Abstract
ABSTRACT The coastal environment of Tamoios District (Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil) has been extensively modified by anthropogenic interference. Activities such as agriculture, livestock, and domestic wastewater discharge, expose groundwater to several toxic chemical elements. Some of these elements may accumulate and affect the potability of the water, making it unsafe for human consumption. Thus, hydrochemical characterisation of Tamoios groundwater was carried out with a variety of methods of representation (Piper Diagram, Hierarchical Clustering Analysis, Spearman’s correlation matrix, and groundwater suitability assessment), comparing six water quality standards and applying Nemerow Pollution Index (NPI). Human health risk assessment of eleven metals (Ba, Co, Cu, Cr, Sr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Zn, Al and V) and two anions (NO3 − and F−) was calculated by the Hazard Index, a tool developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to establish the potential health risk via chemical exposure in drinking water for adult and child population. Results showed that the concentration of Mn, NO3 −, Al and Cr were above the water quality standards for human ingestion. NPI classification defined 20% of the samples as slightly polluted and 40% as severely polluted. The spatial distribution of NPI values demonstrated that the samples neighbouring the coastline did not show excessive levels of heavy metals, NO3 − and F−. For both child and adult population, concentration of Co and NO3 − represented a risk to health. In addition, Cr and F− also represented heath risks to child population, the most vulnerable residents. Health risk for heavy metals and anions showed different spatial distribution trends. Poor quality groundwater and simultaneous exposure to different chemical compounds represented a health risk for both child and adult population in the study area.
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