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Published on: January 30, 2018
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Groundwater Molybdenum from Emerging Industries in Taiwan.
Kuo-Sheng Tsai1, Yu-Min Chang2, Jimmy C M Kao3
1Institute of Environmental Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, No. 1, Sec. 3, Chung-Hsiao E. Rd, Taipei, 106, Taiwan, ROC.
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
|November 28, 2015
Summary
Emerging industries in Taiwan are linked to molybdenum (Mo) groundwater contamination. Wastewater discharge from factories, particularly optoelectronics, elevates Mo levels, posing health risks and necessitating stricter drinking water standards.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrogeology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Industrial development can impact local water quality.
- Molybdenum (Mo) is a trace element with potential health implications at elevated concentrations.
- Groundwater contamination from industrial activities is a growing concern worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of emerging industries on molybdenum (Mo) groundwater contamination in Taiwan.
- To assess the potential health risks associated with elevated Mo levels in groundwater.
- To propose a drinking water quality standard for Mo in Taiwan.
Main Methods:
- Collection and analysis of 537 groundwater samples from industrial and non-industrial areas in Taiwan (2008-2014).
- Determination of Mo concentrations in groundwater and industrial wastewater effluent.
- Non-carcinogenic risk assessment for adults and children based on Mo exposure.
Main Results:
- Groundwater Mo concentrations were significantly higher in potentially contaminated industrial areas compared to non-contaminated areas.
- High Mo levels were frequently found downstream from a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panel factory.
- Nine groundwater samples exceeded the World Health Organization's guideline of 0.07 mg/L for drinking water.
Conclusions:
- Wastewater discharge from emerging industries, especially optoelectronics, is a significant source of Mo groundwater contamination.
- Current Mo levels in some groundwater sources pose a non-carcinogenic health risk to adults and children.
- A national drinking water quality standard for Mo (suggested at 0.07 mg/L) and reduction of Mo-contaminated wastewater discharge are crucial for public health and environmental safety.
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