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Metal Pollution and Bioaccumulation in the Nhue-Day River Basin, Vietnam: Potential Ecological and Human Health Risks

Author

Listed:
  • Huong Thi Thuy Ngo

    (Faculty of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Phenikaa University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
    Bioresource Center, Phenikaa University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam)

  • Lan Anh Thi Tran

    (Institute of Tropical Biology, Vietnam Academy of Sciences and Technology, Hochiminh City 71351, Vietnam)

  • Dinh Quoc Nguyen

    (Economic Geology and Geomatics Department, Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, Hanoi 12109, Vietnam)

  • Tien Thi Hanh Nguyen

    (Faculty of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Phenikaa University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
    Bioresource Center, Phenikaa University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam)

  • Thao Thanh Le

    (Faculty of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Phenikaa University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
    Bioresource Center, Phenikaa University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam)

  • Yue Gao

    (Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium)

Abstract

(1) Background: Metal pollution in the Nhue-Day River basin has impacted approximately 12 million people. However, none of the previous studies considered the entire basin’s environmental and health risks. Thus, this research aims to fill knowledge gaps and reduce risks. (2) Methods: Sediment and fish samples from the basin were analyzed to determine the levels of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd pollution and their potential ecological (EF, modified Pollution Index—mPI, and expanded, modified potential ecological risk index—emRI) and human health risks (THQ, HI, and TR indices). (3) Results: Metal levels in sediment exceeded Canadian aquatic life protection guidelines, indicating moderate to severe contamination (EFs: 1.3–58.5 and mPIs: 4–39). Compared to the new proposed ecological risk threshold, all river sites and Site 1 for ponds had elevated metal levels; and these posed a very high ecological risk in spring (emRI > 4.5), with Cd being the most hazardous. Lead levels in all fish tissues surpassed Vietnamese and EU food regulations. In agreement with THQ, EWI (Zn, Cu) and EMI (Cd) were both less than 2.5% of the PTWI and PTMI, respectively. However, HI values of 0.67–1.26 suggested a moderate health risk. Carcinogenic risk (TR > 10 −6 ; estimated for Pb) was detected in several localities for Common carp and Tilapia during the warm season. (4) Conclusions: Metals had a negative impact on the basin’s ecosystem, with Cd being the most dangerous. Because of lead, consumption of Common carp and Tilapia from the basin may pose both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health concerns.

Suggested Citation

  • Huong Thi Thuy Ngo & Lan Anh Thi Tran & Dinh Quoc Nguyen & Tien Thi Hanh Nguyen & Thao Thanh Le & Yue Gao, 2021. "Metal Pollution and Bioaccumulation in the Nhue-Day River Basin, Vietnam: Potential Ecological and Human Health Risks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:24:p:13425-:d:707073
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    Cited by:

    1. Elica Valkova & Vasil Atanasov & Milena Tzanova & Stefka Atanassova & Ivaylo Sirakov & Katya Velichkova & Margarita H. Marinova & Kristian Yakimov, 2022. "Content of Pb and Zn in Sediments and Hydrobionts as Ecological Markers for Pollution Assessment of Freshwater Objects in Bulgaria—A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-25, August.

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