Carcinogenic and Non-carcinogenic Human Health Risk from Exposure to Heavy Metals in Surface Water of Padma River

Abstract

Background and Objective: Surface water of Bangladeshi is now in a great concern through the contamination with heavy metals. Therefore, characterization of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk due to the use of this water is a demand of time. This study aimed to determine levels of heavy metals in surface water of Padma river (Northwestern Bangladesh) and to estimate human health risk associated with the use of water from this River via. ingestion and dermal exposure. Materials and Methods: 4 study sites in Padma river were selected for sampling during 3 study seasons (summer, monsoon and winter). The concentration of heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Ni, Cd, As, Cu and Zn) of the water samples were determined by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Results: The mean concentration of metals investigated during the study period was Cr (0.038 mg LG1), Pb (0.009 mg LG1), Ni (0.004 mg LG1), Cd (0.005 mg LG1), As (0.003 mg LG1), Cu (0.012 mg LG1) and Zn (0.030 mg LG1). The Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) for both the child and the adult via. ingestion and dermal contact were less than one except for the child, whereas HI value via. ingestion was greater than one indicating an unacceptable risk of non-carcinogenic effects on health. Carcinogenic Risk (CR) due to use of water of Padma river ranged between 4.63×10G7 (Pb) to 1.75×10G4 (Cd) and 4.96×10G7 (Pb) to 1.87×10G4 (Cd) for the child and the adult, respectively. The cumulative cancer risk for both the child and the adult indicates medium-high risk for the studied metals according to the Delphi method. Conclusion: The health risk assessment of the heavy metals content in Padma river indicating minor adverse health risk effects but suggests caring about the risk status and to its remediation process.