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Sao, et al.

commonly referred to as artisanal gold mining, which is metals associated with gold deposits, including Cu,
typically carried out by individuals, families, or small zinc (Zn), As, cadmium (Cd), Hg, and lead (Pb), in the
community groups using rudimentary technology and surrounding environment. This contamination affects
traditional extraction methods. Artisanal gold mining is soil, sediments, surface water, and groundwater, posing
a major environmental concern due to inefficient and serious risks to human and animal health. Due to their
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often nonexistent pollution control measures during high mobility and persistence, these heavy metals can
mineral extraction and processing. Most artisanal gold be easily dispersed, absorbed by plants and animals, and
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mining operations take place near water bodies such as bioaccumulated in humans through the food chain. 12
rivers and streams, which facilitate the acquisition of This study aims to:
alluvial ores and provide water for operational needs. (i) Evaluate the levels of heavy metals and other
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However, runoff from mining activities can degrade elemental contaminants in drinking water sources
water quality by introducing contaminants through in the Prek Te area throughout the year, in
processes such as cleaning, dewatering, and acid rock accordance with the Cambodian Drinking Water
drainage. Among human activities, mining poses a Quality Standard (CDWQS) and the World
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significant threat to surface water quality, particularly Health Organization (WHO) drinking water quality
affecting rivers, streams, lakes, and rainfall-dependent guidelines. 14
water sources. 4 (ii) Assess the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic
Despite its environmental challenges, artisanal gold health risks posed by selected trace elements in
mining has made a substantial financial contribution to drinking water sources.
rural communities by generating income from mineral
resources. The Cambodian government recognizes 2. Materials and methods
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mining as a strategic sector for economic growth, given
the country’s diverse mineral resources, including gold, 2.1. Study area
copper (Cu), and other base metals, which have the This cross-sectional survey involved the sampling of
potential to boost economic development if effectively surface water along Prek Te, a tributary of the Mekong
explored and managed. Mining has both positive and River, extending from Chong Phlah Commune, Keo
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negative effects on the environment and society. While Seima District, Mondulkiri Province, to Sangkat
it contributes to infrastructure development, economic Roka Kandal, Kratie City, Kratie Province (Figure 1).
growth, job creation, and social programs, it also poses Cambodia experiences two distinct seasons: the
severe risks to freshwater ecosystems. These risks dry season (November–April) and the rainy season
include contamination from mine effluent discharge, (May–October). During the dry season, temperatures
seepage from tailings and waste rock impoundments, can reach up to 40°C in April, whereas in the rainy
and water-intensive ore processing techniques. The season, temperatures drop to around 22°C, with high
release of hazardous chemicals into rivers, streams, and humidity.
lakes as a result of mining operations has deteriorated The water level in Prek Te is significantly impacted
water quality and threatened aquatic life. Consequently, by the flow of the Mekong River. During the rainy
rural communities relying on these water sources face season, the water level can exceed 10 m, whereas in the
significant health risks. 7 dry season, it typically ranges from 1 to 3 m.
A combination of factors, including increased
sedimentation and its correlation with toxic contaminants 2.2. Samples collection
such as arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg), further degrades Surface water quality sampling was conducted twice:
water quality downstream of gold mining activities. the first from March 5 to 11, 2023 (dry season), and
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Among the most evident risks associated with artisanal the second from October 20 to 26, 2023 (rainy season).
mining is the high potential for miners to sustain bodily A total of 21 surface water samples were collected from
injuries. The rise in artisanal gold mining has also different locations along Prek Te. Sampling locations
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led to a greater reliance on chemical-based techniques were selected based on accessibility, as some sites were
for gold processing and recovery, especially those situated in dense forest areas with no access routes.
involving cyanide and Hg, both of which pose serious The distance between sampling locations ranged from
environmental and public health hazards. 10 5 to 10 km, covering a total stretch of 145 km. The first
Furthermore, gold mining operations can sampling site was located at an artisanal mining site,
significantly elevate the concentrations of heavy while the final site (21 location) was at the confluence
st

Volume 22 Issue 2 (2025) 88 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025060037