Non-carcinogenic risk assessment of exposure to heavy metals in underground water resources in Saraven, Iran: Spatial distribution, monte-carlo simulation, sensitive analysis

Groundwater aquifers are considered the second most abundant water supply for drinking water all over the world. In Iran, ground waters are commonly employed for drinking water, irrigation, and industrial purposes. Heavy metals (HMs) pose human concerns about the groundwater contamination; these pollutants are recognized to be capable of bio-accumulation, long persistence in the natural environment, and toxic effects. In the present research, the content of HMs: Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd), and Lead (Pb) were detected in 89 water samples collected in 2018 by underground water supplies (active wells) of Saravan city. Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Monte Carlo Simulation approach with 10,000 repetitions were applied to discover the human non carcinogenic impacts of HMs in four groups of ages (adults, teenagers, children, and infants) of consumers. The concentrations of Cr, Pb, and Cd were in the range of 0.49-20, 0.1 to 58.34, and 0.11-12.8 mu g/L, respectively. The mean HQ calculated due to exposure to Pb (0.0018-0.0023), Cr (0.0112-0.0186), and Cd (0.0370-0.0615) were lower than one. The findings of sensitivity analysis revealed that HMs concentration had the most contribution effect on human non-carcinogenic risk analysis in four different exposed populations. This study could assist researchers to perform more comprehensive studies with more samples. Therefore, further research is required for decision-makers to plan proper measurements properly.

Automated summary

Groundwater aquifers are a significant source of drinking water, but potential contamination by heavy metals like Chromium, Cadmium, and Lead poses health risks that require further research. While concentrations were found within acceptable limits, sensitivity analysis revealed the need for continued monitoring, especially among different age groups of consumers.