Naslov
Hydrochemical characterization of arsenic contaminated alluvial aquifers in Eastern Croatia using multivariate statistical techniques and arsenic risk assessment

Autori
Ujević Bošnjak, Magdalena ; Capak, Krunoslav ; Jazbec, Anamarija ; Casiot, Corinne ; Sipos, Laszlo ; Poljak, Vedran ; Dadić, Željko

Izvornik
Science of the total environment (0048-9697) 420 (2012); 100-110

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
arsenic; groundwater; multivariate analysis; risk assessment; eastern Croatia

Sažetak
Multivariate statistical analyses, cluster, factor and discriminant analyses, were used to estimate spatial variations in groundwater chemistry in Eastern Croatia and to identify the main geochemical processes responsible for high arsenic (As) concentrations in the groundwater analyzed. Cluster analysis revealed five different groups of sampling sites linked with groundwater evolution, hydrochemical characteristics and different As content in the groundwater. Two-model factor analysis explained around 50% of total variance of the data sets and enabled identification of the different geochemical processes responsible for higher As concentrations, i.e. decoupled Fe and As reduction and desorption. Using discriminant analysis, a threeparameter discriminant function was derived: electrical conductivity, nitrate and bromide, which yielded highly accurate classification of the samples according to the concentration of As as As-safe (b10 μg/L) and As contaminated (>10 μg/L). A health risk assessment model was applied to calculate cumulative exposure to As as well as toxic and carcinogenic risks resulting from drinking raw groundwater contaminated by As in Eastern Croatia. Although the results obtained indicate that adverse health effects could be observed among the residents of the villages in which raw groundwater with higher As concentrations has been used, there are no reported cases of arsenicosis.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Geologija, Kemija, Javno zdravstvo i zdravstvena zaštita

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