Non-carcinogenic Risk Assessment Research Articles

Concentration, spatial distribution, and non-carcinogenic risk assessment of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and lead in drinking water in rural areas of eight cities of West Azarbaijan province, Iran.

Exposure to heavy metals through drinking water can cause significant adverse health effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the concentration, spatial distribution, and assessment of non-carcinogenic risk attributed to exposure to arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in rural areas of eight cities of the West Azerbaijan province of Iran. Eighty-five water samples were taken from randomly selected drinking water wells in the rural areas, and the concentration of the heavy metals was measured by using standard methods. The concentration distribution maps were drawn, and the non-carcinogenic health risks for ingestion and dermal exposure pathways were calculated in four age groups (including infants, children, teenagers, and adults). According to the obtained results, arsenic is considered as the most worrying pollutant among the investigated heavy metals. The maximum measured concentration for arsenic was 371.9 μg/L, which is 37 times the maximum permissible limit. The results of the health risk assessment illustrate that exposure to heavy metals via dermal contact do not pose significant non-carcinogenic risks. However, the calculated non-carcinogenic risks for oral exposure to arsenic were very high and concerning. The highest hazard quotient for oral exposure to arsenic was related to rural of city G (82.64). It is recommended to take the necessary measures as soon as possible regarding the supply of safe drinking water in the studied areas.

Hydrogeochemical characterization and non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of fluoride and nitrate-affected groundwater in northern parts of Tumkur district, Karnataka, India

Groundwater contamination from geogenic and anthropogenic sources is a significant concern for the public health across the globe. In India, fluoride and nitrate contamination are the most prevalent contaminants in the groundwater. This study evaluated groundwater quality in four over-exploited sub-districts of Tumkur district in Karnataka by collecting 143 samples from post and pre-monsoon seasons and using different hydrogeochemical, statistical and bivariate graphical approaches. Comparison with Drinking Water Standard guidelines revealed elevated levels of fluoride, nitrate, and total dissolved solids (TDS), rendering the groundwater unsuitable for drinking. According to Chadha’s diagram, the predominant groundwater type is Na-Cl, and Gibbs diagram suggested the influence of rock dissolution and weathering. Bivariate plots indicated that hydrogeochemical characteristics were primarily influenced by silicate weathering of minerals, cation ion exchange processes, and anthropogenic factors. A non-carcinogenic health risk assessment was conducted using two different hazard index (HI) approaches from United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). It was found that health risk associated with fluoride is more significant than the health risk from nitrate, with children being the most affected, followed by adolescents and adults. A holistic approach to assess cumulative health risks from fluoride and nitrate contamination in groundwater, as demonstrated in this study, promotes the synergistic advancement of SDG 3: Good health and well-being and SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation.

Heavy metal geochemistry and toxicity assessment of water environment from Ib valley coalfield, India: Implications to contaminant source apportionment and human health risks

The present study aims to investigate the hydrogeochemical evolution of heavy metals and assesses impacts of mining activities on the groundwater resources and potential human health risks in the coal mining areas of Ib valley coalfield. In this perspective, a total of one hundred and two mine water and groundwater samples were collected from different locations. The water samples were analysed for some selected heavy metals i.e. Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, As, Se, Al, Sr, Ba, Cd, Cr, V and Fe using ICP-MS. In addition, pH and SO42− concentration were also measured following APHA procedure. The water pH in the Ib valley coalfields ranged from 3.26 to 8.18 for mine water and 5.23 to 8.52 for groundwater, indicating acidic to alkaline nature of water. Mn in mine water and Zn in groundwater environment were observed as the most dominant metals. The water hazard index (WHI) reflects that around 80% of mine water are non-toxic (WHI<5), 5% slightly toxic (5<WHI>10) and 15% extremely toxic (WHI>15). Relatively high pH and low concentration of dissolved metals and SO42− in groundwater as compared to mine water indicate lesser impact of mining activities. The calculated drinking water quality index (DWQI) suggests that Mn, Al, Ni and Fe in mine water and Mn, Fe, Ni and Pb in groundwater were the major objectionable metals which caused the water quality deterioration for drinking uses. Further, the non-carcinogenic health risk assessment for adult male, female and child populations identifies Co, Mn, Ni as the key elements making the water hazardous for human health. Comparatively higher ratio of ingestion rate and body weight in child population might be causing higher health risks in child population as compared to adult male and adult female population.

Assessment of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the population living in the area affected bythe pulp and cardboard mill

The article deals with the health of population living in the area affected by the pulp and cardboard mill. The aim is to assess non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the Selenginsk population caused by emissions from Selenginsk pulp and cardboard mill. The article examines the dynamics of average annual concentrations of pollutants in the air of the urban settlement. The results of calculations of inhalation risks are presented. The non-carcinogenic risk values exceeded the permissible values for all pollutants. Fine particles PM2,5 and ozone O3 exceeded the norms 22 and 15 times respectively for the period of five years. The calculation of the carcinogenic risk level showed that there are additional cases of neoplasms in the population caused by benz(a)pyrene in the air, and the carcinogenic risk level is unacceptable. Emergency health measures are required to reduce it.

Evaluation of essential and trace metals/metalloids distribution and probable human health risk implications from branded liquid and powder milks available in Dhaka City, Bangladesh.

The processed forms of milk, branded liquid, and power milk available in Dhaka city, the capital of Bangladesh, were investigated for essential and trace metal/metalloids regarding nutritional and human health risk aspects. For this, the potential nutritional contribution, estimated daily intake (EDI) and non-carcinogenic risk for six different life stages with male and female categories, as well as the carcinogenic risk for children and adults of both genders, were addressed. In total, 46 branded liquid and powder milk samples were considered for this analysis employing atomic absorption spectroscopy. The concentration of essential elements showed the trends of K > Ca > Na > Mg > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu and K > Ca > Na > Mg > Fe > Cu > Mn > Zn for liquid and powder milk samples, respectively, but the potentially hazardous one showed the same trends (Cr > Pb > Hg > As > Cd) for both items. Except for Cr, Hg, and Fe, the elemental compositions of both milk categories differed considerably (< 0.05). Compared to the threshold values for milk samples (liquid and powder), Fe (19% and 27%), Mn (100% and 63%), Cu (0% and 23%), Zn (94% and 0%), Pb (25% and 13%), and Cr (0% and 3%) showed above the permissible limits. The nutrient input was the highest for Ca (27.2% and 18.7%), followed by Mg, K, and Na. The EDI of studied elements was within the daily permissible limit in both the milk category (except age group (≤ 3) and the female category). The non-carcinogenic risk assessment showed that the age groups ≤ 3 for liquid milk and ≤ 3 and 3 < X ≤ 14 with female categories for powder milk exceeded the threshold level (> 1) in the case of Cr, Cd, As, Zn, and Mn. The probable carcinogenic risks indicated an unacceptable risk level (< 1.00E-04) for the ingestion of Cr through powder milk samples for children in male and female categories. Finally, it believes that green cow farming practices and green milk processing technology, as well as continuous monitoring of toxic metals, can limit the ultimate risk worldwide.

A GIS approach for groundwater quality evaluation with entropy method and fluoride exposure with health risk assessment.

This study used the entropy water quality index to analyse the suitability of groundwater for human consumption as well as the hazard index to identify the probable non-carcinogenic dangers among children, women, and men in Nawada, Bihar (India). A total of 75 groundwater samples were taken from hand pumps and tube/bore wells in the pre-monsoon of 2017, and they were evaluated for various physicochemical characteristics. The region's groundwater major cations and anions are dominated by Ca2+ > Mg2+ and [Formula: see text] > Cl- > [Formula: see text] > NO3- > F > [Formula: see text]. Fluoride, chloride, and hardness exceeded WHO and BIS safe standards. Calcium, sodium, magnesium, sulphate, and chloride showed positive correlations, indicating water-rock interactions and mineral leaching and dissolution. Ionic cross-plots reveal that the dissolution of carbonate minerals was the primary source of calcium and magnesium in the groundwater. Also, silicate weathering contributed to these ions in the groundwater. The entropy water quality index (EWQI) found that 79% of groundwater samples were drinkable, whereas 21% were not consumable. The eastern, western, and some southern study areas have the worst drinking water quality. The main source of fluoride toxicity in people is groundwater. For all sampling locations, the HQ fluoride was calculated to be in the ranges of 0.04-3.69 (male), 0.04-3.27 (female), and 0.05-4 (children), indicating a considerably greater risk than the permissible levels (> 1). The fluoride-based non-carcinogenic risks are 27%, 20%, and 21% for children, women, and men, respectively. Children have higher risks from polluted water than adults, according to the non-carcinogenic health risk assessment. This study establishes a standard for regional and global scientific studies that help decision-makers and planners determine the quality of groundwater and fluoride risk and management.

Occurrence of high production volume chemicals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban sites close to industrial areas. Human exposure and risk assessment

Evaluating the occurrence of high production volume chemicals (HPVCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the air is important because they carry a carcinogenic risk and can lead to respiratory or endocrine problems. Examples of HPVCs are organophosphate esters, benzosulfonamides, benzothiazoles, phthalate esters (PAEs), phenolic antioxidants and ultraviolet stabilizers. In this paper we develop a multi-residue method for determining HPVCs and PAHs in air samples via pressurized liquid extraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Air samples were collected by active sampling with high volume samplers using quartz fiber filter for the particulate matter (PM10) and polyurethane foams for gas phase. The compounds found at the highest concentrations were PAEs, with a concentration of up to 24 ng m−3 of DEHP in gas phase and up to 109 ng m−3 of DEHA in PM10. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment results ranged from 9.7E-05 to 9.5E-03 for most of the compounds studied. On the other hand, the results for carcinogenic risk showed that PAHs made the highest contribution.

New approach into human health risk assessment associated with heavy metals in surface water and groundwater using Monte Carlo Method

This study assessed the environmental and health risks associated with heavy metals in the water resources of Egypt's northwestern desert. The current approaches included the Spearman correlation matrix, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis to identify pollution sources and quality-controlling factors. Various indices (HPI, MI, HQ, HI, and CR) were applied to evaluate environmental and human health risks. Additionally, the Monte Carlo method was employed for probabilistic carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment via oral and dermal exposure routes in adults and children. Notably, all water resources exhibited high pollution risks with HPI and MI values exceeding permissible limits (HPI > 100 and MI > 6), respectively. Furthermore, HI oral values indicated significant non-carcinogenic risks to both adults and children, while dermal contact posed a high risk to 19.4% of samples for adults and 77.6% of samples for children (HI > 1). Most water samples exhibited CR values exceeding 1 × 10–4 for Cd, Cr, and Pb, suggesting vulnerability to carcinogenic effects in both age groups. Monte Carlo simulations reinforced these findings, indicating a significant carcinogenic impact on children and adults. Consequently, comprehensive water treatment measures are urgently needed to mitigate carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks in Siwa Oasis.

Strategy to evaluate the impact of formaldehyde in anatomical pathology laboratory – part i

Formaldehyde (FA) is a chemical compound commonly used in anatomical pathology laboratories as a tissue preservative, and it is common and epidemiologically related to cancer. Therefore, the personnel resident in the anatomical pathology laboratories is among the workers most exposed to FA and its related cancer and non-cancerogenic risk. Thus, risk assessment, cancerogenic and non-cancerogenic, and a careful occupational exposure assessment are recommended. In this study, FA was monitored in an Italian anatomical pathology laboratory to perform an occupational exposure assessment, according to the UNI EN 689:219, and to determine the Hazard Quotient (HQ) and the Lifetime Cancer Hazard Risk (LCHR) for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment, respectively. The exposure observed for pathologists and technicians is lower than the EU Occupational exposure limit mandatory (0.62 mg/m3), and both group of workers are in Compliance with it. Nevertheless, concerning the risk assessment, both the HQs and the LCHRs resulted in being higher (1.3 and 1.6 HQ and 3.2x10-5 and 3.9x10-5, for pathologists and technicians, respectively) than the ones observed in similar scenarios. This study shows how the exposure assessment to FA could face striving situations in terms of workers' health safeguard, due to the differences among occupational limits recommended and the high health risks, especially in the healthcare field.

Posterior assessment of airborne non-carcinogenic health risk of the population of a large industrial center

Introduction. This article suggests an alternative solution to the task of quantifying and describing health harm under exposure to non-carcinogenic risk factors.&#x0D; Materials and methods. We have developed and tested a methodical approach that includes five subsequent steps; it is eligible for posterior quantification of non-carcinogenic health risks represented by additional diseases cases associated with poor ambient air quality. The approach relies on unified and validated methods for assessing exposure and health risks, mathematical parameterization of cause-effect relations within the "environment – public health" system, and calculation of additional incidence as well as combined assessment of all the obtained results.&#x0D; Results. According to calculated data, which were also verified by instrumental observations of ambient air quality, the existing hygienic standards are violated as per 27 chemicals in residential areas. Elevated hazard quotients are identified for 26 chemicals (up to 98.7HQac; up to 62.7HQch). Additive effects of the analyzed chemicals crated elevated hazard indices (HI) in residential areas that could be ranked as "alerting" (3&lt;HI≤6) and "high" (HI&gt;6) for respiratory organs, the cardiovascular and hematopoietic systems, liver, kidneys, eyes, development, the immune, reproductive, endocrine, and other systems. The identified levels of airborne exposure annually cause approximately 80.9 thousand additional diseases among the total population (71.0‰; 4.15% of the total incidence); &#x0D; 23 chemicals are considered priority risk factors (contributions vary between 0.25 and 65.0%). We have identified certain regularity for some disease classes: higher levels of additional incidence associated with ambient air quality are established in zones with higher airborne health risks. Thus, in zones where airborne risks for respiratory organs are HIch≤1, we identified no additional incidence as per such diseases; in zones with 1&lt;HIch≤3 (with population being 800 people), additional incidence reaches 1.57‰ for the total population; 3&lt;HIch≤6 (more than 100 thousand people), 3.25‰; HIch&gt;6 (more than 1.09 million people), 5.0‰.&#x0D; Limitations. The suggested approaches have been obtained by calculation. Their results might differ from those obtained by targeted in-depth investigations aimed at creating an evidence base of health harm under adverse environmental conditions that do not conform to hygienic standards. The parameters of mathematical models within "the environment – public health" system have been obtained for a limited range of exposure to pollutants in ambient air and a limited list of airborne health risk factors.&#x0D; Conclusion. The suggested methodical approaches to posterior assessment of non-carcinogenic health risks allows quantifying these health risks as additional diseases associated with poor quality of the environment; they enlarge the results of health risk assessment and make them more precise, validate and support them with hygienic significance. They can be utilized within optimization of social and hygienic monitoring and assessment of effectiveness of implemented prevention activities.

Evaluating groundwater quality using health risk assessment and irrigation indexes: Saveh Aquifer, Iran

Abstract The aim of the study was to assess water quality in the Saveh aquifer for drinking, public health, and agricultural uses. The heavy metal pollution index (HPI), hazard index (HI) using non-carcinogenic health risk assessment, sodium percentage, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), irrigation water quality index (IWQI), and a Piper diagram were used. The HPI exceeded 3,300, much higher than the WHO critical value, which is 100. The aquifer is severely contaminated with heavy metals and unsuitable for drinking. The heavy metal concentrations also caused the water to have cumulative HI &amp;gt; 1 in 54 and 77% of sampling wells, respectively, for adults and children. For agriculture, both %NA and IWQI were stricter than SAR. Most of the aquifer was deemed suitable for irrigation using SAR, while %Na showed most parts unreliable, and IWQI represented almost all areas unsuitable for irrigation. The Piper diagram showed that the dominant water type was N–Cl, followed by Na–HCO3 and Ca–HCO3, indicating high aquifer salinity. Generally, the Saveh aquifer is saline and heavily polluted with heavy metals, so its use for drinking and/or irrigation carries many risks.

Evaluating hydrogeochemical controls and noncarcinogenic health risk assessment of fluoride concentration in groundwater of Palacode and Pennagaram taluk, Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu, India.

This study focuses on assessing hydrochemical characteristics and non-carcinogenic health risks associated with fluoride contamination in groundwater within the Palacode and Pennagaram taluks of Dharmapuri district. The presence of fluoride in drinking water is a significant concern due to its potential health impacts on both adults and children. We collected a total of 158 groundwater samples during both the summer (SUM) and monsoon (MON) seasons in 2021 to evaluate the suitability of water for drinking purposes in this region. During the SUM season, groundwater exhibits alkaline characteristics with a pH range of 6.70 to 8.73 and a mean value of 7.43, while the MON season falls within the neutral pH range with values ranging from 6.60 to 7.60 and a mean of 7.00. Hydrogeochemical analysis reveals that fluoride concentrations during the SUM season range from 0.13 to 2.7 mg/L, with a mean of 0.82 mg/L, whereas the MON season exhibits concentrations ranging from 0.08 to 1.6 mg/L, with a mean of 0.5 mg/L. Spatial distribution analysis indicates a gradual increase in fluoride concentrations from the northeast to the central and southern parts of the study area during both seasons. Residents in these areas have been exposed to high fluoride levels for an extended period, leading to health issues related to fluorosis. Our hydrogeochemical analysis attributes fluoride dominance to the Cl--SO42- water type in both seasons. Furthermore, the relationship between fluoride and pH, HCO3-, Ca2+, and Na+ suggests the influence of geological factors in fluoride dissolution under alkaline conditions, while a reverse cation exchange process and increasing calcium concentration inhibit fluoride concentration. Saturation indices indicate that the unsaturated state of gypsum dissolution contributes to elevated fluoride levels in groundwater. Additionally, Gibbs plots highlight rock-water interactions as a significant factor influencing groundwater chemistry in the study area. Based on our hazard quotient (HQ) investigation, children are at a higher risk during both seasons compared to adults, with the central and northern regions showing alarming HQ values. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced groundwater quality monitoring and a comprehensive assessment of health risks, providing valuable insights for groundwater safety management in vulnerable areas of this region.

Soil Contamination by Metals/Metalloids around an Industrial Region and Associated Human Health Risk Assessment

Industrial, agricultural, transportation, and waste management activities cause soil contamination by metals/metalloids. Soil contamination is an essential global concern since it poses a significant risk to human health. Particularly in areas near heavy industry, people are more prone to exposure. This study aims to determine current metal/metalloid contamination levels in soil from Aliağa industrial region and assess associated health risks. Five surface soil samples were collected from the region, representing residential, agricultural areas, and downwind of possible sources. Pollution indices were calculated to determine the metal(loid)s with anthropogenic inputs, and a human health risk assessment was conducted. As a result, significant to extreme enrichment of arsenic (As), moderate to significant enrichment of zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn), and very high enrichment of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were observed in soil samples. Possible sources of contamination were iron and steel facilities with electric arc furnaces and oil combustion. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment revealed acceptable risks of exposure to Aliağa soils, while exposure scenarios had a great impact on estimated risks. Arsenic, chromium (Cr), and Pb appeared to be significant contributors to non-carcinogenic risk. Carcinogenic risks associated with exposure to As, Pb, Cr, cobalt (Co), and Cd in soils were evaluated to be at an acceptable level. This study only considered soil exposure pathways; hence, a comprehensive risk assessment is deemed necessary not to underestimate the risk of living around an industrial region. Nevertheless, the study provided crucial information for the current hot spots for metal(loid)s in the region and human exposure level.

Prediction of human health risk and disability-adjusted life years induced by heavy metals exposure through drinking water in Fars Province, Iran

Exposure to heavy metals in contaminated drinking water is strongly correlated with various cancers, highlighting the burden of disease. This study aimed to assess the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with exposure to heavy metals (As, Pb, Cd, and Cr) in drinking water of Fars province and evaluate the attributed burden of disease. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment was performed using the hazard quotient (HQ) method, while the carcinogenic risk assessment utilized the excess lifetime cancer risk approach. The burden of disease was evaluated in terms of years of life lost, years lived with disability, and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) for three specific cancers: skin, lung, and kidney cancer. The average drinking water concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) were determined to be 0.72, 0.4, 1.10 and 0.72 μg/L, respectively. The total average HQ of heavy metals in drinking water in the study area were 0.127, 0.0047, 0.0009 and 0.0069, respectively. The average ILCRs of heavy metal in the entire country were in the following order: 1.15 × 10−5 for As, 2.22 × 10−7 for Cd and 3.41 × 10−7 for Cr. The results also indicated that among the various counties analyzed, Fasa experiences the greatest burden of disease in terms of DALYs, with a value of 87.56, specifically attributed to cancers caused by exposure to arsenic. Generally, it can be said that the burden of disease is a critical aspect of public health that requires comprehensive understanding and effective intervention.

Non-carcinogenic human risk assessment of the consumption of infant formulas contaminated with total and organic mercury

The quality of food is paramount for the healthy growth and development of children, with nutrients and contaminants like mercury playing significant roles here. In this study, the levels of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in infant formulas such as the first infant formula, hypoallergenic formula, comfort formula against colic and constipation, and anti-reflux formula were investigated. A validated and optimized cold atomic absorption spectrometry method of direct thermal decomposition with gold amalgamation was used. Analysis revealed notable variations in THg and MeHg levels among products. Basic infant formulas were characterized by the highest average and median THg values (6.14 µg/kg, and 3.27 µg/kg, respectively), while hypoallergenic preparations showed the lowest THg content (1.069 µg/kg on average and 0.922 µg/kg for the median). Methylmercury levels were the lowest in preparations meant to treat constipation and colic, whereas anti-reflux formulas were characterized by the highest mean and median values. Based on the evaluation of the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake realization for THg, and MeHg, it was determined that the mercury content in infant formulas was within acceptable consumption limits. However, the target hazard quotient, and the total hazard index revealed elevated mercury levels in certain products, potentially posing health risks.

Biomonitoring and Biomathematical Modeling of Health Risks Associated with Dumpsite Grown Vegetables in Lagos State.

Conversion of dumpsites to farm lands in several communities is a usual practice in Nigeria. Wastes accumulate heavy metals in a variety of forms. This study assessed the concentration, degrees of contamination, and attendant health risk of heavy metals (HMs), using two major indigenous vegetables (Amaranthus viridis and Talinum triangulare) grown on five major dumpsites in Lagos state. After wet digestion, the mean concentrations of the HMs in the vegetable samples were evaluated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Daily intake of metals (DIM), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) biomathematics were employed in the assessment of non-carcinogenic health risk. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) assessment was used to assess carcinogenicity. The obtained result shows that the concentrations of HMs fell within the following ranges: (0.37 to 0.59), (0.07 to 1.36), (0.30 to 1.92), (0.00 to 0.03), and (0.00 to 0.04) mg/kg; for zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr), respectively, with low to moderate variability. At Ikorodu dumping site, the Pb concentration was above the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible range and has the highest contamination factor. DIM for Pb was also above threshold values (> 1) in both adults and children, while the THQ values for Fe, Pb, and Cd were above 1 (> 1) in both adults and children. HI values for the vegetables exceeded WHO normal range (> 1), except Abule-Egba dumps' samples (70% HI greater than 1 in adults and 90% HI greater than 1 in children). Additionally, the ILCR values of above 50% of the samples were above the WHO (10-6) limits, with the highest value in children (Cd, 1.064 × 10-3) indicating high risk of carcinogenicity over a life time of exposure. Thus, the results revealed great health risk from consumption of vegetables from the four major dumping sites, with children being at greater risk.

Groundwater hydrogeochemistry and non-carcinogenic health risk assessment in major river basins of Punjab, India.

The Indian Punjab state is drained by the four rivers, along with a well-connected network of canals, and is now dealing with a slew of water quality issues and problems. In this study, basin-wise hydrogeochemical modelling of 323 groundwater samples and identification of NO3- and F- enrichment pathways in aquifer systems of Punjab were studied using different plots and multivariate statistics. To evaluate the groundwater quality and human health risks, an entropy-based water quality index and Monte Carlo simulation were used, respectively. Spatial distribution of NO3- indicated that its very high values were prominent in parts of southwestern Punjab falling under LSRB, along with few pockets in eastern and northeastern Punjab falling under MSRB and GRB. High NO3- values (> 45.0mg/L) were found in 15.0% of Ravi River Basin (RRB) groundwater samples, 22.86% of Beas River Basin (BRB), 23.52% of Middle Sutlej River Basin (MSRB), 36.9% of Lower Sutlej River Basin (LSRB), and 21.31% of Ghaggar River Basin (GRB). The spatial distribution of NO3- revealed elevated concentrations (> 100mg/L) in the southwestern part of Punjab, particularly in LSRB and localized pockets in the eastern and northeastern areas of Punjab within MSRB and GRB. High F- concentration (> 1.5mg/L) was observed in 15.12% and 21.31% groundwater samples of LSRB and GRB, respectively. Spatially southern parts falling under LSRB and GRB reflected high F- content (> 1.5mg/L) in groundwater. In LSRB, evaporative and anthropogenic processes influence the groundwater quality. The results of interionic relationships and statistical analysis revealed that NO3- has anthropogenic origin and that is being aggravated by leaching,the evaporation processes, animal excreta, septic tanks and irrigation return flows in LSRB and GRB, while F- is geogenic in nature. Hazard index (HI) values in 14.63%, 22.2%, 24.6%, 49.58%, and 34.42% samples for adults and 21.95%, 27.7%, 42.0%, 72.3%, and 52.46% samples for children were higher than unity in RRB, BRB, MSRB, LSRB, and GRB, respectively. The basin-wise demarcation of various groundwater quality parameter and assessment of human health risk would be of significance for the management of water resources.

Assessing heavy metal levels in pediatric enteral nutrition formulas available in the Turkish market: Implications for consumer health.

In this study, we assessed the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and inorganic arsenic (iAs) in 27 pediatric enteral nutrition (EN) formulas from five international brands available in the Turkish market. Analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessment was performed using hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), carcinogenic risk (CR), Toxicological contribution % of Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) models. Our objective was to evaluate heavy metal exposure in EN formulas, specifically focusing on Cd, Pb, iAs, and Hg levels according to recommended amounts for different age groups based on their energy requirements. Average concentrations of iAs in polymeric (PC), oligomeric (OC), and monomeric (MC) EN formulas were as follows: PC: 2.13±0.16 (<LOD-13.86) μg/kg, OC: 4.29±0.10 (0.38-11.98) μg/kg, MC: 8.62±0.19 (1.60-27.20) μg/kg. For Cd levels, average concentrations in PC, OC, and MC formulas were: PC: 0.57±0.03 (<LOD-3.09) μg/kg, OC: 1.31±0.07 (0.40-3.12) μg/kg, MC: 0.93±0.07 (0.07-2.33) μg/kg. Similarly, average concentrations of Hg in PC, OC, and MC formulas were: PC: 0.13±0.01 (<LOD-0.14) μg/kg, OC: 0.18±0.01 (<LOD-0.18) μg/kg, MC: 0.20±0.02 (<LOD-0.34) μg/kg. Lastly, average concentrations of Pb in PC, OC, and MC formulas were: PC: 2.32±0.06 (1.52-2.96) μg/kg, OC: 0.97±0.06 (0.37-2.26) μg/kg, MC: 2.58±0.08 (1.95-3.28) μg/kg. The exposure levels of Cd, Pb, iAs, and Hg calculated in this study did not exceed the PTWI threshold values established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Average HQ values for each heavy metal exposure in males and females were below 1. However, P95 values for iAs exceeded 1.00 in all age groups. The HI value was greater than 1.00 in all age groups and genders. The presence of heavy metals in EN formulas may pose health risks, particularly for sensitive individuals.

Estimating human health risks associated with heavy metal exposure from bottled water using Monte Carlo simulation

Water is the most important non-organic compound for living cells, and the life of all living organisms depends on it. Water is not found purely in nature, but it always contains some solutes, suspended matters and soluble gases. In this study, 11 bottled water brands (500 mL) were sampled across the Kashan city market to determine the concentration of selected heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni and As) and evaluated their potential risks following consumption. The concentration range of Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni and As were 5–34 μg/L, 1.5–7 μg/L, 1–7 μg/L, 2–29 μg/L, <LOD – 3.5 μg/L, respectively. The heavy metals (HMs) concentration in this study was compared with other national and international studies on bottled water and other drinking water sources. Additionally, the results of non-carcinogenic health risk assessments using point estimations and Monte Carlo Simulations (MCS) showed that the concentration of HMs in none of the samples pose adverse health effects. However, it was found that drinking the studied bottled water may potentially lead to carcinogenicity over the lifetime. Lack of including spring water and larger-sized (1.5 L) bottled water samples, though less consumed than the samples of this study and lack of study on children's exposure level can be mentioned as potential limitations.

Arsenic and fluoride exposure in drinking water caused human health risk in coastal groundwater aquifers

Groundwater (GW) is a precious resource for human beings as we depend on it as a source of fresh drinking water, agricultural practices, industrial and domestic uses, etc. Extreme exposure of arsenic (As) and fluoride (F-) concentrations along the coastal GW aquifers of “South 24 Parganas and East Medinipur” diluted the quality of GW and created serious health issues. Various chronic health disorders such as – black foot disease, fluorosis skin cancer, cardiac problems, and other water borne diseases have been noticed in these two coastal districts. The comprehensive entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI) and health risk assessment (HRA) were applied to evaluate the quality of GW and probable health risks in the coastal districts. Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity analysis methods were simultaneously adopted to identify the non-carcinogenic health risk assessment due to regular ingestion of contaminated GW. As the study region is densely populated and part of the Sundarbans Ramsar site, it has greater importance at the international level along with regional importance to address the GWQ of this region. The major findings of the present study highlight that almost 55% of the study area is confronting serious GW quality issues and associated probable health risk (HR) due to the intense accumulation of As and F- in the GW aquifers of the study area. Children's health is more vulnerable due to the consumption of As containing GW, and adults are highly affected due to the intake of F- bearing GW in the coastal districts. The findings of the current study will draw the attention of hydrologists, groundwater management authorities, government bodies, and NGOs to regulate and monitor the GW aquifers routinely, enhance GW quality, minimizing the health hazards and sustainable water management in a more scientific and sustainable way which must be advantageous for coastal people.