We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Health Risks from Intake and Contact with Toxic Metal-Contaminated Water from Pager River, Uganda
Summary
Researchers investigated the concentrations of lead and cadmium in the Pager River in Uganda, a tributary of the Nile, and assessed associated human health risks. The study found that water from certain sampling points posed potential health risks through both ingestion and skin contact, highlighting the importance of monitoring toxic metals in water sources used by local communities.
Pollution of water resources is one of the major impediments to the realization of Sustainable Development Goals, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical quality and potentially toxic element (lead and cadmium) concentrations in surface water sampled from Pager River, a tributary of the Nile River in Northern Uganda. Water samples (n = 18) were taken from six different points upstream (A, B, and C) and downstream (D, E, and F) of the river and analyzed following standard methods for their physiochemical properties. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to quantify lead and cadmium concentrations. Human health risks from ingestion and dermal contact with potentially toxic metal-contaminated water were calculated. The results obtained indicated that the mean temperature (27.7 ± 0.5-29.5 ± 0.8 °C), turbidity (40.7 ± 2.1-50.1 ± 1.1 NTU), lead (0.296 ± 0.030-0.576 ± 0.163 mg/L) and cadmium (0.278 ± 0.040-0.524 ± 0.040 mg/L) occurred at levels that surpassed their permissible limits as per World Health Organization guidelines for drinking water. Human health risk assessment showed that there are potential non-cancer risks from the ingestion of water from Pager River by adults, as the total hazard quotients were greater than one. These results emphasize the urgency to restrict the dumping of wastes into the river to minimize chances of impacting the Nile River, which flows northwards to the Mediterranean Sea. Further studies should perform routine monitoring of the river during both dry and wet seasons to establish the spatiotemporal variations of physicochemical, microbial, and trace metal profiles of the river and the associated health risks.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Physicochemical Quality and Health Risks Associated with Use of Water from Nyamwamba River, Kasese, Western Uganda
Researchers assessed seasonal physicochemical quality and heavy metal contamination in Uganda's Nyamwamba River, finding that copper mine tailings elevated levels of arsenic, lead, and cadmium above safe thresholds, posing significant carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks to communities drinking or using the water.
A Systematic Review of Contaminants of Concern in Uganda: Occurrence, Sources, Potential Risks, and Removal Strategies
This systematic review looked at pollutants threatening Uganda's environment and public health, including microplastics alongside heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceutical residues. The study found these contaminants at levels well above safety standards in water sources, raising concerns about antibiotic resistance, hormone disruption, and cancer risk. It highlights how poor wastewater treatment in developing countries can lead to widespread contamination of drinking water.
Hazardous effects of heavy metal pollution on Nile tilapia in the aquatic ecosystem of the Eastern Delta in Egypt
Researchers assessed heavy metal contamination in Nile tilapia from rivers in Egypt's Eastern Delta, finding that some metals had accumulated in fish tissues at levels exceeding international safety limits — raising health concerns for people who eat fish from these polluted waters.
Many oil wells, one evil: comprehensive assessment of toxic metals concentration, seasonal variation and human health risk in drinking water quality in areas surrounding crude oil exploration facilities in rivers state, Nigeria
Researchers assessed toxic metal concentrations in drinking water near crude oil exploration facilities in Nigeria, finding seasonal variations and levels exceeding safety thresholds that pose serious health risks to surrounding communities.
Many Oil Wells, One Evil: Potentially toxic metals concentration, seasonal variation and Human Health Risk Assessment in Drinking Water Quality in Ebocha-Obrikom Oil and Gas Area of Rivers State, Nigeria
Researchers assessed heavy metal concentrations and seasonal variation in drinking water from an oil and gas extraction area in Nigeria, finding contamination levels that pose significant human health risks including potential neurological and carcinogenic effects.