Quantitative Assessment of Human Health Risks Associated with Heavy Metal and Bacterial Pollution in Groundwater from Mankweng in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Tsolanku Sidney Maliehe (), Nelisiwe Mavingo, Tlou Nelson Selepe, Peter Masoko, Frederick Mokibelo Mashao and Neville Nyamutswa
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Tsolanku Sidney Maliehe: Department of Water and Sanitation, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
Nelisiwe Mavingo: Department of Water and Sanitation, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
Tlou Nelson Selepe: Department of Water and Sanitation, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
Peter Masoko: Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
Frederick Mokibelo Mashao: Department of Geography, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
Neville Nyamutswa: Capricorn District Municipality, P.O. Box 4100, Polokwane 0727, South Africa

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 11, 1-19

Abstract: Heavy metal and microbial pollution in groundwater raises health concerns due to its adverse effects. This study aimed to assess the health risks associated with heavy metal and bacterial pollution in groundwater in Mankweng. Heavy metals and Escherichia coli were detected using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry and a Colilert system, respectively. The heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were computed. The β-Poisson dose–response model was employed to predict the probability of E. coli infection. The metals’ concentrations were all within the permissible limits of the South African National Standard (SANS). However, Pb levels at sites E and G exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline (≤0.01 mg/L). HPI values were all less than 100, indicative of low contamination. The hazard quotient values were all less than 1, except for vanadium. The cumulative cancer risk ranged between 3.06 × 10 −5 and 1.81 × 10 −4 and between 3.55 × 10 −5 and 2.20 × 10 −4 for adults and children, respectively. E. coli was only detected at site L. The annual risk of E. coli infection exceeded the WHO risk limit of 10 −4 . The results underscore the need for the regular monitoring of groundwater.

Keywords: groundwater; heavy metals; heavy metal pollution index; bacteria; health risk assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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