Appraisal of heavy metals exposure risks via water pathway by using a combination pollution indices approaches, and the associated potential health hazards on population, Red Sea State, Sudan

Abstract

Evaluation the quality of water resources it helps to promoting a new strategies for water resources management. This paper aimed to evaluate the potential health hazards from the present of nine heavy metals in the water resources of Red Sea State, Sudan. The samples were analyzed at Sudanese Standard and Metrology Organization laboratories, Red Sea branch which is certified to ISO\\ IEC: 17025: 2005. The study's results were as follows, firstly, the heavy metal evaluation index showed there is fourteen sites in a high pollution range with mean value 47.6. Secondly, the target hazard quotient index of non-carcinogenic showed a critical pollutant values higher than 1 for lead, Chromium, and Cadmium for adults exposure, while the Hazard Index indicated a values higher than the acceptable limit. Thirdly, Chronic daily intake index showed average carcinogenic risk 0.00489 for children, and 0.00305 for adults, and the highest and lowest values of lead was found in sites (11, and 13) respectively, in contrast, the target carcinogenic risk for Cr, Cd, and Pb were estimated, and all the sites were considered as unacceptable. In addition, the spatial distribution of risks assessment pointed out that, most parts of study area have a critical pollution values, and a potential hazard on population health. In conclusion the assessment results showed that, exposure of the heavy metals risks through the intake water pathway may pose a threat to population well-being, and the most vulnerable groups to these risks are the children so they need special care. Consequently, strict administrative measures should be taken to protect and sustainable the drinking water sources.