Risk Assessment of the sediment from the Birmingham Canal Navigations using Contaminated Land Exposure Assessment (CLEA) software

Using the Contaminated Land Exposure Assessment (CLEA) program, the study evaluates the possible health hazards to humans posed by silt contamination in the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN). Twenty sediment samples were gathered along the BCN, subjected to X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis for heavy metal concentrations (As, Cd, Hg, and Se), and then assessed in relation to soil assessment criteria (SACs). The findings showed that whereas cadmium exceeded SACs for all age groups under allotment exposure situations, arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) constituted substantial dangers to children ages 0–6 under residential exposure scenarios. In contrast, there were no appreciable hazards associated with selenium (Se) or mercury (Hg) in any age group or exposure pathway. Children are the most sensitive receptors, according to the study, because of behavioral and physiological characteristics like lower body mass and hand-to-mouth actions. The CLEA software was found to have limitations, such as the incapacity to evaluate the dangers associated with water samples or heavy elements that were not preprogrammed (such as Pb and Cr). Using pre-treatment techniques like phytoremediation and electrokinetic remediation to lessen sediment toxicity prior to disposal, as well as alternate disposal options like anaerobic digestion, are among the recommendations. The necessity of thorough risk management plans for sediment pollution in ecosystems impacted by human activity is highlighted by this study. Keywords: Birmingham Canal, CLEA software, Heavy metals, sediment, X-ray Fluorescence.