Document Type : Original Research Paper
Authors
1
N. Laverov Federal Centre for Integrated Arctic Research of Russian Academy of Sciences, Arkhangelsk, Russia
2
N. Laverov Federal Centre for Integrated Arctic Research of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
3
Northern (Arctic) Federal University
10.22059/poll.2025.384780.2633
Abstract
Contamination of drinking groundwater with toxic trace elements poses a threat to public health. The present study analyzed samples of various groundwaters from the Pre-Volga Region, Russia. The groundwaters studied in the Pre-Volga Region are classified into four hydro- chemical facies based on the proportion of cations and anions: (I) gypsum waters, (II) mirabilite waters, (III) waters altered by ion exchange, and (IV) fresh infiltration waters. Gypsum groundwaters exhibit relatively high concentrations of Al, Mn, Sr, Co, Cr and Fe, mirabilite waters contain elevated levels of Ni, Pb and As, sodic waters have high concentration levels of Cu and Fe, and hydrogen carbonate waters are enriched in Zn, Ba and V. Most samples of gypsum and mirabilite waters exhibit high salinity, rendering them inappropriate for human consumption. Pollution index of groundwater (PIG), trace metal evaluation index (TMEI), contamination index (CI), trace metal pollution index (TMPI), trace metal toxicity index (TMTI), non-carcinogenic health risk (HI) and carcinogenic health risk (CR) were used to assess the level of pollution in the study area. The calculation of indices indicates that due to natural and anthropogenic pollution, the groundwater of the Pre-Volga Region is primarily contaminated with high levels of SO42-, TDS, Fe, Mn, Al, Ni, and As to a greater extent, and lesser concentrations of Ba, Pb, and Co. The study's findings will furnish valuable insights into crafting comprehensive strategies for safeguarding the quality of subterranean potable water in the Pre-Volga Region.
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