INVESTIGATION OF HEAVY METAL ACCUMULATION IN WATER AND SEDIMENTS FROM PHITSANULOK PROVINCE USING X-RAY FLUORESCENCE AND ATOMIC ABSORPTION TECHNIQUES

This study investigated the presence of six heavy metals (zinc, copper, lead, chromium, nickel, and arsenic) in the water and sediments of four rivers in Phitsanulok province: Nan River, Yom River, Kwainoy River, and Wangthong River. Water and sediment samples were collected from eight stations and analyzed using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The study also examined the concentrations and sources of heavy metals in the sediment of these rivers. The results showed that the average levels of heavy metals in both water and sediment samples followed the order: zinc, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, and arsenic. According to water and sediment quality guidelines, chromium, copper, and nickel posed a significant threat to the water ecosystem in Phitsanulok province. The concentrations of certain heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, and nickel, exceeded normal levels at all of the studied stations, while lead, copper, and chromium concentrations exceeded normal levels at certain stations. The study also found that the concentrations of all six heavy metals in surface water samples did not exceed the drinking water guidelines set by the World Health Organization and national standards.