Geochemical Characterization of Water Resources and Associated Public Health Risks in Mining Areas: A Review

Abstract

Both small-scale (artisanal) and large-scale (industrial) mining has a big impact on the quality and safety of nearby water sources, which can harm the environment and people's health. This review looks at how water in mining areas is affected by harmful metals like arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium. The study used fieldwork, lab tests, and risk assessments to show where these toxic metals are found in rivers and underground water. The present research highlights the urgent need for better monitoring of water and health in mining communities, especially where regulations are weak. This review also discusses what the study did well, where it could improve, and what future studies and policies should focus on.