Work

Physicochemical Study of Water Contamination for Health Risks and Environmental Implications: A Case Study of Barite Mining Sites

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Mining is associated with specific heavy metals (HMs), including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and other toxic metals. These metals contaminate water and accumulate in both children and adults at varying concentrations, resulting in severe health implications. This paper examines the impact of barite mining on water quality, human well-being, and the environment. It evaluates the health implications of natural and anthropogenic activities on the selective liberation of heavy metals at mining sites. The potential environmental impact on mining communities in the extreme dry (April), early or mid-rainy (July), and optimum rainy (October) seasons of the year is also elucidated. Ponds within six barite mining sites were analysed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) to identify these metals in water samples. The implications of HM concentrations on the well-being of the young and adults were examined and assessed using relevant mathematical expressions, and the outcome was compared with national and international environmental standards. Results show that the ponds within the barite mining sites are contaminated with copper (Cu), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and iron (Fe). The HM concentration exceeds the reference dose (RfD) or tolerable daily intake (TDI) stated by global and national standards for water quality and healthy living. Statistical assessments indicated that the non-carcinogenic risks of Pb and Cd are higher in children than in adults. In addition to mining, farming activities may increase HM contamination within the areas. It is anticipated that existing policy frameworks and water laws will be reviewed to support efforts for the early detection of HMs in water through medical examinations, water quality assessments, and non-carcinogenic risk (NCR) assessments.

Source: ChemEngineering

DOI: 10.3390/chemengineering9060137

Authors: David Oluwasegun Afolayan, Hassan Abubakar Adamu, Seun Isaiah Olajuyi, Olumide Samuel Oluwaseun Ogunmodimu

Institutions: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Pennsylvania State University, African Institute of Science and Technology, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure

Language: English

Topic: Heavy metals in environment

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930