Integrated Assessment of Shallow-Aquifer Vulnerability to Multiple Contaminants and Drinking-Water Exposure Pathways in Holliston, Massachusetts

被引：5

作者：

Henn, Birgit Claus ^{[1
]}

Ogneva-Himmelberger, Yelena ^{[2
]}

Denehy, Allegra ^{[3
]}

Randall, Marcie ^{[3
]}

Cordon, Nichole ^{[3
]}

Basu, Bilin ^{[2
]}

Caccavale, Brian ^{[2
]}

Covino, Stefanie ^{[2
]}

Hanumantha, Ravi ^{[2
]}

Longo, Kevin ^{[2
]}

Maiorano, Ariel ^{[2
]}

Pillsbury, Spring ^{[2
]}

Rigutto, Gabrielle ^{[2
]}

Shields, Kelsey ^{[2
]}

Sarkis, Marianne ^{[2
]}

Downs, Timothy J. ^{[2
]}

机构：

[1] Boston Univ, Dept Environm Hlth, Sch Publ Hlth, Boston, MA 02118 USA

[2] Clark Univ, Dept Int Dev Community & Environm, Worcester, MA 01610 USA

[3] Holliston Community Members, Holliston, MA 01746 USA

来源：

WATER | 2018年 / 10卷 / 01期

关键词：

drinking water; shallow aquifers; exposure pathways; manganese (Mn); community based participatory research (CBPR); PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH; CHILDRENS; MANGANESE; GROUNDWATER; TOOL; ACCEPTABILITY; CHEMICALS; MERCURY; SCHOOL; STATE;

D O I：

10.3390/w10010023

中图分类号：

X [环境科学、安全科学];

学科分类号：

08 ; 0830 ;

摘要：

Half of U.S. drinking water comes from aquifers, and very shallow ones (<20 feet to water table) are especially vulnerable to anthropogenic contamination. We present the case of Holliston, a Boston, Massachusetts suburb that draws its drinking water from very shallow aquifers, and where metals and solvents have been reported in groundwater. Community concerns focus on water discolored by naturally occurring manganese (Mn), despite reports stating regulatory aesthetic compliance. Epidemiologic studies suggest Mn is a potentially toxic element (PTE) for children exposed by the drinking-water pathway at levels near the regulatory aesthetic level. We designed an integrated, community-based project: five sites were profiled for contaminant releases; service areas for wells were modeled; and the capture zone for one vulnerable well was estimated. Manganese, mercury, and trichloroethylene are among 20 contaminants of interest. Findings show that past and/or current exposures to multiple contaminants in drinking water are plausible, satisfying the criteria for complete exposure pathways. This case questions the adequacy of aquifer protection and monitoring regulations, and highlights the need for integrated assessment of multiple contaminants, associated exposures and health risks. It posits that community-researcher partnerships are essential for understanding and solving complex problems.

引用

页数：22