Water resources pollution associated with risks of heavy metals from Vatukoula Goldmine region, Fiji

Although mining is essential for human economic development, amongst the most polluting anthropogenic sources that influence seriously in water resources. Thus, understanding presence and concentration of heavy metals sediment vicinity mines important sustainability ecosystem. In this work, a multidisciplinary approach was developed to characterize contamination level, source apportionment, co-existence, degree ecological health risks HMs on resources Vatukoula Goldmine region (VGR), Fiji. The outcomes suggested significant by Cd (range: 0.01–0.95 g/L), Pb 0.03–0.53 Mn 0.01–3.66 g/L) samples surpassed level set Fiji international laws, whereas higher 2.60–23.16 mg/kg), 28.50–200.90 mg/kg) Zn 36.50–196.66 were detected samples. Lead demonstrated strong co-existence network with other (e.g., Mn, Ni). Source apportionment recognized four patterns (Cd, Pb, Ni, Mn) (Cr, Cd–Pb, Zn) which further confirmed principal component analysis. mine inputs mainly contributed (66.07%) water, while mineral processing mostly (76.10%) sediment. High non-carcinogenic (>1) carcinogenic (>10 −4 ) risks, particularly children, are related elevated Cd, Cr contents from VGR. Uncertainty analysis demonstrates 90th quantile led risk. Pollution indices disclosed moderate extremely status along Toko dam poses high identified index calculation. However, quality indicators based probable effect levels showed there 75% likelihood concentrations adjacent VGR have severe toxic impact aquatic lives. • Water pollution assessed near goldmine (Fiji). Both contaminated (by Zn, Pb) activities. Indices evaluation invokes polluted sediments. Sediment assessments reveal impacts