Groundwater contamination status in Malaysia: level of heavy metal, source, health impact, and remediation technologies

Bioprocess Biosyst Eng. 2023 Mar;46(3):467-482. doi: 10.1007/s00449-022-02826-5. Epub 2022 Dec 15.

Abstract

Groundwater is defined as water that exists underground in voids or gaps in sediments and is extracted for human consumption from aquifers. It is critical to our daily lives because it contributes to the sustainability of our natural ecosystem while also providing economic benefits. Heavy metals are metallic compounds with a relatively high atomic weight and density compared to water. In Malaysia, heavy metal contamination of groundwater has become a concern due to rapid population growth, economic development, and a lack of environmental awareness. Environmental factors or their behaviors, such as density, viscosity, or volume, affect the distribution and transportation of heavy metals. The article discusses the difficulties created by the presence of heavy metals in groundwater supplies and the resulting health problems. Additionally, remediation methods are discussed for managing contaminated water to preserve the ecological environment for current and future generations, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

Keywords: Groundwater; Health issues; Heavy metals; Sources; Technologies.

MeSH terms

  • Ecosystem
  • Groundwater*
  • Humans
  • Malaysia
  • Metals, Heavy* / analysis
  • Water
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical* / analysis

Substances

  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Metals, Heavy
  • Water