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

Water

Birgit Claus Henn¹  Marianne Sarkis²  Gabrielle Rigutto²  Timothy J. Downs²  Yelena Ogneva-Himmelberger²  Bilin Basu²  Ravi Hanumantha²  Ariel Maiorano²  Brian Caccavale²  Kelsey Shields²  Stefanie Covino²  Kevin Longo²  Spring Pillsbury²  Marcie Randall³  Nichole Cordon³  Allegra Denehy³ 

[1] Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA;Department of International Development, Community, and Environment, Clark University, Worcester, MA 01610, USA;Holliston Community Members, Holliston, MA 01746, USA;

关键词: drinking water;    shallow aquifers;    exposure pathways;    manganese (Mn);    community based participatory research (CBPR);   

DOI  :  10.3390/w10010023

来源: DOAJ

【 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.

【 授权许可】

Unknown