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E-Journal Article: Evaluation and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in the Groundwater Resources of Saqqez, Iran

Abstract

Groundwater is the main water resource in rural areas throughout the world. The present study aimed to measure nine heavy metals (arsenic, chromium, cobalt, iron, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc) in rural areas of Saqqez, Iran. Water samples were collected from 150 sampling stations (wells, springs, and tanks). The heavy metal concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma and the spatial distribution of the heavy metal concentrations was mapped. Risk assessment was performed using average daily dose and hazard quotient. The mean concentration of heavy metals in drinking water from different sources were found in order of iron > zinc > chromium > molybdenum > nickel > cobalt > arsenic > mercury > manganese. The concentrations of arsenic, iron, and molybdenum were, however, higher than World Health Organization and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards in a few of the samples. Moreover, the statistical analysis revealed that there are no significant variations between well, spring, and tank sources (p < .05). In addition, no significant difference was observed between water quality with different geographical directions and slopes (p < .05). The mean human health risk values for mercury in well and tank water sources were above 1, indicating potential risk.

  • Evaluation and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals Supplemental Tables (PDF)

Authors

  • Shadi Kohzadi, Environmental Health Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences
  • Behzad Shahmoradi, Environmental Health Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences
  • Daem Raushani, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences
  • Asad Nouri, Environmental Health Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences
Volume#: 80.6
Page #: E1-E9
Publication Month: January/February 2018

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