Comparative Analysis of the Chemical Composition of Natural Waters in the Khanty-Mansiysky and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Districts

Abstract

Background: Water is a key source of life on Earth; it is involved in the transfer of nutrients, macro- and microelements between soil, plants, animals and humans, as well as in the concentration and dispersion of chemical elements and the formation of minerals. The elemental status of the population is largely determined by the chemical composition of the natural waters on the territory of residence. Objective: To perform a comparative analysis of the concentrations of iron, manganese, calcium and magnesium in natural waters of the Khanty-Mansiysk and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Districts (Okrugs). Materials and methods: We established concentrations of iron, manganese, calcium and magnesium in 100 samples of natural waters taken from rivers, lakes, backwaters, channels, etc. of the Khanty-Mansiysk and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Districts, 50 samples each, using spectrophotometry, capillary electrophoresis and atomic absorption spectrometry. The results obtained were compared with the reference values provided in Russian sanitary rules and regulations SanPiN 1.2.3685–21. Results: We established elevated levels of iron in most surface water samples from both districts and of manganese in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug accompanied by extremely low concentrations of Ca and Mg in the vast majority of all samples. At the same time, we registered significantly lower concentrations of Ca (p = 0.012) and Mg (p = 0.021) in the water samples from the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug compared to those from the other district. Conclusion: In the population of the Tyumen North, the constant use of such water for drinking purposes can lead to the early development and rapid progression of cardiovascular and osteoarticular diseases, type 2 diabetes, neoplasms, etc.; at the same time, people are at risk of generalization of immunosuppressive conditions, diseases of the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, oxidative metabolism disorders, etc.