Analysis of the radionuclides and heavy metals concentrations of the Vaal River, South Africa.

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Background This study was conducted to examine the radionuclide and heavy metal concentrations in the water upstream and downstream of the Vaal River. Methods The study used the ICP-MS to determine radionuclides and heavy metals. A total of 27 water samples were collected were collected for analysis. The analysis was mainly for Li, B, Pb, Cu, Co, Ni, Zn, Mn, Fe, and P radionuclides, such as K, Th, and U, using ICP-MS. Results The carcinogenic human health risk values (mg/l) of heavy metals were estimated using the USEPA 2011 guidelines. The chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI) due to the ingestion of river water were calculated from the adopted USEPA 2011 guidelines. The risk values were estimated for an adult at 70 years of age with a body weight of 70 kg and a child at 15 years of age with a body weight of 15 kg. CDI in mg/kg/day had high concentrations of Cu at 9, 33E+02, B, P, and Zn at a constant concentration of 5, 60E+02. The calculated risk value was greater than 1 because of the carcinogenic risk of cancer. K, Th, and U in Bq/l were also analyzed using ICP-MS. Radium equivalent activity (and) dose rate. (D), annual effective dose (AEDE), external hazard (Hex), and internal hazard (Hin) indices were used to determine potential radiological risks. The calculated average radiation hazard for Raeq was (33,803 Bq/l), D (18,158 nGy/h), AEDE (0, 0222 nGy/hr), Hex (0,091) and Hin (0,096) in this study. These hazard parameters were lower than the world average permissible limit, and as a result, the hazard parameters did not pose radiological risks due to the ingestion of river water. Conclusions According to the calculated Raeq, D, AEDE, Hex, and Hin index hazard parameters used for river water analysis, this study does not pose radiological risks to humans. The heavy metal concentrations in this study also proved that the Vaal River is not safe for public use. This is a result of the high concentrations of heavy metals in water across all elements. Therefore, additional river monitoring is required to maintain public safety.

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