Assessing the influence of proximity to mining sites on water contamination by Pb, Hg, Cd, and as

Abstract

Water, an essential element for sustaining life, is increasingly threatened by contamination from anthropogenic activities. Mining plays a key role in mobilizing naturally occurring heavy metals from the Earth’s crust into surrounding ecosystems. However, few studies have quantitatively assessed how proximity to mines affects heavy metal levels in local drinking water sources. This study evaluated the influence of distance from an active mining site on heavy metal (Pb, Hg, Cd, As) concentrations in drinking water. Sixty samples were collected from three zones located 0–5 km, 5–15 km, and 15–30 km away and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP–OES). Significant differences were found among zones for As (p < 0.001, H = 48.490), Cd (p < 0.001, F = 12.454), and Hg (p < 0.001, H = 33.173), while Pb showed no significant variation (p = 0.181). Mean As (24.56–1249.89 µg/L), Cd (1.83–8.89 µg/L), and Hg (1.59–4.75 µg/L) levels exceeded WHO/BIS drinking water limits, whereas Pb remained within acceptable ranges (< 10 µg/L). The findings suggest that mining activities contribute substantially to heavy metal enrichment in nearby drinking water sources. Regular monitoring and strict control measures are essential to safeguard water quality, particularly in communities located close to mining operations.