Groundwater provides over half the world’s population with drinking water. As an essential resource located underground, groundwater is vulnerable to contamination from both natural and human sources. Pollution that seeps into aquifers can remain trapped below the surface for years, slowly spreading and accumulating in the groundwater supply.
One serious concern is whether certain contaminants in drinking water may increase health risks like cancer. This article will explore the connection between groundwater contamination and cancer.
Why Is Groundwater Integral to Human Life?
Groundwater represents approximately 30% of the world’s available freshwater supply. The remaining 70% is primarily stored as ice in glaciers and ice sheets (69%), with a small portion (1%) found in lakes and rivers. On average, groundwater accounts for about one-third of total freshwater used by humans globally. However, in some areas, this percentage is as high as 100%.
Groundwater is an important natural resource that plays a significant role in the global economy. It serves as the primary water source for irrigation in agriculture and various industries. Generally, groundwater is a reliable source of water, especially for agriculture.
During dry periods, when demand is higher, more groundwater can be extracted. When rainfall meets needs, less groundwater extraction is required. Globally, irrigation alone accounts for over 70% of total freshwater withdrawal from both surface and groundwater sources. Around 43% of total irrigation water usage comes from groundwater supplies.
Groundwater also plays a vital role ecologically. During drier months when direct rainfall recharge is low, groundwater discharge sustains water levels and flows in rivers, lakes, and wetlands. This underground water flow is essential for the wildlife and plants that inhabit these environments. Groundwater also helps maintain navigable water levels in inland waterways during dry seasons by discharging into rivers.
Groundwater Contaminants and Elevated Kidney Cancer Risk
A study of groundwater in California identified seven components potentially linked to elevated kidney cancer risk. Researchers analyzed water quality data from over 18,500 wells sampled between 1996-2010 across 58 counties. Kidney cancer incidence data from 2003-2017 was obtained from the California Cancer Registry.
In total, 208 groundwater constituents were examined, including chemicals from various classes like pesticides, metals, and nutrients. A statistical approach assessed the association between each constituent and kidney cancer rates over three periods: 2003-2007, 2008-2012, and 2013-2017.
Approximately 79,600 kidney cancer cases were reported during the 2003-2017 study period. Incidence rates were 14.1 per 100,000 overall, 13.0 for 2003-2007, 14.5 for 2008-2012, and 14.9 for 2013-2017. Rates were nearly double for men versus women and increased with age.
Seven constituents showed a positive association with kidney cancer risk: chlordane, dieldrin, 1,2-dichloropropane, 2,4,5-TP, glyphosate, endothall, and carbaryl. The researchers concluded environmental exposures like certain groundwater components could impact kidney cancer incidence.
Reducing exposure to identified risk factors may help lower the disease burden in the population. Further research is still needed to strengthen these potential links.
Public health efforts to reduce kidney cancer should consider groundwater quality and limit contaminants that may increase cancer risk, according to the study’s findings. Continued monitoring of water sources could help protect community well-being.
The Water Contamination Controversy at Camp Lejeune
From the early 1950s through the late 1980s, a United States Marine Corps base in Jacksonville, i.e., Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, had a serious issue with contaminated drinking water. For decades, service members and their families unknowingly consumed and used water tainted with harmful toxins.
According to TorHoerman Law, it was not until the 1980s that high levels of trichloroethylene (TCE), a degreasing solvent, were found in a private well serving the base. This well was immediately taken offline. However, further investigation revealed that the main water supply for the entire base was also contaminated with TCE and other chemicals like benzene and vinyl chloride.
Long-term exposure to these substances is known to increase health risks such as cancer, birth defects, and liver damage. Unfortunately, tens of thousands of individuals living or working at the base from 1953 to 1987 were potentially exposed through daily activities like drinking, cooking, bathing, or water recreation.
In the following years, more evidence emerged linking the contaminated water to serious illnesses in exposed persons. After much legal pushback, the United States government eventually acknowledged a connection between the toxic exposures and certain health conditions.
In 2012, a landmark $2.2 billion settlement was reached with chemical companies responsible for the contamination. This provided compensation to victims and funding for their ongoing medical treatment.
According to the latest Camp Lejeune lawsuit update, nearly 150,000 claims and 1,500 lawsuits have since been filed related to the long-term effects of the water poisoning at this North Carolina military facility. While justice was delayed, those harmed can now access needed support through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
Are There Any Remediation Methods for Groundwater Contamination?
There are several approaches that can be taken when remediating contaminated groundwater. One approach is biological remediation, which utilizes microorganisms, organic matter, and plants.
Specific biological remediation techniques include biosparging, bioventing, and bioaugmentation. These techniques work to break down chemicals and other compounds in the groundwater using natural biological processes. An advantage is that contaminated water does not necessarily need to be removed from the ground for treatment.
A second option is chemical remediation. This can be achieved through processes like chemical precipitation, oxidation, ion exchange, and carbon absorption. While chemical remediation may take more time or resources than other methods, it is sometimes necessary to break down certain types of contaminants that biological or physical processes cannot effectively treat.
The third main category is physical remediation. This involves using a pump and treat system, where groundwater is physically extracted from the aquifer and then treated above ground.
Common treatment methods after pumping include carbon absorption or air stripping to remove contaminants from the water. A key benefit of physical remediation is that it can control the spread of contamination plumes and reduce concentration levels within the affected area. Overall, the appropriate remediation approach depends on the contaminants present and site-specific conditions.
In conclusion, groundwater contamination can potentially cause cancer through various exposure pathways. Long-term ingestion of contaminated groundwater may increase risks for certain types of cancer depending on the contaminants present.
High-profile cases like the toxic water crisis at Camp Lejeune demonstrate established links between contaminated drinking water and serious illnesses, including cancer in exposed populations. Continuous monitoring of groundwater sources and contamination remediation can help protect public health by reducing risks of water-related diseases.
