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Characteristics, Possible Origins, and Health Risk Assessment of Trace Elements in Surface Waters of the Han River Watershed, South Korea

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  • Jong Kwon Im

    (Han River Environment Research Center, National Institute of Environmental Research, 42, Dumulmeori-gil 68beon-gil, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Incheon 12585, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Yong Chul Cho

    (Han River Environment Research Center, National Institute of Environmental Research, 42, Dumulmeori-gil 68beon-gil, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Incheon 12585, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Young Seuk Kim

    (Han River Environment Research Center, National Institute of Environmental Research, 42, Dumulmeori-gil 68beon-gil, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Incheon 12585, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Soyoung Lee

    (Han River Environment Research Center, National Institute of Environmental Research, 42, Dumulmeori-gil 68beon-gil, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Incheon 12585, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Taegu Kang

    (Han River Environment Research Center, National Institute of Environmental Research, 42, Dumulmeori-gil 68beon-gil, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Incheon 12585, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Sang Hun Kim

    (Han River Environment Research Center, National Institute of Environmental Research, 42, Dumulmeori-gil 68beon-gil, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Incheon 12585, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

To safeguard aquatic environments in and around the Han River watershed in South Korea, a multivariate statistical evaluation of trace elements, a trace element concentration analysis and source determination, and a human health risk assessment were conducted on 10 trace elements at 25 sites. The results demonstrated that the Han River watershed was mainly affected by anthropogenic activities (traffic/industrial activity). The range of concentrations was arranged in descending order: Fe (217.13 ± 301.03 µg/L) > Mn (102.36 ± 153.04 µg/L) > Zn (23.33 ± 79.63 µg/L) > Ba (29.05 ± 12.37 µg/L) > Ni (5.14 ± 11.57 µg/L) > Cu (3.80 ± 3.56 µg/L) > Pb (0.46 ± 0.52 µg/L) > Se (0.06 ± 0.04 µg/L) > Cd (0.01 ± 0.01 µg/L) > Ag (0.004 ± 0.013 µg/L). The hazard index values of trace elements in surface water for combined pathways (ingestion and dermal contact) were < 1.0 for both adults and children, indicating no possible human health hazards. The estimated total cancer risk did not exceed the acceptable limit (1 × 10 −4 ) for adults and children. The findings of this study provide data-driven guidelines for water environment policy decisions in the study area.

Suggested Citation

  • Jong Kwon Im & Yong Chul Cho & Young Seuk Kim & Soyoung Lee & Taegu Kang & Sang Hun Kim, 2022. "Characteristics, Possible Origins, and Health Risk Assessment of Trace Elements in Surface Waters of the Han River Watershed, South Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-14, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:23:p:15822-:d:986317
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    1. Henry Kaiser, 1974. "An index of factorial simplicity," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 39(1), pages 31-36, March.
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