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. 2017;9(2):113-124.
doi: 10.1007/s12403-016-0226-6. Epub 2016 Aug 23.

Elevated Arsenic and Uranium Concentrations in Unregulated Water Sources on the Navajo Nation, USA

Joseph Hoover  1 , Melissa Gonzales  2 , Chris Shuey  3 , Yolanda Barney  4 , Johnnye Lewis  1
Affiliations

Elevated Arsenic and Uranium Concentrations in Unregulated Water Sources on the Navajo Nation, USA

Joseph Hoover et al. Expo Health. 2017.

Abstract

Regional water pollution and use of unregulated water sources can be an important mixed metals exposure pathway for rural populations located in areas with limited water infrastructure and an extensive mining history. Using censored data analysis and mapping techniques we analyzed the joint geospatial distribution of arsenic and uranium in unregulated water sources throughout the Navajo Nation, where over 500 abandoned uranium mine sites are located in the rural southwestern United States. Results indicated that arsenic and uranium concentrations exceeded national drinking water standards in 15.1 % (arsenic) and 12.8 % (uranium) of tested water sources. Unregulated sources in close proximity (i.e., within 6 km) to abandoned uranium mines yielded significantly higher concentrations of arsenic or uranium than more distant sources. The demonstrated regional trends for potential co-exposure to these chemicals have implications for public policy and future research. Specifically, to generate solutions that reduce human exposure to water pollution from unregulated sources in rural areas, the potential for co-exposure to arsenic and uranium requires expanded documentation and examination. Recommendations for prioritizing policy and research decisions related to the documentation of existing health exposures and risk reduction strategies are also provided.

Keywords: Arsenic; Inorganic chemical mixtures; Unregulated water sources; Uranium.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Overview map of the Navajo Nation, in the southwest United States, including management agencies and historic mining areas
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Graduated dot maps illustrating the concentration of arsenic (a) and uranium (b) in unregulated water sources
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Line plot illustrating median As (upper panel) and U (lower panel) concentration as a function of distance from an abandoned U mine. The dotted line in each panel represents the overall median concentration for all tested unregulated sources on Navajo
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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