Heavy metals in drinking water: Occurrences, implications, and future needs in developing countries
Shakhawat Chowdhury1, M A Jafar Mazumder2, Omar Al-Attas1
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
The Science of the Total Environment
|June 30, 2016
Summary
Heavy metals in drinking water threaten human health, bioaccumulating and causing risks. This review focuses on challenges and research needs for heavy metal removal in developing countries.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Heavy metals in drinking water present a significant global health risk.
- Exposure occurs mainly through water consumption, with potential for bioaccumulation and severe health consequences like cancer.
- Thousands of publications exist, yet challenges remain, particularly in developing nations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research on heavy metals in drinking water specifically within developing countries.
- To understand the types, sources, variability, and exposure pathways of these metals.
- To analyze contributing factors, health effects, removal strategies, and identify future research needs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications.
- Analysis of data on heavy metal types, concentrations, and sources.
- Examination of human exposure, health risks, and removal technologies.
- Identification of challenges faced by developing countries.
Main Results:
- Heavy metals in drinking water are a widespread issue, with varying types and concentrations.
- Sources are diverse, influenced by local factors and industrial activities.
- Limited economic capacity hinders the adoption of advanced removal technologies in developing countries.
- Significant health risks are associated with long-term exposure.
Conclusions:
- Developing countries face unique challenges in mitigating heavy metal contamination in drinking water.
- Urgent need for cost-effective removal technologies and further research tailored to these regions.
- Interdisciplinary approaches are crucial for safeguarding public health from heavy metal exposure.
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