Pedosphere 26(4): 431--450, 2016
ISSN 1002-0160/CN 32-1315/P
©2016 Soil Science Society of China
Published by Elsevier B.V. and Science Press
| Risk assessment of metal contamination in soil and groundwater in Asia: A review of recent trends as well as existing environmental laws and regulations |
T. TEH1, N. A. R. NIK NORULAINI2 , M. SHAHADAT2, Y. WONG1 and A. K. MOHD OMAR1 |
1Department of Environmental Technology, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang (Malaysia)
2School of Distance Education, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang (Malaysia) |
| ABSTRACT |
| Asia is experiencing a more rapid economic growth compared to any other regions. The contamination of soil and groundwater with metals can mainly be attributed to human activities; therefore, risk assessments to characterize the nature and magnitude of risks to humans and ecological receptors from contaminants are important. Risk assessments are often iterative processes, which involve identification and filling data gap. Experimental samplings, geostatistical and multivariate statistical methods as well as multimedia risk assessment modeling are the three major methodologies used in the assessment of metal contamination in soil and groundwater. This review highlights a number of measurements for improving risk calculation methods and expounds scientific approaches that involve the identification of the major source of contamination, exposure pathways and bioavailability of metals. In general, risk assessments of metals in soil and groundwater worldwide are mainly focused on the levels of contamination, identification of exposure pathways, and prediction of the probability of contamination. To date, very limited studies have reported the development of relevant environmental laws and policies in the regulation of soil and groundwater contamination in Asia. The development, variations and limitations in the regulations of soil and groundwater contamination among developed countries may provide helpful guidance for the developing countries in Asia. |
| Key Words: bioavailability of metals, environmental regulation, exposure pathway, levels of contamination, source of contamination |
| Citation: Teh, T., Nik, N., Shahadat, M., Wong, Y. and Mohd, O. 2016. Risk assessment of metal contamination in soil and groundwater in Asia: A review of recent trends as well as existing environmental laws and regulations. Pedosphere. 26(4): 431-450. |
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