Turkish Journal of Public Health (Dec 2017)
Evaluation of heavy metal pollution in the Ergene River Basin from a public health perspective
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this report is to evaluate the heavy metal pollution of the Ergene Basin and its effects on public health. Methods: Local people, as well as the surrounding ecosystem, are exposed to varying levels of chemical substances. Those working in different industrial sectors are particularly vulnerable. Ergene river, one of the most important water sources in the Thrace region, is being rapidly polluted due to increasing industrialization and urbanization in the region. Many chemicals are discharged into the Ergene river without proper treatment. This is largely due to the inadequacy of residential and industrial treatment plants, as well as the proliferation of illegal dumping in the region. Thus, both the environment and the people face a serious threat. For many years there have been many studies investigating the presence and effects of heavy metals on the water, soil, air, plants, animals and people of the region. In our study, the literature on heavy metal concentrations in the region was summarized and the five-year cancer statistics were evaluated. Results: The lead concentration, which is a common metal in all the different environmental compartments, has been found to be above the maximum limit value. Furthermore, the evaluation of cancer data showed an increase in all cancer types between 2006 and 2011. Conclusion: Although it is difficult to relate cancer and environmental factors directly, studies show that there may be a close relationship between lead concentration (largely produced by the textile and leather industries) and the occurrence of bladder and kidney cancers. However further research, such as risk assessments, is required to establish more definitive conclusions.Key words: Toxic metals, Ergene river basin, cancer rates, public health, river pollution
