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Quantitative Assessment of Human Health Risks Associated with Heavy Metal and Bacterial Pollution in Groundwater from Mankweng in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Tsolanku Sidney Maliehe

    (Department of Water and Sanitation, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane 0727, South Africa)

  • Nelisiwe Mavingo

    (Department of Water and Sanitation, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane 0727, South Africa)

  • Tlou Nelson Selepe

    (Department of Water and Sanitation, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane 0727, South Africa)

  • Peter Masoko

    (Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane 0727, South Africa)

  • Frederick Mokibelo Mashao

    (Department of Geography, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
    Center for Global Change, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Polokwane 0727, South Africa)

  • Neville Nyamutswa

    (Capricorn District Municipality, P.O. Box 4100, Polokwane 0727, South Africa)

Abstract

Heavy metal and microbial pollution in groundwater raises health concerns due to its adverse effects. This study aimed to assess the health risks associated with heavy metal and bacterial pollution in groundwater in Mankweng. Heavy metals and Escherichia coli were detected using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry and a Colilert system, respectively. The heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were computed. The β-Poisson dose–response model was employed to predict the probability of E. coli infection. The metals’ concentrations were all within the permissible limits of the South African National Standard (SANS). However, Pb levels at sites E and G exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline (≤0.01 mg/L). HPI values were all less than 100, indicative of low contamination. The hazard quotient values were all less than 1, except for vanadium. The cumulative cancer risk ranged between 3.06 × 10 −5 and 1.81 × 10 −4 and between 3.55 × 10 −5 and 2.20 × 10 −4 for adults and children, respectively. E. coli was only detected at site L. The annual risk of E. coli infection exceeded the WHO risk limit of 10 −4 . The results underscore the need for the regular monitoring of groundwater.

Suggested Citation

  • Tsolanku Sidney Maliehe & Nelisiwe Mavingo & Tlou Nelson Selepe & Peter Masoko & Frederick Mokibelo Mashao & Neville Nyamutswa, 2024. "Quantitative Assessment of Human Health Risks Associated with Heavy Metal and Bacterial Pollution in Groundwater from Mankweng in Limpopo Province, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(11), pages 1-19, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:11:p:1489-:d:1517387
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pholosho Mmmateko Kgopa & Phatu William Mashela & Alen Manyevere, 2021. "Microbial Quality of Treated Wastewater and Borehole Water Used for Irrigation in a Semi-Arid Area," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-12, August.
    2. Elsiddig Eldaw & Tao Huang & Basheer Elubid & Adam Khalifa Mahamed & Yahaya Mahama, 2020. "A Novel Approach for Indexing Heavy Metals Pollution to Assess Groundwater Quality for Drinking Purposes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-16, February.
    3. Akebe Luther King Abia & Lisa Schaefer & Eunice Ubomba-Jaswa & Wouter Le Roux, 2017. "Abundance of Pathogenic Escherichia coli Virulence-Associated Genes in Well and Borehole Water Used for Domestic Purposes in a Peri-Urban Community of South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-11, March.
    4. Olatunde Samod Durowoju & Georges-Ivo Ekosse Ekosse & John Ogony Odiyo, 2020. "Occurrence and Health-Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in Geothermal Springs within Soutpansberg, Limpopo Province, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-20, June.
    5. Chidozie Declan Iwu & Chinwe Juliana Iwu-Jaja & Anthony Ifeanyin Okoh & Michael Ekubu Otim & Amina M. Al Marzouqi, 2022. "Estimating the Risk of Acute Gastrointestinal Disease Attributed to E. coli O157:H7 in Irrigation Water and Agricultural Soil: A Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-14, February.
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