to the local commuters followed by dermal pathway. Present study underscored the importance of regular heavy metal monitoring of road dust in this zone and administer proactive road dust management practices to reduce metal pollution.

Monte Carlo simulation-based probabilistic health risk assessment of metals in groundwater via ingestion pathway in the mining areas of Singhbhum copper belt, India.

Probabilistic health risk assessment was conducted for metal exposure through groundwater in mining areas of Singhbhum Copper Belt, India. The concentrations of metals showed notable spatial variation exceeding drinking water standards at some of the locations. Hazard Quotient revealed that chronic risks to the local population were largely contributed by Mn, Co and As. The 95th percentiles of Hazard Index (HI) calculated using Monte Carlo simulations showed that the HI for male, female and child populations was 2.87, 2.54 and 4.57 for pre-monsoon, 2.16, 1.88 and 3.49 for monsoon and 2.28, 2.02 and 3.75 for post-monsoon seasons, respectively. The Hazard Indices indicated that amongst the populations, risk was greater for child population and considering the seasons the risk was higher during the pre-monsoon season. The sensitivity analysis suggested that concentration of metals in groundwater and exposure duration were 2 most influential input variables that contributed to the total risk.

Human health risk assessment due to metals in cow's milk from Singhbhum copper and iron mining areas, India.

The concentration of Al, As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn were determined in the milk collected from the locally rearing cows from the vicinity of copper mining areas of East Singhbhum and iron mining areas of West Singhbhum using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry for a risk assessment and source apportionment study. Principal component analysis suggested both natural and anthropogenic activities as causative sources of metals in the milk. The hazard indices ranged from 0.26 to 0.89 with a mean of 0.56 in the iron mining areas and 0.29-1.89 with a mean of 1.17 in the copper mining areas due to ingestion of milk, which indicated that the risk is negligible in the iron mining areas while there is an appreciable risk to the health of consumers of milk in the copper mining areas.

Human health risk assessment via drinking water pathway due to metal contamination in the groundwater of Subarnarekha River Basin, India.

Groundwater samples were collected from 30 sampling sites throughout the Subarnarekha River Basin for source apportionment and risk assessment studies. The concentrations of As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Sr, V and Zn were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results demonstrated that concentrations of the metals showed significant spatial variation with some of the metals like As, Mn, Fe, Cu and Se exceeding the drinking water standards at some locations. Principal component analysis (PCA) outcome of four factors that together explained 84.99 % of the variance with >1 initial eigenvalue indicated that both innate and anthropogenic activities are contributing factors as source of metal in groundwater of Subarnarekha River Basin. Risk of metals on human health was then evaluated using hazard quotients (HQ) and cancer risk by ingestion for adult and child, and it was indicated that Mn was the most important pollutant leading to non-carcinogenic concerns. The carcinogenic risk of As for adult and child was within the acceptable cancer risk value of 1 × 10(-4). The largest contributors to chronic risks were Mn, Co and As. Considering the geometric mean concentration of metals, the hazard index (HI) for adult was above unity. Considering all the locations, the HI varied from 0.18 to 11.34 and 0.15 to 9.71 for adult and child, respectively, suggesting that the metals posed hazard by oral intake considering the drinking water pathway.

Metals in Some Edible Fish and Shrimp Species Collected in Dry Season from Subarnarekha River, India.

The concentration of As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni, Zn, Cr, Co and Sr were determined in five fish and one shrimp species collected from the Subarnarekha River during pre-monsoon season using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry for a risk assessment and source apportionment study. Concentrations of metals in the fish and shrimp exceeded the recommended food standards for As, Cu, Ni, Cd and Zn in many samples. Principal component analysis suggested both innate and anthropogenic activities as contributing sources of metal in the fish and shrimp. The calculated target hazard quotients and hazard indices indicated that high concentrations of metals in some species at some locations present an appreciable risk to the health of consumers of these species.

Assessment of human health risk for heavy metals in fish and shrimp collected from Subarnarekha river, India.

Five fish species and one shrimp species from the Subarnarekha river were analyzed for heavy metals using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The geometric mean concentration of As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni, Zn, Cr, Co, and Sr for all the samples was found to be 0.248, 0.031, 5.16, 104.9, 0.121, 4.68, 52.2, 0.784, 0.207, and 42.86 mg kg(-1)fresh, respectively. The concentrations of metals in the fish and shrimp exceed the limits of Indian and FAO standards for food for As, Cu, Ni, Cd, and Zn in many samples. The mean target hazard quotient (THQ) values for the 10 metals were below one for all the samples; however, the maximum THQ was more than one for shrimp in case of As, Cu, and Cr. The results indicate that the concentration of metals in some species, especially shrimp, at some locations is alarming and do present an appreciable hazard risk on human health.

Risk assessment due to intake of heavy metals through the ingestion of groundwater around two proposed uranium mining areas in Jharkhand, India.

Heavy metal pollution of water resources can be apprehended in East Singhbhum region which is a highly mineralised zone with extensive mining of copper, uranium and other minerals. Ten groundwater samples were collected from each site and the heavy metal analysis was done by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Analysis of the results of the study reveals that the concentration of iron, manganese, zinc, lead, copper and nickel in groundwater of Bagjata mining area ranged 0.06-5.3 mg l(-1), 0.01-1.3 mg l(-1), 0.02-8.2 mg l(-1), 1.4-28.4 µg l(-1), 0.78-20.0 µg l(-1) and 1.05-20.1 µg l(-1), respectively. In case of Banduhurang mining area, the range was 0.04-2.93 mg l(-1), 0.02-1.1 mg l(-1), 0.01-4.68 mg l(-1), 1.04-33.21 µg l(-1), 1.24-18.7 µg l(-1) and 1.06-14.58 µg l(-1), respectively. The heavy metals were found to be below the drinking water standards (IS:10500 1993) except iron (0.3 mg l(-1)) and manganese (0.1 mg l(-1)). The hazard quotients of the heavy metals for drinking water were below 1 posing no threat due to intake of water to the people for both the areas.

Evaluation of metal contamination, flux and the associated human health risk from atmospheric dustfall in metal mining areas of Southern Jharkhand, India.

Metals can be apprehended in the atmospheric environment of copper and iron mining areas of Jharkhand, which falls in one of the most mineralized areas of India with extensive mining and industrial activities. The study was taken up to appraise the metal contamination in the atmospheric dust to evaluate the metal fluxes and associated health risk considering the seasonal variations. Sixty samples were analyzed for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and the contamination levels were assessed by various indices. The metal content of dustfall samples exceeded the average shale values for most of the metals. Higher metal concentrations were found in the locations in close vicinity of mining and industrial areas. The principal component analysis suggested both geogenic and anthropogenic sources for metals in the atmospheric dustfall. Human health risk as determined by hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) suggested considerable risk to the child populace through the ingestion pathway for both the mining areas, higher being in iron mining areas. The metal flux and the health risk were higher in summers as compared to winters for both the mining areas. Consequently, the results advocate the necessity of periodic monitoring of the freefall dust of the mining areas and development of proper management strategies to reduce the metal pollution.

Risk assessment due to ingestion of natural radionuclides and heavy metals in the milk samples: a case study from a proposed uranium mining area, Jharkhand.

Ingestion of radionuclides and heavy metals through drinking water and food intake represents one of the important pathways for long-term health considerations. Milk and milk products are main constituents of the daily diet. Radionuclides and heavy metals can be apprehended in the ecosystem of the East Singhbhum region which is known for its viable grades of uranium, copper and other minerals. For the risk assessment studies, samples of milk were collected from twelve villages around Bagjata mining area and analysed for U(nat), 226Ra, 230Th, 210Po, Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu and Ni. Analysis of the results of the study reveals that the geometric mean of U(nat), 226Ra, 230Th and 210Po was 0.021, 0.24, 0.23 and 1.08 Bq l(-1), respectively. The ingestion dose was calculated to be 12.34 µSvY(-1) which is reflecting the natural background dose via the route of ingestion, and much below the 1 mSv limit set in the new ICRP recommendations. The excess lifetime cancer risk was estimated to be 1.72×10(-4) which is within the acceptable excess individual lifetime cancer risk value of 1×10(-4). The geometric mean of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Ni was 4.91, 0.29, 4.77, 0.56 and 0.48 mgl(-1), respectively; whereas the daily intake was computed to be 0.44, 0.03, 0.43, 0.05 and 0.04 mg/day, respectively. Pb was not detected in any of the samples. The hazard quotient revealed that the intake of the heavy metals through the ingestion of milk does not pose any apparent threat to the local people as none of the HQ of the heavy metals exceeds the limit of 1.

Multivariate linear regression models for predicting metal content and sources in leafy vegetables and human health risk assessment in metal mining areas of Southern Jharkhand, India.

The present study was intended to investigate the metal concentrations in the leafy vegetables, irrigation water, soil, and atmospheric dust deposition in the iron and copper mining areas of Southern Jharkhand, India. The study aimed to develop a multivariate linear regression (MVLR) model to predict the concentration of metals in leafy vegetables from the metals in associated environmental factors and assessment of the risk to the local population through the consumption of leafy vegetables and other allied pathways. The developed species-specific MVLR models were well fitted to predict the concentration of metals in the leafy vegetables. The coefficient of determination values (R2) was greater than 0.8 for all the species-specific models. Risk assessment was carried out considering multiple pathways of ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact of vegetables, soil, water, and free-fall dust. Consumption of leafy vegetables was the major route of metal exposure to the local population in both the metal mining areas. The average hazard index (HI) value considering all the metals and pathways was calculated to be 5.13 and 12.1, respectively for iron and copper mining areas suggesting considerable risk to the local residents. Fe, As, and Cu were the major contributors to non-carcinogenic risk in the Iron mining areas while in the case of copper mining areas, the main contributors were Co, As, and Cu.

Heavy metals in eggs and chicken and the associated human health risk assessment in the mining areas of Singhbhum copper belt, India.

Metal contamination was studied in locally rearing chicken and eggs in the environs of mining areas of Singhbhum copper belt. Concentrations of metals were below Indian standards except for Cu, Ni and Zn in the case of chicken at some locations. Estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) suggested that the metals did not pose risk individually. However, considering the geometric mean of the metals, hazard index (HI) was above unity. Cu, Pb and Co were the key components contributing to a potential noncarcinogenic risk. The HI varied from 0.62 to 1.66 among the locations indicating a considerable heath risk to the consumers of locally reared chicken and eggs around the mining areas. Higher HIs were found at the locations in close vicinity to copper mining and processing units compared to other locations.

Human health risk assessment due to dietary intake of heavy metals through rice in the mining areas of Singhbhum Copper Belt, India.

The study was intended to investigate heavy metal contamination levels in the rice grown in the vicinity of the mining areas of Singhbhum Copper Belt, India. The concentrations of the metals were below the Indian maximum allowable concentrations for food except for Pb, Ni, and Zn at some locations. Principal component analysis extracted three factors explaining 79.1% of the data variability. The extracted factors suggested that the sources of metals in the rice can be attributed to soil, irrigating water, and atmospheric dust deposition. High potential health risks of metal exposure from rice consumption were illustrated based on estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ). The daily intakes of heavy metals for local adults were higher than the tolerable daily intakes provided by WHO in some samples for Cr, Fe, Ni, and V. Considering the geometric mean of the metals in rice samples of the study area, the hazard index (HI) for adult was above unity (3.09). Pb, Cu, and Cr were the key components contributing to potential non-carcinogenic risk. The HI varied from 2.24 to 12.7 among the locations indicating an appreciable heath risk to the consumers of the locally grown rice around the mining areas.

Risk assessment, statistical source identification and seasonal fluctuation of dissolved metals in the Subarnarekha River, India.

Surface water samples were collected from 21 sampling sites throughout the Subarnarekha River during pre monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon seasons. The concentrations of metals were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the seasonal fluctuation, source apportionment and risk assessment. The results demonstrated that concentrations of the metals showed significant seasonality and most variables exhibited higher levels in the pre monsoon season. Principal component analysis (PCA) outcome of four factors together explained 76.9% of the variance with >1 initial eigenvalue indicated both innate and anthropogenic activities are contributing factors as source of metal profusion in Subarnarekha River. Risk of metals on human health was then evaluated using hazard quotients (HQ) by ingestion and dermal pathways for adult and child and it was indicated that As with HQingestion>1, was the most important pollutant leading to non-carcinogenic concerns. The largest contributors to chronic risks were As, V and Co, in all the seasons. The HQdermal of all the elements for adult and child were below unity, suggesting that the metals posed little hazards via dermal absorption indicating that the oral intake was the primary exposure pathway.

Estimation of annual effective dose due to ingestion of natural radionuclides in foodstuffs and water at a proposed uranium mining site in India.

PURPOSE: To study the distribution of (210)Po, (226)Ra, (230)Th and U(nat) (naturally occurring radioisotopes of uranium [(234)U, (235)U and (238)U]) in food and water around the Bagjata uranium mining area in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radionuclides were analyzed in food samples of plant and animal origin after acid digestion. Intake and ingestion dose of the radionuclides were estimated. RESULTS: (210)Po, (226)Ra, (230)Th and U(nat) in all the dietary components ranged widely from < 0.2-36, < 0.02-1.58, < 0.01-2.8 and < 0.017-0.39 Bqkg(-1), respectively. The range of (226)Ra and U(nat) in water was < 3.5-206 and < 12.6-693 mBql(-1), respectively. The intake of radionuclides considering food and water was calculated to be 760 BqY(-1) while the ingestion dose was 601 µSvY(-1). The estimated doses reflect the natural background dose via route of ingestion, which is below the 1 mSvY(-1) limit set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). However, the doses are more than the dose constraint of 300 µSvY(-1) as suggested by the ICRP for members of the public for planned disposal of long-lived radioactive waste. CONCLUSION: The study confirms that current levels of radionuclides do not pose significant radiological risk to the local inhabitants, but they need close investigation in the near future.

Dose estimates for the local inhabitants from 210Po ingestion via dietary sources at a proposed uranium mining site in India.

PURPOSE: To study the distribution of (210)Po activity in food in Bagjata in East Singhbhum, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: (210)Po were analyzed in the food samples of plant origin such as cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables and food of animal origin such fish, chicken, egg, etc., in and around Bagjata uranium mining area as a part of baseline study after acid digestion. The intake and ingestion dose of the radionuclide was estimated. RESULTS: The general range of (210)Po activity in all the dietary components ranged widely from <0.2-36 Bqkg(-1)(fresh). In the food of plant origin, the minimum activity of (210)Po was estimated in vegetables while maximum in pulses. In food of animal origin, the observed minimum activity of (210)Po was in eggs and the maximum observed was in chicken samples. The intake of (210)Po considering all dietary components was found to be 464 Bq.Y(-1) while the ingestion dose was calculated to be 557 µSv.Y(-1), respectively. The estimated doses are reflecting the natural background dose via the route of ingestion, which is much below the 1 mSv limit set in the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommendations. CONCLUSION: The study confirms that current levels of (210)Po do not pose a significant radiological risk to the local inhabitants.

Natural radionuclides in fish species from surface water of Bagjata and Banduhurang uranium mining areas, East Singhbhum, Jharkhand, India.

PURPOSE: To study the natural radionuclides in the freshwater fish samples around the uranium mining areas of Bagjata and Banduhurang, East Singhbhum, Jharkhand, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The naturally occurring radioisotopes of uranium, U(nat), consisting of (234)U, (235)U and (238)U; (226)Ra, (230)Th and (210)Po were analysed in the fish samples from the surface water of Bagjata and Banduhurang mining areas after acid digestion. The ingestion dose, concentration factor and excess lifetime cancer risk of the radionuclides were estimated. RESULTS: The geometric mean activity of U(nat), (226)Ra, (230)Th and (210)Po in the fish samples was found to be 0.05, 0.19, 0.29 and 0.95 Bq kg(-1)(fresh) (Becquerel per kilogram fresh fish), respectively, in the Bagjata mining area, while for Banduhurang mining area it was estimated to be 0.08, 0.41, 0.22 and 2.48 Bq kg(-1)(fresh), respectively. The ingestion dose was computed to be 1.88 and 4.16 µSvY(-1), respectively, for both the areas which is much below the 1 mSv limit set in the new International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommendations. The estimation of the Concentration Factors (CF) reveal that the CF from water is greater than 1 l/kg(-1)in most of the cases while from sediment CF is less than 1. The excess individual lifetime cancer risk due to the consumption of fish was calculated to be 2.53 × 10(-5) and 6.48 × 10(-5), respectively, for Bagjata and Banduhurang areas, which is within the acceptable excess individual lifetime cancer risk value of 1 × 10(-4). CONCLUSION: The study confirms that current levels of radioactivity do not pose a significant radiological risk to freshwater fish consumers.