Quality and Human Health Risk Assessment of Metals and Nitrogen Compounds in Drinking Water from an Urban Area Near a Former Non-Ferrous Ore Smelter

Abstract

The quality and potential health risk of drinking waters in Medias, a town near a former non-ferrous ore smelter in Romania, was assessed using the drinking water quality index (DWQI), hazard quotient (HQ) and total hazard quotient (THQ). A total of 29 water samples collected from 26 wells and 3 springs used as drinking water sources, located in near proximity to agricultural, industrial or household contamination sources, were characterized. The obtained results indicated high NO2−, NO3−, Cd and Mn levels that exceeded the corresponding maximum allowable concentrations. According to the DWQI values, only 10% of water sources have acceptable quality, while 21% are threatened, and 69% have poor- quality. The health risk assessment suggested a high risk for NO3− for more than 72% of the drinking waters HQNO3− > 1.0 but no risk for metals and NO2− (HQmetals< 1.0; HQNO2−< 1.0).