Ecological and probabilistic human health risk assessment of heavy metal (loid) s in river sediments affected by mining activities in Ecuador

Abstract:

Gold mining is a significant source of metal(loid)s released into the environment. It is an issue of concern due to the potential adverse health effects associated with exposure to toxic elements. This study aimed to assess the ecological and human health risk caused by heavy metal(loid)s exposure in river sediments in Ponce Enríquez, one of the most important mining sites in Ecuador. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were evaluated in 172 sediment samples to determine the Potential ecological risk (RI) and the carcinogenic (CR) and non-carcinogenic risk (HQ). The human exposure to polluted sediments during recreational activities was computed using Bayesian probabilistic models. Residents were randomly surveyed to adjust the risk models to the specific population data. More than 68% of the sampling stations pose a severe As and Cd ecological risk index ( > 320). Likewise, residents …

Año de publicación:

2021

Keywords:

Fuente:

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