ARSENIC POLLUTION STUDY OF THE RIVER LUKHUNI in 2021-2023 YEARS

Abstract

Chemical pollution of the environment is one of the most important ecological challenges of modern times. Arsenic is a particularly dangerous environmental pollutant, which has been mined and processed in Georgia, in particular, in Racha and Kvemo Svaneti for decades. Arsenic-containing waste, which is stored in the territory of former chemical factories and remains from the Soviet period, is a challange today.  

 However, the past production waste can still enter in the river through the water coming out of an abandoned field and can causes significant contamination of soils and waters of adjacent areas. This poses a major risk of chronic environmental exposure and intoxication among the population living in these areas.

In this research water sampling and analysis were made in the accredited laboratory. The expedition was conducted in this region for sampling activities of waters to evaluate level of Arsenic pollution and subsequent risks of contamination with Arsenic. In the samples Arsenic, concentracion was measured by the ICP-OES equipment using ISO standards by the group of scientists with extensive experience in conducting similar works. In accordance with the obtained data   a forecast of arsenic pollution of the Lukhuni River from 2023 to 2025 were implemented. Further laboratory investigations are needed to determine levels of arsenic exposure among inhabitants