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The consumption of contaminated river water can have severe effects on human health. This study aims to investigate the trace elements (TEs) content and their health risk assessment in the Badigad River Basin in the lesser Himalayas of Nepal. In total, 44 water samples were collected from 22 different sites during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, and 25 TEs were analyzed. Correlation matrix and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to analyze the potential relationship between the measured TEs and their source tracking. Furthermore, the water quality index (WQI), metal index (MI), and cancer index (CI) were evaluated. The TEs content in all samples were found to be within the WHO recommended guideline for drinking and domestic purposes. The dominancy order of the TEs was observed as Sr > Ba > Li > Rb > Zn > Cr > Sc > Mn > Ti > Cu > As > Ni > Co > U > V > Pb > Cs > Ga > Y > Tl > Th > Zr > Bi > Cd > Nb. The PCA analysis suggested that TEs could have natural, anthropogenic, and mixed origins. The WQI indicated that the river water is safe from a human health perspective. The MI suggested that Badigad River can be considered safer for drinking purposes, and the cancer index (CI) showed that all the reported TEs are at low-risk levels. The findings of this study could be useful for government agencies in developing more sustainable water management policies in the region. However, it is suggested that further investigations should be conducted in terms of other hydrogeochemical variables, including major ions, at spatiotemporal levels for the sustainability of the river basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iodine is an essential trace element required for the regulation of physiological processes involving the thyroid gland. However, inadequate and excessive intake of iodine are responsible for health problems, such as iodine deficiency disorders, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, thyroid papillary cancer, and thyrotoxicosis. The Universal Salt Iodization (USI) program has become successful in providing supplemental iodine at the population level globally. Packaging quality, fortification level, and transportation and storage conditions of iodized salt determine the availability of iodine. Previous studies have reported severe health issues caused by excessive iodine intake after the implementation of the USI program. To understand the levels of iodine, we collected 2117 household salt samples from seven districts of Nepal and tested them for iodine content; among them, 98.1% were iodized. Overall median concentration of iodine was 53.9 ppm (range: 43.5–61.4 ppm). The majority (67.2%) of samples had iodine in the range of 45–75 ppm. Approximately 0.9% of samples had inadequate, 13.3% contained adequate, and 83.9% had excessive iodine than the World Health Organization‐recommended value. Iodine content varied among the sampling districts and seasons, to some extent. Our study confirmed that iodized salt is widely used in Nepal and is excessively iodized. Excessive intake of iodine through iodized salt requires further attention by policy makers. The iodine level may need adjustment to address the health impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemistry labs can become a dangerous environment for students as the lab exercises involve hazardous chemicals, glassware, and equipment. Approximately one hundred thousand students take chemistry laboratory classes annually in Nepal. We conducted a survey on chemical lab safety issues across Nepal. In this paper, we assess the safety policy and equipment, protocols and procedures followed, and waste disposal in chemistry teaching labs. Significant population of the respondents believed that there is no monitoring of the lab safety in their lab (p<0.001). Even though many labs do not allow food and beverages inside lab and have first aid kits, they lack some basic safety equipment. There is no institutional mechanism to dispose lab waste and chemical waste is disposed haphazardly. Majority of the respondents believed that the safety training should be a part of educational training (p = 0.001) and they would benefit from short course and/or workshop on lab safety (p<0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]