Appraisal of pollution levels and non-carcinogenic health risks associated with the emergence of heavy metals in Indonesian community water for sanitation, hygiene, and consumption

Abstract

Excessive heavy metal concentrations in water can pose a threat to human health. The research analyzed 160 groundwater samples used for hygiene and sanitation, of which 62 were used for consumption, and 98 other types of drinking water were analyzed. The research findings indicate that 6% of groundwater for hygiene and sanitation and 13% of drinking water (7.8% groundwater, 5.2% refill water) were deemed unfit for use due to elevated concentrations of certain heavy metals surpassing the maximum limits. As, Cd, Co, Hg, Mn, and Pb were detected in several drinking water samples deemed unsuitable for consumption. Several heavy metals suspected to originate from natural sources are Co, Fe, Mn, As, and Zn, while Pb, Cd, Hg, and Co are suspected to have anthropogenic sources. Only arsenic exposure through the ingestion pathway posed a non-carcinogenic health risk to the local population. Children were found to be more susceptible than adult males and females. The estimated average non-carcinogenic risk levels based on the water sources were refill water > well water > rainwater > spring water. Therefore, it is essential to monitor raw water sources at refill water depots in the study area and implement policies related to the quality of raw water sources, technology maintenance processes, and the quality of processed water from refill water depots. Additionally, the community should be educated about household-scale water treatment to minimize health risks and consider using untreated well water and rainwater for consumption.