Ecological risk assessment of hexavalent chromium and silicon dioxide in well water in Maros Regency, Indonesia

ABSTRACT

Objective: This paper assesses the potential ecological risk of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and silicon dioxide/silica (SiO2) in well water. Both of pollutants have been classified as carcinogenic compound. The ecological risk assessment of drinking water is an effective tool to evaluate drinking water quality to reduce further risk. Method: Fourteen well water samples were collected around the residential area near cement industrial activity and karst mining area. Estimating the ecological risk of well water which consumed daily evaluated based on Hazard Quotient (HQ) ratio. Results: The mean values of Cr(VI) and SiO2 in well water samples were 0.0017 mg/L and 12.94 mg/L, respectively. Drinking water in this area are unacceptable. HQ values for SiO2 at all stations are more than 1 (moderate level). Conclusions: Cr(VI) and SiO2 are discoverable within well water surrounding the research location. This finding is used as scientific data and references for ecological protection of drinking water in Maros. (AU)