Environmental monitoring of heavy metals in the Styr River caused by effluents from the nuclear power plant

Abstract This study investigated the heavy metals (HMs) pollution in the Styr River, focusing on the environmental impacts of wastewater discharge from the nuclear power plant (NPP). Thus, the main purpose was to evaluate HM concentrations, assess compliance with international and regional environmental standards, and identify potential ecological and health risks. Over a four-year period (2018–2022), water samples were collected upstream (S1) and downstream (S2) of the NPP discharge point. The concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Mn, As, and Cr were analysed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICAP 7400 Duo). Statistical methods, including correlation analyses, were applied to determine the relationships between HM concentrations at S1 and S2. All measured HM concentrations were below permissible levels set by the international and regional environmental standards, indicating low contamination risk. Correlation analyses showed strong positive correlations for Zn, Ni, Mn, Cr, and Cu between S1 and S2, while Cd and As exhibited weak correlations. The findings confirm that the NPP’s wastewater discharge does not significantly elevate HM levels in the Styr River. However, variability in Cd and As distribution emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and advanced methodologies to safeguard aquatic ecosystems and public health.