The Concentration of Potentially Toxic Elements in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) in Fish: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis and Dietary Health Risk Assessment.

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the most consumed fish in the world and can be exposed to various forms of pollution, such as potential toxic elements (PTEs). Several studies have been conducted on the concentration of PTEs in common carp fish. The aims of the current study were to meta-analyze the concentration of PTEs in common carp fish and estimate human health risks in consumers. A search was conducted in international databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Embase to retrieve papers up to January 20, 2024. The non-carcinogenic risk due to PTEs in fish fillets was calculated via the target hazard quotient (THQ), and the carcinogenic risk due to iAs in fish fillets was calculated via cancer risk (CR). The highest concentrations of Cu, methyl-Hg, and Ni were observed in the fillets of common carp fish. The non-carcinogenic risk was lower than 1 in all countries; hence, consuming common carp fish does not pose a non-carcinogenic risk. Adult consumers in Iraq were exposed to an unacceptable carcinogenic due to iAs in common carp fish. Hence, it is recommended that plans be conducted to reduce the concentration of PTEs in common carp fish in Iraq.

Vertical Distribution Characteristics and Ecological Risk Assessment of Mercury and Arsenic in Ice, Water, and Sediment at a Cold-Arid Lake.

Mercury and arsenic are two highly toxic pollutants, and many researchers have explored the effects of the two substances on the environment. However, the research content of toxic substances in frozen periods is relatively small. To explore the spatial and vertical distribution of mercury and arsenic in the ice, water, and sediments of Wuliangsuhai Lake under ice conditions, and to assess the harm degree of the two toxic substances to human beings. We collected the ice, water, and sediments of the lake in December 2020, and tested the contents of Hg and As. The single-factor pollution index method, the local cumulative index method, and the ecological risk coding method were used to assess the pollution status in these three environmental media, and the Monte Carlo simulation combined with the quantitative model recommended by USEPA was used to assess the population health risk. The results showed that (1) The average single-factor pollution values of Hg and As in water were 0.367 and 0.114, both pollutants were at clean levels during the frozen period. (2) The mean Igeo values of Hg and As were 0.657 and -0.948. The bioavailability of Hg in the sediments of Wuliangsuhai Lake during the frozen period was high, and its average value was 7.8%, which belonged to the low-risk grade. The bioavailability of As ranged from 0.2% to 3.7%, with an average value of 1.3%. (3) Monte Carlo simulation results indicate acceptable levels of health risks in both water and ice. This study preliminarily investigated the distribution characteristics of toxic substances and their potential effects on human health in lakes in cold and arid regions during the frozen period. It not only clarified the pollution characteristics of lakes in cold and arid regions during the frozen period, but also provided beneficial supplements for the ecological protection of lake basins. This study lays a foundation for further environmental science research in the region in the future.

Volatile Organic Compounds on Rhodes Island, Greece: Implications for Outdoor and Indoor Human Exposure.

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are considered a class of pollutants with a significant presence in indoor and outdoor air and serious health effects. The aim of this study was to measure and evaluate the levels of outdoor and indoor VOCs at selected sites on Rhodes Island, Greece, during the cold and warm periods of 2023. Spatial and seasonal variations were evaluated; moreover, cancer and non-cancer inhalation risks were assessed. For this purpose, simultaneous indoor-outdoor air sampling was carried out on the island of Rhodes. VOCs were determined by Thermal Desorption-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (TD-GC/MS). Fifty-six VOCs with frequencies ≥ 50% were further considered. VOC concentrations (∑56VOCs) at all sites were found to be higher in the warm period. In the warm and cold sampling periods, the highest concentrations were found at the port of Rhodes City, while total VOC concentrations were dominated by alkanes. The Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model was applied to identify the VOC emission sources. Non-cancer and cancer risks for adults were within the safe levels.

Heavy metals in Ethiopian drinking water and public health risks: Insights from nationwide and regional analysis.

The ambitious sustainable development goal (SDG) 6 of the United Nations, which aims to achieve universal access to safe water and sanitation by 2030, remains elusive for many developing countries like Ethiopia. This is often due to a multitude of intricate factors, including the escalating degradation of water quality. Here, we present a comprehensive nationwide and regional analysis of heavy metal pollution in drinking water sources and the associated human health risks in Ethiopia based on a dataset of 11 heavy metal concentrations (n = 975) collated from available studies. Results indicate significant variations in heavy metal pollution in drinking water sources in Ethiopia, with 44 % of the total concentration exceeding maximum permissible limits. The mean concentrations were ranked as follows: Pb (1.92 mg/L) > Zn (1.25 mg/L) > Fe (0.56 mg/L) > Mn (0.43 mg/L) > Cu (0.40 mg/L) > Co (0.30 mg/L) > As (0.12 mg/L) > Ni (0.12 mg/L) > Cr (0.10 mg/L) > Cd (0.06 mg/L) > Hg (0.04 mg/L). We found that children are more vulnerable to non-carcinogenic health risks than adults, with the highest hazard quotient (HQ) exceedances of up to a factor of 1823 and 762, respectively. Furthermore, a Monte Carlo-based probabilistic risk assessment highlighted significant concerns regarding co-exposure to multiple heavy metals. The measured concentrations, ingestion rates, and exposure frequencies were identified as sensitive parameters. Overall, a higher risk was attributed to Pb and As, with river drinking water sources and the Tigray region requiring immediate mitigation measures. In conclusion, the findings emphasize the urgent need to test and purify water before consumption and to implement effective public health interventions. Furthermore, a multifaceted approach including regular monitoring, source protection, and proper waste management is recommended to expedite the achievement of SDGs and promote water sustainability in resource-limited Ethiopia and sub-Saharan Africa.

Elemental profile of wheat in the las vegas market: Geographic origin discrimination and probabilistic health risk assessment.

This study investigates concentrations of toxic and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in organic and conventional wheat flour and grains marketed in Las Vegas. Geographic origins of the samples were evaluated using Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). Monte Carlo Simulation technique was also employed to evaluate non-carcinogenic risk in four life stages. Concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following hot block-assisted digestion. Obtained results showed non-significant differences in contents of toxic and PTEs between conventional and organic wheat grains/flour. Using LDA, metal (loid)s were found to be indicative of geographical origin. The LDA produced a total correct classification rate of 95.8% and 100% for US and West Pacific Region samples, respectively. The results of the present study indicate that the estimated non-carcinogenic risk associated with toxic element intakes across the four life stages were far lower than the threshold value (Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) > 1). However, the probability of exceeding the threshold value for Mn is approximately 32% in children aged between 5 and 8 years. The findings of this study can aid in understanding dietary Mn exposure in children in Las Vegas.

Analysis of Heavy Metal Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment of Dried Fish Marketed in Guangzhou, China.

This study investigated heavy metal contamination in dried fish sold in Guangzhou, China, and evaluated the resultant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. Dried fish samples were purchased from Baiyun, Tianhe, Panyu, and Yuexiu districts in Guangzhou, where the population is substantial. They were randomly acquired in bustling supermarkets and farmers' markets, targeting the most popular dried fish in these areas. Sixty samples from five dried fish types (Stolephorus chinensis, Thamnaconus modestus, Nemipterus-virgatus, river fish, Ctenopharyngodon idella) were analyzed for chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) content. Quantification of the heavy metals were carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for Cr, As, Cd, and Pb, and an automatic mercury analyzer for Hg. The median concentration of these heavy metals in dried fish were 0.358 mg/kg, 2.653 mg/kg, 0.032 mg/kg, 0.083 mg/kg, and 0.042 mg/kg, respectively. Pollution severity was ranked as dried Nemipterus-virgatus > dried Stolephorus chinensis > dried Thamnaconus modestus > dried river fish > dried Ctenopharyngodon idella, with As being the most predominant pollutant. All fish types showed severe As pollution. Non-carcinogenic risks were identified in the consumption of dried Nemipterus-virgatus and dried Stolephorus chinensis for both genders, while potential carcinogenic risks were associated with four of the fish types. Women faced higher health risks than men from dried fish consumption. Consequently, we advise consumers to minimize their intake of dried fish and regulatory agencies conduct regular monitoring of heavy metal levels in commercially available dried fish to avert potential health risks.

Assessment of human health risk concerning edible plants contamination with toxic elements around functional and derelict mines.

Edible plants samples were analysed for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic human health risks. The elements nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr) and mercury (Hg) analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The recovery, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 75 to 89 %, 0.001-0.003 and 0.003-0.01, respectively. The mean value of Hg (0.34 mg/kg) exceeded the limit of 0.05 mg/kg recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of Cd in adults ranged from 7.93 × 10-7 to 1.43 × 10-4 and that of Hg from 0.07 to 1.27 and Cd (0.08 × 10-4) in children. These are below the oral reference doses (RfD). Hazard Quotient (HQ) of Hg in children was 1.92. The elements Hg and As obtained the highest total hazard (THI) index of 2.02 in mango1 and oil palm. Arsenic possessed the highest cancer risk of 4.5 × 10-4 in children and 1.9 × 10-4 in adults. Cancer risk (CR) ranged from low to moderate (10-6-10-4), which is below the limit of 10-3. The total carcinogenic risk (TCR) of the edible plants were above the limit of 10-6. The study identified minimal As and Hg pollution and carcinogenic risks in edible plants.

Concentration of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Rapid Coffee Products in Bandar Abbas, Iran: Probabilistic Non-Carcinogenic and Carcinogenic Risk Assessment.

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. However, coffee plants are often exposed to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) pollution. The main aims of current study were to detect the PTEs in instant coffee and health risk assessment of consumers in Bandar Abbas city. To achieve this, 40 samples of instant coffee were randomly collected from various points in the city in 2023 and PTEs concentrations were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were calculated using Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method. The concentrations of Fe and Cu were higher than other PTEs, equaling 404.41 mg/kg and 0.0046 mg/kg, respectively. The non-carcinogenic risk assessment revealed that THQ (Fe > Pb > As > Cd > Ni > Cu) and TTHQ levels were less than 1 based on the 95% percentile in adults and children, indicating there is no possibility of a non-carcinogenic risk associated with instant coffee. The carcinogenic risk due to inorganic As in instant coffee was acceptable (2.63E-5 and 1.27E-5 based on the 95% percentile for adults and children, respectively), therefore PTEs in instant coffee do not endanger the health of consumers.

Spatial health risk assessments of nickel in the groundwater sources of a mining-impacted area.

Mining activities have increased the potential risks of metal pollution to the groundwater resources in arid areas across the globe. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the health risk associated with nickel (Ni) in the groundwater sources of a mining-impacted area, South Khorasan, Eastern Iran. A total of 110 stations were included in the study, comprising 62 wells, 40 qanats, and 8 springs in summer, 2020. Initially, the collected samples were tested for temperature, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC). Subsequently, the samples were filtered and treated with nitric acid (HNO3) to measure the concentration of Ni using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Hazard quotient (HQ) and non-carcinogenic risk assessments were employed to evaluate the potential risks of Ni to the inhabitants. The findings revealed that the concentration of Ni ranged from 0.02 to 132.39 µg l-1, and only two stations exhibited Ni concentrations above the WHO standards (20 µg l-1). The results demonstrated that 98.21% of the sampled locations had HQ values below one, indicating negligible risk, while 1.78% of the stations exhibited HQ values of one or higher, representing a high non-carcinogenic risk for water consumers. Overall, the concentration of nickel in the groundwater of South Khorasan exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) limit solely in the Halvan station, posing a non-carcinogenic risk for the residents in that area, and therefore, additional efforts should be made to provide healthier groundwater to consumers in this region.

Risks to Human Health from Mercury in Gold Mining in the Coastal Region of Ecuador.

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) plays a crucial role in global gold production. However, the adoption of poor mining practices or the use of mercury (Hg) in gold recovery processes has generated serious environmental contamination events. The focus of this study is assessing the concentration of Hg in surface waters within the coastal region of Ecuador. The results are used to conduct a human health risk assessment applying deterministic and probabilistic methods, specifically targeting groups vulnerable to exposure in affected mining environments. Between April and June 2022, 54 water samples were collected from rivers and streams adjacent to mining areas to determine Hg levels. In the health risk assessment, exposure routes through water ingestion and dermal contact were considered for both adults and children, following the model structures outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The results indicate elevated Hg concentrations in two of the five provinces studied, El Oro and Esmeraldas, where at least 88% and 75% of the samples, respectively, exceeded the maximum permissible limit (MPL) set by Ecuadorian regulations for the preservation of aquatic life. Furthermore, in El Oro province, 28% of the samples exceeded the MPL established for drinking water quality. The high concentrations of Hg could be related to illegal mining activity that uses Hg for gold recovery. Regarding the human health risk assessment, risk values above the safe exposure limit were estimated. Children were identified as the most vulnerable receptor. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish effective regulations that guarantee the protection of river users in potentially contaminated areas. Finally, it is important to continue investigating the contamination caused by human practices in the coastal region.

Effect of fertilization on the accumulation and health risk for heavy metals in native Andean potatoes in the highlands of Perú.

Soil infertility is a global problem, amendments such as organic fertilizers and mineral fertilizers are used to improve crop yields. However, these fertilizers contain heavy metals as well as essential mineral elements. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer on the accumulation and health risk of heavy metals in tubers. The plants were cultivated at an altitude of 3970 m using four treatments (poultry manure, alpaca manure, island guano and inorganic fertilizer) and a control group. Soil contamination levels and the degree of metal accumulation in the tubers were also determined. As a result, it was found that the use of inorganic fertilizer and poultry manure increased the values of Cu and Zn in soils, exceeding the recommended standards. The accumulation of heavy metals in potato tubers did not exceed the maximum recommended limits with the exception of Pb, which exceeded the limit allowed by the FAO/WHO (0.1 mg kg-1). Poultry manure contributed to the highest accumulation of Zn, Cu and Pb in tubers with 11.62±1.30, 3.48±0.20 and 0.12 ±0.02 mg kg-1 respectively. The transfer of metals from the soil to the tubers was less than 1. Individual and total non-carcinogenic risk values were less than 1, indicating a safe level of consumption for children and adults. The cancer risk was found to be within an acceptable range. However, poultry manure and inorganic fertilizer treatments had the highest total cancer risk values in both age groups, suggesting a long-term carcinogenic risk.

Distribution, toxicity load and risk assessment of heavy metals in the groundwater of Dhemaji, Assam, India.

Metal contamination in drinking water has drawn attention since it gravely jeopardizes human health. This study was conducted in pre- and post-monsoon season in 2021 at Dhemaji, Assam, India. It characterized metal pollutants in groundwater, their distribution, possible sources, and evaluated the potential toxicity and associated health risk assessment. The seasonal mean concentration of Fe in both seasons is observed highest followed by Mn, Zn, Cu, As, and Ni. Furthermore, the metal concentrations during pre-monsoon are comparatively higher. The geogenic processes and agricultural practices are the major sources of groundwater metal contamination as evident from the statistical analysis. The different pollution indices viz. Heavy-metal Pollution Index (HPI), Heavy-metal Evaluation Index (HEI) and Degree of Contamination (Cd) suggested that groundwater is not suitable for drinking uses. The Heavy Metal Toxicity Load (HMTL) suggesting As, Co, Mn and Hg should be removed from the groundwater to ensure safety. Water pollution indices (WPI) suggest that Fe, Mn, As and Ni are the main pollution-causing metals in the study area which may be restored under the BIS and WHO limit by diluting the water. The human health risk has been calculated by carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment. The non-carcinogenic risk for adults and children is within the threshold limit. The carcinogenic risk shows that continuous exposure of As and Ni may give rise to cancer among adults and children in the region. Therefore, comprehensive groundwater quality monitoring with well-planned treatment should be needed to provide safe and clean drinking water in the studied area.

Health risk assessment from inhalation exposure to indoor formaldehyde: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated studies on formaldehyde (FA) inhalation exposure in indoor environments and related carcinogenic (CR) and non-carcinogenic (HQ) risk. Studies were obtained from Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, and Embase databases without time limitation until November 21, 2023. Studies not meeting the criteria of Population, Exposure, Comparator, and Outcomes (PECO) were excluded. The 45 articles included belonged to the 5 types of sites: dwelling environments, educational centers, kindergartens, vehicle cabins, and other indoor environments. A meta-analysis determined the average effect size (ES) between indoor FA concentrations, CR, and HQ values in each type of indoor environment. FA concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 1620 µg/m3. The highest FA concentrations were stated in water pipe cafés and the lowest in residential environments. In more than 90% of the studies uncertain (1.00 ×10-6 1.00 ×10-4) due to FA inhalation exposure was reported and non-carcinogenic risk was stated acceptable. The meta-analysis revealed the highest CR values due to inhalation of indoor FA in high-income countries. As 90% of the time is spent indoors, it is crucial to adopt effective strategies to reduce FA concentrations, especially in kindergartens and schools, with regular monitoring of indoor air quality.

To breathe or not to breathe: Inhalational exposure to heavy metals and related health risk.

This study reviewed scientific literature on inhalation exposure to heavy metals (HMs) in various indoor and outdoor environments and related carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk. A systematic search in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Medline databases yielded 712 results and 43 articles met the requirements of the Population, Exposure, Comparator, and Outcomes (PECO) criteria. Results revealed that HM concentrations in most households exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline values, indicating moderate pollution and dominant anthropogenic emission sources of HMs. In the analyzed schools, universities, and offices low to moderate levels of air pollution with HMs were revealed, while in commercial environments high levels of air pollution were stated. The non-carcinogenic risk due to inhalation HM exposure exceeded the acceptable level of 1 in households, cafes, hospitals, restaurants, and metros. The carcinogenic risk for As and Cr in households, for Cd, Cr, Ni, As, and Co in educational environments, for Pb, Cd, Cr, and Co in offices and commercial environments, and for Ni in metros exceeded the acceptable level of 1 × 10-4. Carcinogenic risk was revealed to be higher indoors than outdoors. This review advocates for fast and effective actions to reduce HM exposure for safer breathing.

An integrated approach to assess human health risk of neonicotinoid insecticides in surface water of the Yangtze River Basin, China.

Neonicotinoids are widely used insecticides that have raised considerable concerns for both environmental and human health. However, there lack of comprehensive evaluation of their accumulation in surface water ecosystems and exposure to various human groups. Additionally, there's a distinct lack of scientific evidence describing the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic impacts of neonicotinoids from surface water. Using an integrated approach employing the Relative Potency Factor (RPF), Hazard Index (HI), and Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS), the study assessed neonicotinoid exposure and risk to four demographic groups via dermal contact and mistaken oral intake pathways in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB), China. Neonicotinoid concentrations range from 0.1 to 408.12 ng/L, indicating potential risk (10-3 to 10-1) across the studied demographic groups. The Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) for dermal contact was within a moderate range of 2.00 × 10-3 to 1.67 × 10-2, while the mistaken oral intake was also within a moderate range of 3.07 × 10-3 to 7.05 × 10-3. The Hazard Index (HI) for dermal exposure ranged from 1.49 × 10-2 to 0.125, while for mistaken oral intake, it varied between 2.69 × 10-2 and 0.14. The findings highlight the importance of implementing specific interventions to address neonicotinoid exposure, especially among demographic groups that are more susceptible. This research underscores the urgent need for targeted strategies to address neonicotinoid risks to vulnerable populations within the YRB while contributing to insights for effective policies to mitigate neonicotinoid exposure in surface water ecosystems globally.

Hydrogeochemical evolution processes, groundwater quality, and non-carcinogenic risk assessment of nitrate-enriched groundwater to human health in different seasons in the Hawler (Erbil) and Bnaslawa Urbans, Iraq.

The main objectives of this research are to assess groundwater, a primary source of drinking water in the urban areas of Hawler (Erbil) and Bnaslawa in northern Iraq, and the non-carcinogenic human health risks of nitrate contamination associated with drinking water quality. For this purpose, twenty-seven groundwater samples were collected from wells to assess the hydrogeochemical characteristics and groundwater quality for both natural and anthropogenic purposes during the wet (May 2020) and dry (September 2020) seasons. During the wet and dry seasons, NO3- in groundwater ranged from 14.00 to 61.00 mg/L and 12.00 to 60.00 mg/L, with an average value of 35.70 and 29.00 mg/L, respectively. Approximately 25.92% of the samples exceeded the permissible limit of the WHO (2011) drinking water standard. The ratios of NO3-/Na+ vs. Cl-/Na+ and SO42-/Na+ vs. NO3-/Na+ indicate the effect of agricultural activities and wastewater leaking from cesspools or septic tanks on the quality of groundwater during the wet and dry seasons. The entropy weighted water quality index method ranked 62.5% and 75% of the urban groundwater as not recommended for drinking, and the remaining samples are moderately suitable in both wet and dry seasons. The non-carcinogenic human health risk assessment displayed that during the wet and dry seasons, 29.6% and 25.9% of adults, 48% and 30% of children, and 48.1% and 29.6% of infants were exposed to increased concentrations of nitrate in groundwater. Due to high nitrate in drinking water, non-carcinogenic human health risk levels vary as infant > child > adults. The main findings obtained from this study can assist policymakers in better understanding the hydrogeochemical properties of groundwater in terms of drinking water safety, thereby facilitating the management of water resources to take the necessary measures.

Human health risk assessment of metal-contaminated soils in Sydney estuary catchment (Australia).

Sydney estuary catchment supports the largest city in Australia and provides essential eco-social and environmental services; however, the region has been influenced by extensive anthropogenic modification. Soil metal concentrations in the catchment had been studied previously; however, the current investigation was designed to determine the risk posed by these contaminants to human health. Soil metal concentrations were higher than observed in most global capitals and increased substantially in the south and south-east of the catchment and close to the central business district. Road-side soils and road dust contained the highest concentration of metals in the catchment. Lead in catchment soils was closely related to traffic density and sourced from the historic use of Pb in petrol. A human health assessment indicated that soil Cd, Ni and Zn posed no non-carcinogenic risk (NCR), or carcinogenic risk (CR) for children, or adults in Sydney estuary catchment and that Cu and Cr may pose minor NCR for children. Vehicle-related Pb raised the greatest human health risk in catchment soils and may pose NCR at 32% and 4.3% of sites for children and adults, respectively. Inconsistent analytical techniques used in CR and NCR evaluations produce incomparable assessments and a consistent` methodology is suggested to improve interpretation. Human health risk may well be higher than commonly calculated due to pollutants present in urban soil not being included in assessments.

Evaluating hydrogeochemistry and heavy metal contamination of groundwater at Ranipet environs: employing multivariate statistics, agricultural indices, and health risk assessment.

Water plays an essential role in sustaining life on Earth as an indispensable natural resource. In recent decades, dependence on groundwater for domestic and industrial purposes has become inevitable. The Ranipet industrial environs (RIE) has many tanneries and chemical industries, which affects the groundwater quality. This study assessed groundwater quality and its suitability for domestic, agricultural, and human health risk assessments. 40 groundwater samples (28 open wells and 12 bore wells) were collected during pre-monsoon 2022 and analyzed by employing multivariate statistics, standard scatter plots, irrigation indices, and health risk assessment. The results of hydrogeochemical analysis and multivariate statistics affirmed that electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), calcium (Ca2+), and magnesium (Mg2+) have controlled the hydrochemistry of RIE. Cadmium (Cd) at 46% and chromium (Cr) at 33% have contaminated the groundwater in the study area, making it unsuitable for human consumption and irrigation. The agricultural indices analysis results show groundwater quality ranging from very poor to unsuitable making it unsuitable and also affects crop productivity. Hazard index (HI) results infer that Cr and Cd severely contaminated the RIE's groundwater, encompassing 14 villages, making the groundwater unfit for drinking, domestic use, and irrigation. Hazard quotient (HQ) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) analysis revealed that 2 in 100 infants and 3 in 1000 people over the age of 63 are likely to develop cancer due to Cr and Cd in the REI. This is a need-of-the-hour problem, addressing this issue with preventive measures to ensure the protection of groundwater sources will lead to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Assessing the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks of metals in the drinking water of Isfahan, Iran.

Metals are significant contributors to water pollution, posing serious threats to human health. This study aims to assess the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks associated with metals in Isfahan drinking water. Eighty water samples were randomly collected from the city's distribution network between January and March 2020-2021. Inductively coupled plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry was used to measure toxic metals, namely Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni, and As concentrations. Results revealed that the mean concentration of Ni (70.03 µg/L) exceeded the WHO reference value (70 µg/L), while the other metals were below the standard values. The average chronic daily intake order of toxic metals was Ni > Cr > Pb > As > Cd. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment through hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) demonstrated that both THI for adults (HQingestion + HQdermal = 4.02E-03) and THI for children (HIingestion + HIdermal = 3.83E-03) were below the acceptable limit (less than 1). This indicated no non-carcinogenic risk to residents through water ingestion or dermal exposure. However, findings indicated that the ingestion route was the primary exposure pathway, with HQ values for ingestion exceeding HQ values for dermal adsorption. Carcinogenic risk assessment showed that the risk associated with As metal exceeded the acceptable limit (1 × 10-6). Therefore, implementing treatment improvement programs and appropriate control measures is essential to safeguard the health of Isfahan City residents.

Bottled water safety evaluation: A comprehensive health risk assessment of oral exposure to heavy metals through deterministic and probabilistic approaches by Monte Carlo simulation.

The consumption of bottled water has witnessed substantial global expansion in recent times. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the concentrations of eight heavy metals (As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, and Zn) in 71 high-consumption bottled water brands in Iran. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessments were conducted using both deterministic and probabilistic approaches. Point estimation utilizing the Hazard Quotient (HQ) formula and sensitivity analysis employing the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) method through 10,000 repetitions in Oracle Crystal Ball® was used to ascertain the health risks associated with heavy metal exposure. Heavy metal concentrations were quantified through Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). HQ point estimation results indicated that Cr exhibited the highest mean HQ value, whereas Cd demonstrated the lowest. In the probabilistic approach, the highest 95 percentile values were observed for Cr and Mo at 3.9E-01, while the lowest values were recorded for Cr and Mn at 1.10E-02. Heavy metal concentrations emerged as critical factors influencing non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks across all groups in the sensitivity analysis. The findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring, research, and targeted regulations to address health risks from heavy metal exposure in bottled water and ensure public well-being.