Assessing Health Risks and Environmental Hazards of Potentially Toxic Elements (Tunisia)

Mining operations in Siliana region in the North West of Tunisia have resulted in severe environmental challenges in the last decades, due to the poor management of mine waste loaded with potentially toxic elements (PTEs). These hazardous materials, left exposed to natural forces such as wind, rainfall, and weathering processes, pose significant risks to the surrounding ecosystems and human health. Communities living in proximity of abandoned mining sites are particularly vulnerable to long-term exposure through multiple pathways, including ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. To quantify the extent of these hazards, a comprehensive Health Risk Assessment was conducted by analyzing the concentrations of key PTEs, specifically lead (Pb), barium (Ba), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As). The study employed hazard quotients (HQs) and health index (HI) calculations to evaluate potential health threats for both adults and children communities. The findings revealed alarmingly high hazard indices, particularly for children, indicating an elevated level of exposure risk. For adults, the hazard indices followed the order: Ba (130.49) > As (78.93) > Ni (47.63) > Cr (45.62) > Pb (27.28). However, for children, the threat was even more pronounced, with values escalating dramatically: Ba (1217.83) > As (734.80) > Ni (441.21) > Pb (227.76) > Cr (176.03). These results underscore the urgent necessity for immediate intervention, including remediation strategies and exposure mitigation measures to safeguard public health. Given the severe health implications associated with prolonged exposure to PTEs, this study highlights the critical need for sustainable mine waste management policies and remediation initiatives aimed at minimizing environmental contamination and protecting vulnerable populations.