Spatial Distributions, Sources and Risk Assessment of Toxic Elements in Waters of a Central Asian Basin

Beibei Shen, Jinglu Wu (), Shuie Zhan and Miao Jin
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Beibei Shen: Yangzhou University
Jinglu Wu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shuie Zhan: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Miao Jin: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), 2022, vol. 36, issue 15, No 22, 6187-6203

Abstract: Abstract We measured selected toxic element concentrations in surface water samples of the Ili-Balkhash Basin to obtain current contaminant levels. Fe, Cu, Zn, As and Pb were the most abundant toxic elements in basin waters, whereas Ni and Co were less abundant. Concentrations in water samples were generally within international water quality standards, with a few exceptions (high Cu, Pb and As in lake waters). These pollution hotspots were associated with the presence of industrial and domestic effluents, revealed by spatial distribution maps. Correlation and principal component analysis classified four pollutant groups and their sources, which were both natural and anthropogenic. Moreover, highly polluted waters at headwater areas were associated to atmospheric transport and deposition. The water quality indices denoted that river waters are suitable for irrigation and drinking, while lake waters demand remedial measures. A health risk assessment indicated that non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks in river waters were below threshold values, whereas lake water samples surpassed safe limits, and As was identified as a potential hazard, suggesting that consumption of lake water may cause adverse health effects in local inhabitants. Thus, regular monitoring and regulation, particularly of As in the lake, should be implemented.

Keywords: Central Asia; Toxic elements; Surface water; Source identification; Water quality; Risk assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1007/s11269-022-03348-1

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