Journal of Wetland Ecobiology
Abstract: (201 Views)
Rapid population growth, unplanned urban expansion, and industrial development have led to the introduction of chemical pollutants, especially heavy metals, into aquatic ecosystems. The present study was conducted in southeastern Iran during 2022–2023 to investigate exposure levels and assess the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of heavy metals present in groundwater. In this study, sampling locations were determined, water samples were collected, and chemical and statistical analyses were performed. In addition, the concentrations of heavy metals and the health risks associated with ingestion exposure were evaluated based on the equations provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Sampling and sample preparation were carried out according to Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, and heavy metal concentrations were measured using an ICP instrument.
The results showed that the average concentrations of most heavy metals in the groundwater of the region were below the permissible limits according to the Iranian national standard. However, chromium exceeded the guideline values at some stations, and arsenic, although below the Iranian national permissible limit, was close to or exceeded international guideline values in some samples. The mean hazard quotient for all investigated metals was less than one, indicating no likelihood of adverse non-carcinogenic effects in the studied population. The carcinogenic risk assessment also showed that the highest excess cancer risk was related to chromium; however, the carcinogenic risks of arsenic and chromium via the ingestion pathway were within the acceptable or tolerable range. Other elements posed only negligible carcinogenic risk.
Overall, the findings of this study indicate that although the general quality of the groundwater in the region is acceptable, monitoring, control, and removal of polluted water sources containing these elements should be prioritized in order to reduce adverse ecological and health effects.
The results showed that the average concentrations of most heavy metals in the groundwater of the region were below the permissible limits according to the Iranian national standard. However, chromium exceeded the guideline values at some stations, and arsenic, although below the Iranian national permissible limit, was close to or exceeded international guideline values in some samples. The mean hazard quotient for all investigated metals was less than one, indicating no likelihood of adverse non-carcinogenic effects in the studied population. The carcinogenic risk assessment also showed that the highest excess cancer risk was related to chromium; however, the carcinogenic risks of arsenic and chromium via the ingestion pathway were within the acceptable or tolerable range. Other elements posed only negligible carcinogenic risk.
Overall, the findings of this study indicate that although the general quality of the groundwater in the region is acceptable, monitoring, control, and removal of polluted water sources containing these elements should be prioritized in order to reduce adverse ecological and health effects.
Article number: 2
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