Features of the Formation of Strontium Pollution of Drinking Groundwater and Associated Health Risks in the North-West of Russia

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine the natural factors that contribute to maintaining the standard quality of fresh drinking groundwater in areas with high strontium content. Hazard index values for the consumption of water containing strontium were also calculated to assess the overall non-carcinogenic health risk from combined ingestion and dermal exposure. The results showed that the groundwater with strontium concentrations exceeding the maximum permissible concentrations had an increased correlation of strontium concentrations with total dissolved solids and celestite and gypsum saturation indices. A decrease in calcium content was recorded with a simultaneous increase in the concentration of magnesium and strontium. Reducing conditions in the aquifer were also favorable for the conservation of these waters. In waters of standard quality, all these factors did not appear, which indicates their formation in sediments with discretely located small inclusions of celestite and gypsum. These waters were characterized by a calcium bicarbonate composition, low total dissolved solids (TDS), and oxidizing conditions. Elevated radiocarbon contents indicate their relatively young age. In general, it was found that children in the study area are most vulnerable to risks. Fifty percent of wells supply drinking water that is unsafe for consumption. The water from about a third of the wells studied is dangerous for adults.