The coal mining sector is pivotal to the economic success of numerous countries, yet it concurrently gives rise to a significant environmental challenge known as Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). AMD is characterized by heightened acidity and elevated levels of sulfate and metals, posing substantial threats to soil quality and groundwater. This study aimed to scrutinize pollution levels and potential health risks linked to metals such as Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu, Co, Pb, Cd, As, and Cr. Results revealed that Fe, Mn, and Cr concentrations in groundwater exceeded recommended levels for drinking water, while other metals remained within safe limits. The heightened presence of these metals raises concerns about potential adverse health effects from various exposures. The Heavy metal evaluation Index results shows low contamination detected in groundwater as per USEPA standards and moderate pollution as per WHO standards. The results of Heavy metal Pollution Index suggested that the water is unsuitable for drinking, with contamination levels ranging from low to high based on USEPA and WHO criteria, respectively. Health risk assessments disclosed susceptibility to non-carcinogenic health issues in both adults and children. Multivariate statistical analysis identified a correlation between Cr and Zn, indicating a common source, while Mn showed a positive correlation with Co and Cu, suggesting a shared origin for these metals. These findings underscore the urgent need for effective treatment and long-term remediation measures to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of AMD.

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Assessment of Groundwater Quality Using Risk Analysis in Coal Mining Area

  • Guntakala Venkatanaga Chandra,
  • Pranab Kumar Ghosh

摘要

The coal mining sector is pivotal to the economic success of numerous countries, yet it concurrently gives rise to a significant environmental challenge known as Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). AMD is characterized by heightened acidity and elevated levels of sulfate and metals, posing substantial threats to soil quality and groundwater. This study aimed to scrutinize pollution levels and potential health risks linked to metals such as Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu, Co, Pb, Cd, As, and Cr. Results revealed that Fe, Mn, and Cr concentrations in groundwater exceeded recommended levels for drinking water, while other metals remained within safe limits. The heightened presence of these metals raises concerns about potential adverse health effects from various exposures. The Heavy metal evaluation Index results shows low contamination detected in groundwater as per USEPA standards and moderate pollution as per WHO standards. The results of Heavy metal Pollution Index suggested that the water is unsuitable for drinking, with contamination levels ranging from low to high based on USEPA and WHO criteria, respectively. Health risk assessments disclosed susceptibility to non-carcinogenic health issues in both adults and children. Multivariate statistical analysis identified a correlation between Cr and Zn, indicating a common source, while Mn showed a positive correlation with Co and Cu, suggesting a shared origin for these metals. These findings underscore the urgent need for effective treatment and long-term remediation measures to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of AMD.