Page 93 - AJWEP-v22i2

Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution. Vol. 22, No. 2 (2025), pp. 87-96.
doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025060037

ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE

Assessment of surface water quality impacted by
upstream artisanal mining in Prek Te area, Cambodia

Vibol Sao * , Chan Oeurn Chey , Socheata Korng , Eang Chorney ,
2
1
2
1
and Kyoung-Woong Kim 3
1 Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh,
Cambodia
2 Chemistry Program, Graduate School of Sciences, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
3 Department of Environment and Energy Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju,
Republic of Korea
*Corresponding author: Vibol Sao (vibol.sao@rupp.edu.kh)

Received: February 7, 2025; 1st revised: March 2, 2025; 2nd revised: March 4, 2024; Accepted: March 14, 2025;
Published Online: April 4, 2025

Abstract: Mining activities can significantly impact water quality by introducing various contaminants into water
sources. The purpose of this study is to assess heavy metal concentrations and other elemental contaminants in
water from the Prek Te area across two seasons and evaluate the potential health risks associated with drinking
contaminated water. Surface water samples were collected twice in 2023: from March 5 – 11 (dry season) to
October 20 – 26 (rainy season). A total of 21 surface water samples were collected from different locations along
the Prek Te area. On-site measurements included pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and total dissolved
solids, while laboratory analyses determined arsenic (As), chromium, nickel (Ni), copper, zinc, cadmium, and lead
concentrations using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results indicated that most parameters
were within the World Health Organization guidelines and Cambodia Drinking Water Quality Standards, except
for As and Ni. During the rainy season, the highest As concentration was 58.1 µg/L, followed by 22.0 µg/L and
10.8 µg/L. Health risk assessments revealed that the hazard index and hazard quotient for children exceeded 1,
indicating potential non-carcinogenic health risks. In addition, children exhibited the highest lifetime cancer risk
for As (>1.8 × 10 ), followed by women (>1.2 × 10 ) and men (>1 × 10 ). These findings suggest that children
−1
−1
−1
are more vulnerable to health risks associated with drinking contaminated water compared to adults. To ensure
safe drinking water for communities along the Prek Te area, an urgent monitoring program and appropriate water
treatment measures—particularly to remove As contamination—are recommended.
Keywords: Cambodia; Artisanal gold mining; Heavy metals; Health risk; Prek Te area

1. Introduction Ratanakiri Province to the north. Despite its vast land
area, Mondulkiri has the lowest population density
Mondulkiri, Cambodia’s largest province, is located in Cambodia. The province is known not only for its
in the eastern region of the country and shares borders potential to attract tourists but also for its abundant
with Vietnam to the east and south, Kratie Province to mineral resources, including gold deposits. However,
the west, Stung Treng Province to the northwest, and gold mining in Mondulkiri is predominantly small-scale,

Volume 22 Issue 2 (2025) 87 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025060037