Human health risk assessment of trace elements in shallow groundwater of the Linhuan coal-mining district, Northern Anhui Province, China

Abstract

ABSTRACTEnrichment of trace elements in groundwater poses considerable risks to human health. The concentrations of seven trace elements (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) in 34 samples of shallow groundwater from the study area were estimated. We assessed the concentrations of the trace elements and health risks with statistical analysis and the US Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) model. The results showed that the mean concentrations of trace elements decreased as follows: Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr > Cu > Cd > Pb. Apart from Mn at one sampling point, the concentrations of all trace elements were below the guideline values of the World Health Organization for drinking water. Correlation and cluster analysis indicated that the trace elements fell into groups, with Ni and Cu in one group, and Mn, Zn, and Cd in another, which suggested that the trace elements grouped together had similar sources. The total non-carcinogenic risk values ranged from 8.52 × 10−4 to 1.27 × 10−1. The total carcinogenic risk caused by Cr and Cd averaged 1.62 × 10−6, which exceeded the acceptable level of 1 × 10−6 recommended by the USEPA. The carcinogenic risk of Cr accounted for 75.93% of Rtotal.