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. (24th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hoaghia, Maria-Alexandra; Cadar, Oana; Hognogi, Gheorghe-Gavrila; Levei, Erika; Moisa, Corina; Roman, Cecilia
• Is Part Of: Analytical letters. Volume 52:Number 8(2019)
• Page Start: 1268
• Page End: 1281
• Publication Date: 2019-05-24
• Subjects: Drinking water quality index -- health risk assessment -- metals -- nitrogen compounds; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Abstracts; 543
• DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2018.1536136
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-2719

Abstract

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).