Multi-contamination groundwater risk assessment based on integrated OSPRC framework considering receptor and consequence components

Abstract

This study evaluates the risks associated with geogenic and anthropogenic contaminants in the Azarshahr aquifer situated in the Lake Urmia watershed in NW Iran, an area critically affected by both natural mineral deposits and intensive agricultural activities. This region, characterized by its significant geological diversity and extensive use of pesticides and fertilizers, presents a unique opportunity to study the interaction between natural and human-induced groundwater contamination. Employing the Origin-Source-Pathway-Receptors-Consequence (OSPRC) framework, the research focuses on the linkage between these contaminants and waterborne diseases, particularly examining the less-studied “Receptor” and “Consequence” components using the Groundwater Quality Index (GQI) and health risk indices. Our approach integrates vulnerability assessments through the DRASTIC and SPECTR methods, enhanced by Sugeno fuzzy logic, to produce a detailed risk map highlighting two critical zones: Risk Cell 1, impacted predominantly by agricultural contaminants including nitrate and chlorpyrifos, and Risk Cell 2, affected by geogenic contaminants such as arsenic, lead, nickel, and chromium. This comprehensive analysis not only maps out the source and migration pathways of these contaminants but also evaluates their impact on human health. The findings underscore a strong correlation between identified risks and health impacts, emphasizing the pressing need for targeted health interventions and improved management of water resources in the region. By advancing the application of the OSPRC framework, this research fills a vital gap in our understanding of aquifer contamination dynamics and sets a new standard for future groundwater risk assessments.