Source Apportionment and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Karst Water from Abandoned Mines in Zhangqiu, China

Abstract

This study investigated the hydrochemical characteristics and human health risks of groundwater in a pollution accident site. By collecting 27 samples, the content of the heavy metal(oid)s (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) was tested, statistical analysis of heavy metal ion concentration was conducted, and the Nemerow comprehensive contamination index was determined. The health risk assessment was conducted based on the test results, and correlation analysis, as well as principal component analysis, were used to resolve the possible sources of heavy metal contamination. The results showed that the total hardness and total dissolved solids were significantly higher, and the potassium permanganate index and ammonia nitrogen content were higher in some samples. The heavy metal content was higher than the Class III groundwater quality standard (GB/T14848-2017). The health risk assessment showed that the total health risks posed by the eight heavy metal(oid)s in the study area through drinking water and dermal contact exceeded the maximum acceptable level. In general, the health risk is slightly higher for adults than for children. The groundwater in the abandoned mines has unsafe levels of heavy metal(oid)s for human health, but the normal drinking water remains safe for surrounding residents. Carcinogenic heavy metal(oid)s are the main source of health risks in the region, and the impact of Cr on human health requires further attention.