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Thrace Region is a part of the Marmara Region of Türkiye. There are many natural and artificial stagnant water habitats in the region that are used for irrigation and drinking water supply. This study is intended to determine the spatial-temporal variability and probabilistic health risk of fluoride exposure in the water of stagnant water bodies in the Thrace region. A total of 33 stagnant water bodies were selected, and water samples were collected during the dry and wet seasons of 2021–2022. The fluoride levels were measured using a spectrophotometric method (wavelength is 588 nm). The fluoride accumulations varied from 0.16–0.64 mg/L for the natural lakes, 0.04–0.74 mg/L for the reservoirs, and 0.01–0.53 mg/L for the artificial ponds. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggested a level of fluoride in drinking water of 0.5 to 1.5 mg/L. The study area had a fluoride deficiency of less than 0.5 mg/L in natural water bodies during the wet season (87.87%) and the dry season (93.93%), which might be a potential threat to dental health. Estimation Daily Intake (EDI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) widely used health risk assessment methods were applied to the data in the current research to describe the non-carcinogenic risk of fluoride. All the calculated hazard quotient (HQ) values, both in the dry and wet seasons and in all age groups, were recorded as below 1. Both teenagers and children living in the central part of the study area are at higher risk than infants and adults. To evaluate model uncertainty, Monte Carlo simulations were employed. The outcome of the sensitivity analysis revealed that the major risks to the health of the inhabitants are the high content of fluoride and their daily intake of water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, water quality of Sehriban Stream, a rare freshwater ecosystem far from human impact and located in the western part of Türkiye's Karadeniz Region, was studied over a long period of time (a hydrological year). Multivariate statistical approaches such as Pearson Correlation Index (PCI), Factor Analysis (FA), Cluster Analysis (CA) and self-organising maps (SOM) were used to evaluate the water quality and physico-chemical datasets. Samples were taken monthly during February 2019 – January 2020 from 12 stations and a total of 21 physicochemical parameters were investigated. The spatiotemporal averages of some organic pollution parameters investigated in the basin were determined as follows: 344 μS/cm for EC, 0.80 mg/L for COD, 0.42 mg/L for BOD, 0.02 mg/L for PO42-, 34.4 mg/L for SO42-, 0.00009 mg/L for NO2, 1.36 mg/L for NO3 and 0.0002 mg/L for NH4−. According to the findings of this study, despite a modest decline in water quality from upstream to downstream, Sehriban Stream was revealed to have first-class water quality features in general and all parameters detected in all seasons at all the investigated stations were below the limit values reported by WHO. The SOM analysis detected three spatial patterns, e.g. pH-salinity-K+-PO42--Mg2+-NO2; DO-Ca2+-NH4− and TDS-EC-Cl−-SO42--COD-BOD-Na+ in water. As a result of PCI, significant positive and negative correlations were recorded among the investigated parameters. Results of FA showed that 2 factors elucidated 85% of total variances, which are named 'Agricultural Factor' and 'Natural Factor'. As a result of CA, 3 significant clusters were identified, which are named 'Lower Polluted Zone', 'Moderate Polluted Zone' and 'Higher Polluted Zone'. Overall, this work showed that multi-statistical approaches can be used to assess the water quality in a rare, unpolluted habitat over time and space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigated potentially toxic elements (PTE) contaminations in the water of alpine lakes of Gilgit-Baltistan, Northern Pakistan. Water samples (n = 46) of various alpine lakes were collected and analysed for PTE determination through atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAanalyst 700, PerkinElmer, USA). Arsenic (As) in water was measured using a mercury hydride generation system. PTE concentrations in water of alpine lakes were observed below the upper limit of the world health organisation (WHO) drinking water guidelines, except for iron (Fe, 14%), chromium (Cr, 10%), and As (2%) of samples. The highest mean concentrations of Fe (233 ± 22.4 µg/L) and Cr (36.3 ± 4.20 µg/L) were noted in the water of Rama Lake and the As (6.20 ± 0.65 µg/L) in the Lower Kachura Lake. PTE concentrations in the water of alpine lakes was evaluated for the elements pollution index (EPI), elements evaluation index (EEI), and risk indices. The values of EPI and EEI for PTE in the water of alpine lakes were found far below the threshold limits. Higher mean chronic daily intake (CDI) values were observed for Fe and zinc (6.67 ± 1.09 and 4.95 ± 2.65 µg/kg-day) in the Rama and Upper Kachura Lakes, respectively. Determined hazard quotient (HQ) values for PTE were noted as> 1. However, the HQ value for As was (1.4 ± 0.06) which may have a detrimental effect on the health of children. Cancer risk of As and HQ values for other elements were found within the allowable limits of consumption in drinking water. Statistical analysis revealed that geogenic sources are the main PTE contaminations contributors in the water of alpine lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was conducted to assess the concentration of nitrate (NO3) and fluoride (F), and associated health risks in the four tehsils of district Khyber i.e. Jamrud, Bara, Landi Kotal, and Mula Gori. A total of 61 samples from various groundwater sources were collected and analysed. Groundwater results showed that the mean values of F were 0.86, 0.83, 0.67, and 2.9 mg/l, and that of NO3 15.8, 8.38, 9.76, 4.22 mg/l in Bara, Jamrud, Landi Kotal, and Mula Gori, respectively. Furthermore, health risk assessment was carried out for different age groups i.e. adult male/female (66 years), teens male/female (16 years), and children (6 years). The results revealed that HI values of F through groundwater consuption was > 1 in 39.3% and 16.4% of the samples for children and other age groups (teen and adults), respectively. Similarly, HI values of NO3 for children, adults, and teens were higher than the threshold value in 62.3%, 34.4%, and 39.3% of the samples, respectively. The principal component analysis (PCA)revealed that the predominant source of F enrichment in groundwater was geogenic. However, for the NO3 proportion in the region, the potential causes were agricultural activities. Results revealed that the region requires immediate attention, and remedial measures must be implemented to protect residents from the adverse effects of NO3 and F in the district of Khyber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gilgit River Basin (GRB) is one of the primary fluvial aquatic systems flowing through Gilgit-Baltistan and a water source for recreation, fisheries, irrigation, and drinking to more than 1.8 million people. This study aimed to investigate heavy metals (HM) contamination levels in sediments of GRB, northern Pakistan. Fifty-five samples were picked from the various sections of GRB and examined for HM concentrations. Fe showed the maximum average concentration of 27,743 mg/kg, while Cd was noted with a minimum average of 1.06 mg/kg. HM concentrations were noted within the world river system guidelines except Cd, which also surpassed the sediment quality guidelines set by USEPA. HM concentrations of GRB sediments were used for the geospatial and ecotoxicological risk indices. Geospatial analyses showed higher levels of HM contamination and risk in the sediments of Ishkomen River in GRB. HM contamination in GRB sediments showed low to moderate levels of risk to exposed aquatic ecosystems. Statistical analyses were used for the HM source apportionment in sediments of GRB, suggesting a major contribution from natural activities. This study recommends seasonal variation in HM contamination of water and sediments studies in the GRB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal(loid)s (HM) including Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, Co, Ni, and Pb were analyzed using ICP-MS in the groundwater of the Khyber District. Two indexical approaches were applied for the evaluation of HM contamination and toxicity in groundwater. The study also examined the health risks, sources, and spatial dependence of these HM. The results revealed that Mn, Ni, Cd, and Pb, concentrations violated drinking water guidelines in 44.26%, 52.45%, 1.63%, and 9.83% of the samples, while the rest of the HM were well within the limits. Based on the results it was observed that 18.03%, 6.55%, 6.55%, and 13.1% of the samples were classified as unfit, very poor, poor and marginal, water quality classes, presenting, very severe, excessive, strong, and moderate toxicity to consumers, respectively. Among HM, the Pb, Mn, and Ni required the highest removal rates in comparison to others. Health risk assessment suggested that 8.2% and 16.39% of samples showed non-carcinogenic risks to adults and children, respectively. Hotspots for HM were identified showing enhanced HM-enriched waters in specific regions, indicating areas of concern for future management. Source apportionment suggested that Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cu originated from a mix of geogenic and anthropic sources, while the rest of the HM were attributed to natural occurrences [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study worked on heavy metals concentrations in sediments of the alpine lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan, Northern Pakistan. Sediments samples (n = 41) from alpine lakes: Sadpara Lake, Rama Lake, Upper Kachura Lake, and Shausar Lake were collected. Sediments samples were digested according to standard protocol and analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Among heavy metals, Mn exhibited the highest mean concentration (333 mg/kg) in the sediments of alpine lakes, while Cd showed the lowest (1.48 mg/kg). The Ni, Cu, Cr, Mn, and Zn showed the highest mean concentrations in Sadpara Lake compared to other lakes. Sediments heavy metals concentrations were used for the calculation of pollution factors of alpine lakes, such as contamination factor (CF), pollution loads index (PLI), and ecological risk assessment (ERA). Among alpine lakes, the Sadpara Lake showed the highest PLI and CF values for most of the heavy metals. However, the highest mean (74.2 and 104) values of ERA and risk index (RI) were noted in the Rama Lake and exhibited a low-level risk to the alpine lake's system. Statistical analyses showed that weathering of bedrock and rich mineralised zone in the vicinity were dominating contributors of heavy metals contaminations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed radon (222Rn) levels in drinking water sources in the Nizampur basin and their potential health risks for the local community. We analyzed 48 water samples on-site using RAD7. Additionally, we measured pH, temperature (T), total dissolved solids (TDS), redox potential (ORP), and electrical conductivity (EC) with a multiparameter analyzer. Results showed pH, T, TDS, ORP, and EC ranging from 7.2 to 8, 17 to 26 °C, 333 to 1130 mg/l, –56 to 284 mV, and 469 to 2370 µS/cm. 222Rn levels varied significantly (0.7–107 Bq/l, mean 23 ± 21, median = 17 Bq/l), with about 65 % exceeding the EPA's limit of 11.1 Bq/l, indicating health risks likely due to local geological conditions. The annual effective doses for ingestion (EwIng) were 0.87 ± 0.01, 0.35 ± 0.006, and 0.13 ± 0.002 µSv/a for adults, infants, and children, respectively. Exposure risk via the inhalation (EwInh) route ranged from 1.75 to 270 µSv/a, with the highest risk in infants, followed by children and adults. Inhalation was the primary exposure route for all age groups. Further, spatial distribution maps and hotspot analysis suggested that the central region characterized by high structural deformation and favorable geology for radon emanation was the area of concern in terms of health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astore River is an important tributary located in the Upper Indus River Basin, Western Himalayas, Northern Pakistan. This study aimed at assessing water quality of the river for domestic, drinking, and irrigation purposes. Astore river (n = 40) samples were collected and analyzed for a set of 17 physicochemical parameters. Water quality index (WQI), corrosion, scaling tendencies, and irrigation water quality indices were used for its grading and statistical analyses for the source apportionment of contaminants. Results indicated that turbidity, fluoride, and nitrate (NO3) values surpassed the safe limits in 60%, 2.5%, and 2.5% of samples. WQI revealed that only 19.5% of samples were classified in poor and very poor water quality classes due to turbidity and NO3. Irrigation and corrosion indices of the river showed its suitability for agriculture and corrosive tendency. The dominant hydrochemical facies were Ca-Mg/Cl-SO4 and results suggested that natural sources play a role in shaping hydrochemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals (HM) contamination in freshwater sediments is a matter of serious concern. This concern is further aggregated in developing countries like Pakistan due to their high population growth and low economy. This study aimed to determine the quality of sediments in the Indus River and its tributaries. For this purpose, the available data on HM concentration published in last three decades (1992-2021) on freshwater sediments were collected. HM concentrations data was used for the geospatial distribution, pollution quantification factors, and ecological risk index. Among HM, iron (Fe) showed the highest concentration, while the silver (Ag) showed the lowest. This study revealed that HM mean concentration in the sediments exceeded the sediment quality guidelines. Ravi River a tributary of Indus River showed higher values of pollution quantification factors and potential ecological risk index and was categorized as significantly polluted. This study will provide a comprehensive assessment of HM pollution in river sediments all over Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal(loid)s (HM) contamination and associated potential health risks are an issue of global concern. The pathways through which these HM affect human body include food crops, vegetables, animal products, and processed food items. This study aim to assess HM concentrations in vegetables studied across Pakistan. The concentration trends of HM followed a decreasing order: Punjab > Khyber Pakhtunkhwa > Sindh > Baluchistan > Gilgit Baltistan. The daily intake of metal(loid)s through consumption of HM was calculated and found the highest for Fe and lowest for Cd and Se. The maximum hazard quotient value was observed for As and Cd in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces and surpassed the threshold limit (<1). Results showed that children are at higher risks to both noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. Higher HM concentrations and associate health risks in Punjab province could be attributed to industrial discharge and use of sewage-contaminated water for irrigation of vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated heavy metal (HM) concentrations in water and sediment of the Kunhar River and its tributaries in Kaghan valley, Northern Pakistan. The highest mean concentration was observed for iron (Fe) 316 ± 47.4 µg/L and the lowest for cadmium (Cd) 2.45 ± 0.31 µg/L in the upstream water of this study. The highest mean hazard quotient value of 0.43 was calculated for children through downstream water consumption. The concentration of HM in water was used for the calculation of HM pollution index and HM evaluation index , showing a low level of contamination. The highest mean sediment concentration was found for Fe was 35500 ± 2700 mg/L and the lowest for Cd was 1.96 ± 0.23 mg/L in upstream of Kunhar River. Pollution quantification factors values were the highest downstream. Statistical analyses revealed that water and sediment contamination of Kunhar River and its tributaries was mainly attributed to geogenic sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the heavy metals (HM) contamination in the water of Indus River and its tributaries, northern Pakistan. Water samples (n=44) were collected along with the five geological units: Kohistan batholith, Chilas complex, Kamila amphibolites, Jijal complex, and Indian plate. Observed HM levels were within the WHO drinking water guidelines except for Ni (23.7 µg/L) in the Jijal complex and Pb (10.6 µg/L) at on the Indian plate. Hazard quotient (HQ) values were observed < 1, suggesting no health risk through water consumption. Statistical analyses revealed that bedrock geology plays a major role in the HM distribution in water of the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) is a global public health and environmental problem because of its non-degradable and toxic nature. This study was carried out to assess the As contamination and potential health risk through water intake in rural and urban areas. Water samples were collected from urban and rural areas of Kahror Pacca, Punjab, Pakistan, and then, analyzed for As concentration. The concentrations of As in water samples were 1.62 − 35.28 and 3.23 − 45.62 μg/L for the rural and urban areas, respectively. The spatial distribution of As-rich shallow groundwater specifies their direct contamination through anthropogenic influence and agricultural practices. The chronic risk exposure was evaluated based on the determined As through hazard quotient, average daily dose, and cancer risk. Results disclosed that hazard quotient values were > 1 in studied drinking water samples. The cancer risk due to As consumption surpassed the threshold limits defined by the United States environmental protection agency (1.0E-04 to 1.0E06). Statistical analyses, including principal component analyses and Pearson correlation, suggested that As contamination in drinking water was imputed to both geogenic and anthropogenic reasons. It is revealed that intake of As contaminated water might result in various cancer problems to the community in the future. Arsenic concentration surpassed WHO drinking water guidelines Arsenic has hazard quotient values > 1 through electric pump water consumption Statistical analysis revealed geogenic and anthropogenic activities contributed to water contamination [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations of microbial communities over arsenic-polluted soils in an alpine stream are vital to collect pieces of evidence for their in situ-mediated bioremediation. It is the first time that microbial community activities are described in arsenic-polluted soils due to natural and anthropogenic sources along the alpine stream. Greater than 40 phyla from domain bacteria the 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing amplicons are exposed. In overall samples, Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) states that the most dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Our result described that canonical correspondence analysis was used to elaborate more geochemical factors including arsenic, sulfate, total organic carbon, redox potential, and pH influence on the distribution of microbial groups in studies soil samples. Furthermore, Spearman's rank correlation demonstrates a positive correlation between several specific taxonomic groups, refers to the phylotypes' possible role in arsenic biogeochemical cycling. The present research could link the knowledge gap and facilitate our understanding for the bioremediation of arsenic at contaminated sites. We described the microbial communities in arsenic-contaminated soils. CCA revealed that chemical parameters organized microbial communities. The effects of geochemical conditions on microbial community composition were examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth stimulating bacteria are very effective in immobilization of metals and reducing their translocation in plants through precipitation, and adsorption. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of chitosan- and hematite-modified biochar and bacterial inoculations on the immobilization of nickel (Ni) in polluted soil under wheat cultivation. Application of modified biochars and inoculation with Pseudomonas putida significantly increased both wheat root and shoot dry matter yields but decreased Ni phytoextraction efficiency. The Ni concentration, translocation factor and uptake in wheat shoot and root significantly decreased the application of either modified or unmodified biochars. Bacterial inoculation significantly decreased mean translocation factor and also root and shoot concentration and the uptake Ni in the shoot. Chitosan-modified biochar was the most influential treatment in decreasing Ni uptake by wheat followed by P. putida inoculation treatment. The results demonstrated positive effects of chitosan modified biochar and inoculation with P. putida in increasing dry matter yield and decreasing Ni uptake in wheat grown on Ni-contaminated soil. According to the results of present study, modified biochars application and bacterial inoculation are influential treatments which prevent Ni toxicity probably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the heavy metals (HMs) contaminations in soil of the Hattar industrial estate (HIE), Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. For this purpose, various types of soils were collected in HIE and analyzed for the HMs concentrations. The HMs showed highest contamination levels in wastewater irrigated agriculture soil (WWIAS), followed by waste dump site soil (WDSS), and the lowest in range land soil (RLS). Determined HMs concentrations were used for pollution quantification factors, including contamination factors (CFs), pollution load index (PLI), ecological risk factor (ER), and potential health risk assessment, including chronic or non-cancer and cancer risk levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the drinking water quality and human potential health risk in Peshawar, which is the most populous district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. Water was randomly collected throughout Peshawar District (urban = 45 samples and rural = 29 samples). These samples were analyzed for heavy metal (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) concentrations using the atomic absorption spectrometer (Perkin Elmer, AAS-PEA-700). Heavy metal concentrations in drinking water revealed the highest pollution index (PI) values—17.80, 11.92, 7.50, and 5.70 for the Pb, Cr, Cd, and Ni, respectively. The contaminations of Cd and Pb were significantly higher (p< .05) than their maximum allowable limits set by the World Health Organization. Heavy metal contaminations in drinking water were evaluated for health risk assessment: the chronic risk or hazard quotient (HQ) and cancer risk. Results revealed that HQ values were >1 for the Cd and Pb, suggesting that the exposed human beings could be at chronic risk. Therefore, serious measures such as drinking water treatments and contamination controlling policies are needed to avoid the hazardous effects of toxic heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study investigates the potential health risk assessment of heavy metals consumption through wild plants (WPs) irrigated with wastewater and fresh water in the Bannu district, Pakistan. Therefore, soil and WP samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metals by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Varian FAAS-240). Wastewater irrigated soil showed an elevated level for Cd (5.05–14.50 mg/Kg) and Ni (99.35–104.85 mg/Kg), while Cd (3.35–4.84 mg/Kg) concentration in the fresh water irrigated soil also surpassed the maximum allowable limits (MAL) set by the World Health Organization. Similarly, selected wastewater irrigated plants and fresh water irrigated plants also exceeded the MAL set by the Food and Agriculture Organization for Cd, Pb, and Cr (except for Cr inVicia sativa). Heavy metal concentrations through WPs consumption were evaluated for the health risk index (HRI). The HRI value for each selected WPs was <1. However, total HRI values through WPs consumption was >1. Therefore, WPs consumption of the study area may pose a potential threat to the local community. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present study was performed to assess drinking water quality and potential health risk in the Nowshera District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. For this purpose drinking water samples were collected from local available sources and analyzed for physico-chemical characteristics, arsenic (As) and heavy metals. Results revealed high levels of toxic heavy metals such as chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and As contaminations in the drinking water. Results were evaluated for chronic risk including average daily intake (ADI) and hazard quotient (HQ). Among heavy metals the HQ values were highest for Cd (5.80) and As (2.00). Therefore, populations in the study area may be at a low level of chronic toxicity and carcinogenic risk. Statistical analyses showed that contribution of different drinking water sources to the mean contaminant levels in the study area was insignificant (p =.53). Correlation analysis further revealed that anthropogenic activities were the main sources of contamination, rather than geogenic. This study strongly recommends the treatment of urban and industrial wastewater in the vicinity of the study area and provision of safe drinking water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to investigate the potential health risk of heavy metals (HMs) through consumption of market food crops (MFCs) in the Sialkot and Gujranwala districts, Pakistan. Both study areas are located in industrialized regions of the country, where atmospheric pollution is a problem and irrigation of food crops is mostly practiced on the use of wastewater/contaminated water. For the purpose of this study, MFCs samples were collected and assessed for HMs (Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Fe) by using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Concentration of HMs such as Pb and Cd exceeded the Food and Agriculture/World Health Organization's recommended limits in all MFCs, while Cr in most of the vegetables of the Sialkot and Gujranwala districts also exceeded that limit. The health risk index was >1 inTriticum aestivumfor Pb and Cd intake in the Sialkot district and only Pb in the Gujranwala district. Therefore, this study suggests pretreatment of wastewater and its utilization for lawns and green belts irrigation, rather than for food crops. This study also suggests a regular monitoring of HMs in the irrigation water, subsequent soil, air, and MFCs in order to prevent or reduce health hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]